The Effect of Jordanian Herbs on Gut Microflora, and Immunity of Broiler Chickens

The study aimed to examine and compare the influence of adding synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), with two herbal medical plants (Oregano germander) on broiler gut microflora, and its immunity. One hundred and forty broilers were raised for three weeks and were distributed into five treatment groups. The prepared dietary treatments were included (w/w):1). Control (without supplement) 2). Germander (GER; inclusion level 1.5 %) 3). Oregano (ORE; inclusion level 2.5 %) 4). Combination of GER and ORE (CM; inclusion levels 1.5 and 2.5 %, respectively)5). BHA (0.02 %). The highest total number of ileal lactobacilli counts was found in broilers fed CM dietary treatment. On the other hand, their disgust samples (i.e. in CM) showed the lowest total count of Escherichia coli compared to other treatments. Among different dietary treatments, CM treatment showed the best positive effect on broiler immune system response, where it showed the highest Bursa Fabricius relative weight, and IgG values. Overall, the results showed that such dietary treatment (i.e. Combination of GER and ORE)positively enhanced gut microflora, and bird's immunity response

Kinetics of Tannin Reduction in Soaked and Unsoaked Velvet Beans Treated by Microwave Treatment

The effect of microwave treatment on the kinetics of tannin reduction in black and white colored velvet bean (soaked and unsoaked) was evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine the association level and the kinetics of tannin reduction in velvet beans after being treated with microwave treatment in order to find the appropriate time treatment useful for poultry health. Tannin content reduction rate was nicely fitted by linear regression analysis with association value (r) ranging from 0.96-0.98. Linear regression analysis suggests a zero-ordered kinetics which means that the decline rate of tannins after exposure to microwave treatment is independent of the initial tannin concentration.  In both colored velvet bean (black and white), the tannin reduction rate of unsoaked seeds was lower than that of soaked seeds. According to literature findings regarding the positive role of tannins level in poultry, it can be concluded from this study that the exposure of velvet bean to microwave treatment for more than 12 minutes may eliminate the positive effect of tannin on poultry

Evaluating Carbon Footprint in the Life Cycle Design of Residential Concrete Structures in Jordan

The construction industry is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, and there is a growing global interest in reducing the environmental impact of carbon dioxide emissions associated with building construction and operation. Concrete, the most commonly used material in construction, is known to release a substantial amount of environmentally harmful waste throughout its life cycle, including production, construction, operation, and demolition. The worldwide production and consumption of concrete contribute to approximately 5% of all human-related CO2 emissions each year. To assess the carbon footprint of concrete manufacturing and its application in construction projects, a comprehensive approach called life cycle assessment (LCA) is necessary. This paper presents a new process-based LCA approach to analyze carbon emissions and evaluate the carbon footprint of concrete from raw material extraction to the end-of-life stage. To address carbon emissions throughout the life cycle of concrete structures in the Middle East, the study adopts a case study approach, focusing on selected concrete structures in Jordan. The findings from these case studies highlight that the operational phase of concrete structures is the primary contributor to carbon emissions. By thoroughly examining the carbon cycle within structures and their interactions with the surrounding ecosystem, significant reductions in CO2 emissions, environmental deterioration, and its consequences can be achieved. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-07-07 Full Text: PD

Research of static and dynamic characteristics of a process system ‘electric drive-fluid-handling machine-pipeline’

The paper offers the obtained quantitative assessment of the performance and energy parameters of a process system composed of an asynchronous motor, a fluid-handling machine and a pipeline when using two methods of performance control, in particular, throttling and speed control methods. Taking into account nonlinearity of mathematical representation of fluid-handling machines and asynchronous drive motors, the starting conditions were analysed using nonlinear differential calculus. The calculations for the models were performed using the MATLAB software package. Transient profiles of flow and head, stator current, angular frequency and torque of an asynchronous motor were obtained at pump startup and control of pump capacity. It has been found that the developed mathematical model of a process system composed of an asynchronous motor, a fluid-handling machine and a pipeline allows obtaining quantitative estimation of the performance and energy parameters of the unit when using two methods of the pump capacity control. The use of frequency method allows to decrease the pump rotation speed and significantly reduce the power consumed by the unit and provide energy-saving mode of operation, the economic efficiency of which depends on the range of feed control

Design and performance analysis of a long-stroke electromagnetic double-reel hammer

