| 1. |
|
|
| 2. |
- Najm, A, et al.
(författare)
-
Strategies for the assessment of competences during rheumatology training across Europe: results of a qualitative study
- 2020
-
Ingår i: RMD open. - : BMJ. - 2056-5933. ; 6:2
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To gain insight into current methods and practices for the assessment of competences during rheumatology training, and to explore the underlying priorities and rationales for competence assessment.MethodsWe used a qualitative approach through online focus groups (FGs) of rheumatology trainers and trainees, separately. The study included five countries—Denmark, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom. A summary of current practices of assessment of competences was developed, modified and validated by the FGs based on an independent response to a questionnaire. A prioritising method (9 Diamond technique) was then used to identify and justify key assessment priorities.ResultsOverall, 26 participants (12 trainers, 14 trainees) participated in nine online FGs (2 per country, Slovenia 1 joint), totalling 12 hours of online discussion. Strong nationally (the Netherlands, UK) or institutionally (Spain, Slovenia, Denmark) standardised approaches were described. Most groups identified providing frequent formative feedback to trainees for developmental purposes as the highest priority. Most discussions identified a need for improvement, particularly in developing streamlined approaches to portfolios that remain close to clinical practice, protecting time for quality observation and feedback, and adopting systematic approaches to incorporating teamwork and professionalism into assessment systems.ConclusionThis paper presents a clearer picture of the current practice on the assessment of competences in rheumatology in five European countries and the underlying rationale of trainers’ and trainees’ priorities. This work will inform EULAR Points-to-Consider for the assessment of competences in rheumatology training across Europe.
|
|
| 3. |
- Abba, Alia Besma, et al.
(författare)
-
Copper and Zinc Removal from Wastewater Using Alum Sludge Recovered from Water Treatment Plant
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 14:16
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The study aimed to determine Aluminum sludge composition and structure for its valorisation as an alternative natural material for heavy metals removal from wastewater for further reuse as treated water in different applications. The study was conducted to investigate the introduction of Al-bearing sludge composition. The physical and chemical properties were examined using X-ray diffraction tests (XRD), scanning electron microscope tests (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared tests (FTIR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller tests (BET). Furthermore, the heavy metal concentrations of synthetic wastewater were measured using the spectrophotometry method. The experimental procedure is based on testing different pH limits and amounts of aluminum sludge to find the optimum conditions for copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) removal. The results demonstrated a high removal efficiency where its value reached up to 97.4% and 96.6% for Zn and Cu, respectively, in an acidic medium (pH = 6) using a relatively high amount of sludge (1400 mg). Nevertheless, a low efficiency was obtained in the strongly acidic medium (pH = 4) and a smaller sludge amount of about 480 mg.
|
|
| 4. |
- Al-Henhena, Nawal, et al.
(författare)
-
Chemopreventive Efficacy of Andrographis paniculata on Azoxymethane-Induced Aberrant Colon Crypt Foci In Vivo
- 2014
-
Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 9:11
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Andrographis paniculata is a grass-shaped medicinal herb, traditionally used in Southeast Asia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemoprotective effects of A. paniculata on colorectal cancer. A. paniculata ethanol extract was tested on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in vivo and in vitro. A. paniculata treated groups showed a significant reduction in the number of ACF of the treated rats. Microscopically, ACF showed remarkably elongated and stratified cells, and depletion of the submucosal glands of AOM group compared to the treated groups. Histologically, staining showed slightly elevated masses above the surrounding mucosa with oval or slit-like orifices. Immunohistochemically, expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and beta-catenin protein were down-regulated in the A. paniculata treated groups compared to the AOM group. When colon tissue was homogenized, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly decreased, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased in the treated groups compared to the AOM group. A. paniculata ethanol extract showed antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, as elucidated by the measure of oxidative stress markers. Further, the active fractions were assessed against cell lines of CCD841 and HT29 colon cancer cells.
|
|
| 5. |
- Kadri, Abdelaziz, et al.
(författare)
-
Assessment of Groundwater Suitability for Agricultural Purposes: A Case Study of South Oued Righ Region, Algeria
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 14
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Groundwater in the Touggourt region—or as its named, Oued Righ—in southeastern Algeria, is the only source of irrigation. To assess its suitability for agricultural purposes, we collected 72 samples from wells at this region, physical and chemical measurements were carried out for each water sample, and calculations of the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), permeability index (PI), soluble sodium percent (SSP), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), magnesium hazard ratio (MHR) and Kelley’s ratio (KR) were carried out, as these indices are often used to assess the suitability of groundwater for irrigation uses. Based on the irrigation water quality index (IWQI) values, a spatial distribution map for each parameter using the inverse interpolation technique (IDW) was produced by Geographical Information System (GIS). According to the IWQI map, about 35% of the water samples analyzed fall into the Severe Restriction category (SR), making it unsuitable for irrigation under normal circumstance. Again, the remaining 65% of the groundwater has a high restriction (HR) for use. Groundwater in the study area could be used for irrigation in highly permeable soils where salt-tolerant crops are grown. Adequate drainage and continuous monitoring of water quality are recommended.
|
|
| 6. |
- Mansouri, Zina, et al.
