The Other Mathematical Bridge

This paper contextualises, describes and discusses a student project which takes a particular exploratory approach to using mathematical surface definition as a language and vehicle for co-rational design co-authorship for architecture and engineering. The project has two authors, one from an architectural and one from an engineering educational background. It investigates the metaphorical and operational role of mathematics in the design process and outcomes.     

Wavelet approximation-based affine invariant shape representation functions

In this paper, new wavelet-based affine invariant functions for shape representation are presented. Unlike the previous representation functions, only the approximation coefficients are used to obtain the proposed functions. One of the derived functions is computed by applying a single wavelet transform; the other function is calculated by applying two different wavelet transforms with two different wavelet families. One drawback of the previously derived detail-based invariant representation functions is that they are sensitive to noise at the finer scale levels, which limits the number of scale levels that can be used. The experimental results in this paper demonstrate that the proposed functions are more stable and less sensitive to noise than the detail-based functions.     

Impacts of Global Climate Change Scenarios on Water Supply and Demand in Jordan

Abstract

The potential impact of global climate change is one of the least addressed factors in water resources planning in developing countries. The potential impacts of climate change are examined for Jordan, where a methodology is presented for improved management of water demand under the uncertainties associated with climate change. A temperature/precipitation sensitivity model is constructed and combined with water demand forecasts to project deficits for the year 2020. Deficit reducing options are then evaluated in terms of social and economic viability. The study concludes that only some of the deficits may be alleviated, illustrating the significance of considering climate change in planning for countries that already experience water imbalances.     

Green Synthesis of Silymarin–Chitosan Nanoparticles as a New Nano Formulation with Enhanced Anti-Fibrotic Effects against Liver Fibrosis

Background: Silymarin (SIL) has long been utilized to treat a variety of liver illnesses, but due to its poor water solubility and low membrane permeability, it has a low oral bioavailability, limiting its therapeutic potential. Aim: Design and evaluate hepatic-targeted delivery of safe biocompatible formulated SIL-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SCNPs) to enhance SIL’s anti-fibrotic effectiveness in rats with CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. Methods: The SCNPs and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared by ionotropic gelation technique and are characterized by physicochemical parameters such as particle size, morphology, zeta potential, and in vitro release studies. The therapeutic efficacy of successfully formulated SCNPs and CNPs were subjected to in vivo evaluation studies. Rats were daily administered SIL, SCNPs, and CNPs orally for 30 days. Results: The in vivo study revealed that the synthesized SCNPs demonstrated a significant antifibrotic therapeutic action against CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats when compared to treated groups of SIL and CNPs. SCNP-treated rats had a healthy body weight, with normal values for liver weight and liver index, as well as significant improvements in liver functions, inflammatory indicators, antioxidant pathway activation, and lipid peroxidation reduction. The antifibrotic activities of SCNPs were mediated by suppressing the expression of the main fibrosis mediators TGFβR1, COL3A1, and TGFβR2 by boosting the hepatic expression of protective miRNAs; miR-22, miR-29c, and miR-219a, respectively. The anti-fibrotic effects of SCNPs were supported by histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) study. Conclusions: According to the above results, SCNPs might be the best suitable carrier to target liver cells in the treatment of liver fibrosis.     

The investigation of electrodeposited Cu2O/ITO layers by chronocoulometry process: effect of electrical potential

The thin films of Cu₂O are deposited by electrodeposition technique onto indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrate at different potentials. The precursor is an aqueous solution which contains respectively 0.05 M of CuSO₄ and citric acid at kept temperature of 60℃ and the applied potential varies within the {-0.4 V,-0.7 V} SCE range. Based on the chronocoulometry (CC) process, the electrochemical, structural and optical parameters are determined. We measured the current as function of potential within the {-0.4 V,-0.7 V} range and the higher current is found to be within the {-0.7 V,-0.3 V} band. The grain sizes are of 12.12 nm and 35.47 nm according to (110) and (221) orientations respectively. The high textural coefficient of 0.943 is recorded for the potential-0.7 V. The transmittance of 72.25 %, within the visible band, is obtained for the as-grown layer at-0.4 V and the band gap is found to be 2.2 eV for the electrodeposition potential of-0.7 V.     

Comparison of alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator) high‐dose vs. low‐dose protocol in restoring hemodialysis catheter function: The ALTE‐DOSE study