This paper comprehensively investigates the performance characteristics of a long-stroke electromagnetic double-reel hammer compared to a conventional hammer. Quantitative analysis indicates that the long-stroke hammer shows a significant increase in striker speed and impact energy. The impact energy has increased by 255%, and energy losses in copper windings have decreased by 124% per operating cycle. Additionally, the long-stroke hammer demonstrates a 105% reduction in energy consumption and a 52% improvement in overall efficiency per cycle compared to the conventional hammer. This study examines the operational characteristics of the long-stroke hammer throughout its cycle using field theory methods, MATLAB simulations, and experimental tests. Results indicate higher impact energy and speed, lower energy losses in copper windings, and higher efficiency per cycle for the long-stroke hammer. Furthermore, a mathematical model of the long-stroke hammer is developed, incorporating static parameters and oscillograms of striker movement and current flow. A comprehensive comparison of the performance indicators of both hammers reveals significant improvements in lifting height, cycle duration, impact frequency, and striker speed for the long-stroke hammer. Overall, these findings suggest that the long-stroke operating mode can significantly enhance the efficiency and performance of conventional hammers while simultaneously reducing impact frequency and machine heating

The impact of using phase-shift transformers on transmission lines

Phase shift transformers (PST) are a special type of transformers used to regulate active and reactive power on 3-phase transmission networks by adjusting the difference of voltage phase angle between system nodes. Problems related to power flow and stability, particularly voltage stability issues, are important at the extra high voltage (EHV) and ultra high voltage (UHV) levels due to their extreme sensitivity to active and reactive power changes. Several studies investigated these problems using three-phase systems. Accordingly, this research aims to demonstrate the impact of using PST with single and double transmission lines and to compare its performance under various operational modes

Inclusion Complexes of Sunscreen Agents with β

The inclusion complexes of selected sunscreen agents, namely, oxybenzone (Oxy), octocrylene (Oct), and ethylhexyl-methoxycinnamate (Cin) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), 13C NMR techniques, and molecular mechanics (MM) calculations and modeling. Molecular modeling (MM) study of the entire process of the formation of 1 : 1 stoichiometry sunscreen agent/β-cyclodextrin structures has been used to contribute to the understanding and rationalization of the experimental results. Molecular mechanics calculations, together with 13C NMR measurements, for the complex with β-CD have been used to describe details of the structural, energetic, and dynamic features of host-guest complex. Accurate structures of CD inclusion complexes have been derived from molecular mechanics (MM) calculations and modeling. The photodegradation reaction of the sunscreen agents' molecules in lotion was explored using UV-Vis spectroscopy. It has been demonstrated that the photostability of these selected sunscreen agents has been enhanced upon forming inclusion complexes with β-CD in lotion. The results of this study demonstrate that β-CD can be utilized as photostabilizer additive for enhancing the photostability of the selected sunscreen agents' molecules

Referral Physicians’ Knowledge of Radiation Dose: A Cross-sectional Study

AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of referring physicians of general practitioners, residents, and medical specialists in Jordan and the Middle East on radiation dose and its impact on vulnerable patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Institutional Review Board approved this study before data collection. A cross-sectional study employed questionnaire that was distributed to respondents (n = 293) of general practitioners, residents, specialists, and therapists. The questionnaire consisted of 29 questions. Nine questions concerned with demographics and the remaining 20 questions were divided into five sections: Radiation dose, ionizing radiation, pediatric radiation, pregnant women radiation, and radiation risks. The mean score was computed out of 20. Chi-squared test of independence was utilized to analyze each question. To compare the responses between the demographic variables groups, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were used. RESULTS: Out of the 293 respondents, 128 (43.7%) were aware of radiation. The average score of the questionnaire was 9.5 out of 20 (47.5%). Within each section, the level of knowledge varied. Physicians had the highest level of knowledge in radiation risk (85.7%) followed by ionizing radiation (62.1%). The questionnaire revealed lower levels of knowledge in the areas of pediatric radiation, pregnant women radiation, and radiation dose. The percentages of respondents, (with fair to good level of knowledge), were 47.1%, 34.5%, and 24.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study were consistent with previous studies that demonstrated a poor level of general knowledge in referring physicians regarding radiation dose, ionizing radiation, pediatric radiation, pregnant women radiation, and radiation risks