(författare)
-
Hydro-Geochemistry and Groundwater Quality Assessment of Ouargla Basin, South of Algeria
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Water. - : MDPI. - 2073-4441. ; 14:15
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aims to evaluate the hydro-chemical characteristics of Ouargla, Algeria basin groundwaters harvested from the Mio Pliocene aquifer. The study covered 70 samples; the physical parameters, potential of hydrogen (pH), and electrical conductivity EC μS.cm−1 were determined in situ, using a multiparameter; the laboratory analysis included dry residuals DR (mg/L), calcium Ca2+ (mg/L), magnesium Mg2+ (mg/L), sodium Na+ (mg/L), potassium K+ (mg/L), bicarbonates HCO3− (mg/L), sulfates SO42− (mg/L), and chloride Cl− (mg/L). The piper diagram shows that the Ouargla basin ground waters divided into two facies, sodic chlorinated in 93% and sodic sulphated in 7% of samples. The United States Salinity Laboratory Staff (USSL) diagram was used to detect the suitability of groundwater in irrigation where the results show that the groundwater was classed into two classes, poor water (C4 S4) and bad water (C4 S4). Furthermore, indices such as the Kelly index (KI), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium solubility percentage (Na%), and magnesium hazards (MH) confirm the negative effect of groundwater on soil permeability in 96%, 80%, 89%, and 53% of samples. The permeability index (PI) shows that the analyzed samples were considered as doubtful (71%) and safe (29%), otherwise there is no risk related to residual sodium carbonate (RSC). The geo-spatial distribution of deferent indices shows that all the study area has poor groundwater for irrigation, except the south-west part, where the groundwaters of this sub-area do not form a problem related to RSC.
|
|
| 7. |
- Najm, Svetlana, et al.
(författare)
-
Effects of a lipid emulsion containing fish oil on polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles, growth and morbidities in extremely premature infants: A randomized controlled trial
- 2017
-
Ingår i: Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. - : Elsevier BV. - 2405-4577. ; 20, s. 17-23
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- © 2017 The Authors Background & aims The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of the parenteral emulsion SMOFlipid ® , with 15% fish oil, with Clinoleic ® on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other morbidities and growth, and to compare their impact on longitudinal serum levels of fatty acids. Retinopathy of prematurity, other morbidity and growth were correlated with each parenteral lipid supplement. Methods Ninety infants born at gestational age < 28 weeks were randomized to treatment with SMOFlipid ® or Clinoleic ® . Two thirds (66%) of the infants received parenteral nutrition for up to 14 days birth (median 8, range 2–14 days), and additional 25% of the infants received for up to 28 days after birth (median 21, range 15–28 days). Cord blood samples and then venous blood samples were obtained at ages 1, 7, 14, and 28 days and at postmenstrual age (PMA) 32, 36, and 40 weeks. Breastmilk was collected at postnatal day 7, and at PMA 32 and 40 weeks. Serum phospholipid and breastmilk total fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Treatment groups were compared with regard to ROP, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus sepsis and growth between birth and 36 weeks. Results Infants on SMOFlipid ® had higher fractions of omega-3 LCPUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and slightly higher omega-3 LCPUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fraction and a decreased arachidonic acid (AA) to DHA ratio from one week after birth up to 32 postmenstrual weeks compared to infants on Clinoleic ® . Treatment groups did not differ in morbidities or growth. Conclusion Supplementation with SMOFlipid ® containing 15% fish oil during parenteral nutrition increased EPA substantially, DHA marginally, reduced AA and decreased AA to DHA ratio. It did not reduce morbidity or affect growth. Since extremely preterm infants accumulate a large deficit of DHA and AA, studies on more prolonged or different levels of DHA and AA supplementation are warranted.
|
|
| 8. |
- Sulaiman, Sadeq Oleiwi, et al.
(författare)
-
Evaluate the Optimal Future Demand of Water Consumption in Al-Anbar Province in the West of Iraq
- 2021
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning. - : International Information and Engineering Technology Association. - 1743-7601 .- 1743-761X. ; 16:3, s. 457-462
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Water is an essential source of sustaining life and used in generating electricity, agriculture, industry, and the daily domestic uses. This study was prepared to determine the water consumption of Anbar Province in the west of Iraq according to agricultural, industrial, and domestic demand. In addition, the study is evaluating the expected future water consumption by demand sites within study area. The results showed the domestic water demand will increases by 32% from 267.30 million m3 /year in 2021 to 352.70 million m3 per year in 2035, with a deficit of 24.5% in the year 2035. Furthermore, the study had appeared the agricultural demand was 1404.38 million m3 /year according to the limited cultivated area, which equals 42.93% from the total available area of 221,250 hectares. The agricultural demand increases to 2611 million m3 /year when uses all available area, and this cause occurs deficit in water demand reach to 1591 and 1715 million m3 /year in the years 2030 and 2035 respectively. In contrast, the study referred to necessary apply other irrigation methods as drip and sprinkler irrigation, which has high irrigation efficiency. In addition, using lined channels and pipes to transport water to reduce losses by leaching and evaporation. © 2021 WITPress. All rights reserved.
|
|