Hemodialysis catheter (HDC) dysfunction due to thrombosis is common, and dysfunction incidence can reach up to 50% within 1 year of use. Although administration of intraluminal alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) is the standard of practice to pharmacologically restore HDC function, there are no evidence‐based guidelines concerning the optimal tPA dose. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 1.0‐mg vs. 2.0‐mg tPA dwell protocols in restoring the HDC function in thrombotic dysfunctional catheters. A retrospective, single‐center study was conducted on two independent cohorts of patients; the first (n = 129) received 2.0 mg tPA/catheter lumen, while the second (n = 108) received 1.0 mg tPA/catheter lumen. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to compare the catheter survival time between patients who received 1.0 mg tPA and those who received 2.0 mg tPA. Catheter removal occurred in 25 (19.4%) of those catheters treated with 1.0 mg tPA compared with 11 (10.2%) of catheters treated with 2.0 mg tPA (P = 0.05). The hazard ratio (HR) for catheter removal was 2.75 (95% confidence interval [^95%CI] = 1.25–6.04) for the 1.0‐mg tPA cohort compared with the 2.0‐mg tPA cohort. Correction added on 3 December 2012, after first online publication: The tPA cohort values were changed. Female gender (HR = 2.51; ^95%CI = 1.20–5.27) and age (HR = 0.96; ^95%CI = 0.94–0.98) were also associated with catheter survival. Our findings suggest that treatment of dysfunctional HDC with 2.0‐mg tPA dwells is superior to 1.0‐mg tPA dwells.     

Matrix generation within a macroporous non-degradable implant for osteochondral defects is not enhanced with partial enzymatic digestion of the surrounding tissue: evaluation in an in vivo rabbit model

Articular cartilage defects are a significant source of pain, have limited ability to heal, and can lead to the development of osteoarthritis. However, a surgical solution is not available. To tackle this clinical problem, non-degradable implants capable of carrying mechanical load immediately after implantation and for the duration of implantation, while integrating with the host tissue, may be viable option. But integration between articular cartilage and non-degradable implants is not well studied. Our objective was to assess the in vivo performance of a novel macroporous, nondegradable, polyvinyl alcohol construct. We hypothesized that matrix generation within the implant would be enhanced with partial digestion of the edges of articular cartilage. Our hypothesis was tested by randomizing an osteochondral defect created in the trochlea of 14 New Zealand white rabbits to treatment with: (i) collagenase or (ii) saline, prior to insertion of the implant. At 1 and 3-month post-operatively, the gross morphology and histologic appearance of the implants and the surrounding tissue were assessed. At 3 months, the mechanical properties of the implant were also quantified. Overall, the hydrogel implants performed favorably; at all time-points and in all groups the implants remained well fixed, did not cause inflammation or synovitis, and did not cause extensive damage to the opposing articular cartilage. Regardless of treatment with saline or collagenase, at 1 month post-operatively implants from both groups had a contiguous interface with adjacent cartilage and were populated with chondrocyte-like cells. At 3 months fibrous encapsulation of all implants was evident, there was no difference between area of aggrecan staining in the collagenase versus saline groups, and implant modulus was similar in both groups; leading us to reject our hypothesis. In summary, a porous PVA osteochondral implant remained well fixed in a short term in vivo osteochondral defect model; however, matrix generation within the implant was not enhanced with partial digestion of adjacent articular cartilage.     

Alkali Gelatinization of Flours

Flours from 12 different species of grain, pod seed, and tuber plants were gelatinized with aqueous sodium hydroxide at room temperature. Changes in physical appearances and viscosity patterns were noted over a 7-day quiescent period in graded-strength alkali solutions in sealed jars. The alkali strength, 0.07–0.85-N , was sufficient to peptize proteins and hemicelluloses. Color development was strong and rapid and several flours evolved notable amounts of ammonia and perhaps amines. No two flours produced the same viscosity development patterns as time progressed. From the observed visual and viscosity changes, it was apparent that alkali gelatinization of the flours generally was complete within several hours at levels of 2.82-3.52 meq NaOH/g flour. Some discussion centers on differences between flours, between some species of flours and the starches obtained from those species, and the possible role of other flour constituents on the gelatinization behavior.     

3D seismic and formation micro-imager (FMI) integrated study to delineate depositional pattern of Abu Madi (Upper Miocene) clastic reservoir rocks in El-Wastani gas field,onshore Nile Delta,Egypt

Ten wells (EW-4, EW-5, EW-6, EW-7, EW-8, EW-9, EW-10, EW-12, EW-13 and EW-15) were interpreted using the composite well logs, data of core analysis, gamma-ray logs, formation micro-imager logs (FMI), and 3D seismic data in SEGY format to understand the stratigraphy of the onshore, Nile Delta, Egypt.The amplitude analysis of 3-D seismic horizon slice of Lower Abu Madi rock unit together with the lithostratigraphic correlation through the study area depending on the gamma-ray log “HSGR” (left to right increasing), and the identification of type of bed geometry, nature of bed contacts, type of the sedimentary structures and the dominant formative paleocurrents by using some available borehole micro-resistivity images (FMI) and core photos. All of these techniques are used together to define the different depositional facies and depositional environment of the Messinian clastics (Lower Abu Madi rock unit), which is considered to be the main reservoir in the El-Wastani gas field, onshore Nile Delta, Egypt.The present study of depositional pattern of the Upper Miocene clastics reservoir (Lower Abu Madi rock unit) revealed that it is represented by high sinuous meandering channels or paleo-valley and three types of fluvial facies were defined; channel fill, channel margin, and floodplain basin.