The use of SMA wire dampers to enhance the seismic performance of two historical Islamic minarets

Adel El-Attar,Ahmed Saleh,Islam El-Habbal,Abdel Hamid Zaghw,Ashraf Osman 국제구조공학회 2008 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.4 No.2

This paper represents the final results of a research program sponsored by the European Commission through project WIND-CHIME (Wide Range Non-INtrusive Devices toward Conservation of HIstorical Monuments in the MEditerranean Area), in which the possibility of using advanced seismic protection technologies to preserve historical monuments in the Mediterranean area is investigated. In the current research, the dynamic characteristics of two outstanding Mamluk-Style minarets, which similar minarets were reported to experience extensive damage during Dahshur 1992 earthquake, are investigated. The first minaret is the Qusun minaret (1337 A.D, 736 Hijri Date (H.D)) located in El-Suyuti cemetery on the southern side of the Salah El-Din citadel. The minaret is currently separated from the surrounding building and is directly resting on the ground (no vaults underneath). The total height of the minaret is 40.28 meters with a base rectangular shaft of about 5.42 × 5.20 m. The second minaret is the southern minaret of Al-Sultaniya (1340 A.D, 739 H.D). It is located about 30.0 meters from Qusun minaret, and it is now standing alone but it seems that it used to be attached to a huge unidentified structure. The style of the minaret and its size attribute it to the first half of the fourteenth century. The minaret total height is 36.69 meters and has a 4.48 × 4.48 m rectangular base. Field investigations were conducted to obtain: (a) geometrical description of the minarets, (b) material properties of the minarets’ stones, and (c) soil conditions at the minarets’ location. Ambient vibration tests were performed to determine the modal parameters of the minarets such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. A 1/16th scale model of Qusun minaret was constructed at Cairo University Concrete Research Laboratory and tested under free vibration with and without SMA wire dampers. The contribution of SMA wire dampers to the structural damping coefficient was evaluated under different vertical loads and vibration amplitudes. Experimental results were used along with the field investigation data to develop a realistic 3-D finite element model that can be used for seismic risk evaluation of the minarets. Examining the updated finite element models under different seismic excitations indicated the vulnerability of such structures to earthquakes with medium to high a/v ratio. The use of SMA wire dampers was found feasible for reducing the seismic risk for this type of structures.

INVESTIGATING A MODERATED MEDIATION MODEL OF THE IMPACT OF PERSONALIZED MESSAGE APPEAL AND PRIVACY THREAT EXTENT ON CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

Adel Hadjiesmaeili,Narongsak Thongpapanl,Abdul Ashraf,Magnus Hultman 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2023 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2023 No.07

The hospitality industry is widely using customer data to develop successful personalized marketing communication. However, in the event of information leakage, personalized advertising may escalate customers’ privacy distress. Building on Conservation of Resources theory, this study proposes three dimensions for privacy threats that impact the relationship between personalized hospitality advertising and consumer responses. Findings from six experiments across high and low involvement hospitality products demonstrate diverging effects of personalized advertising depending on the type of privacy threat communicated. Results further indicate that customers’ psychological comfort mediates the relationship between high-personalized advertising and the customer response to the advertising when privacy threat is high. Additionally, when the perceived severity and distance of the announced privacy threat are high and low respectively, rational appeals generate higher levels of psychological comfort, while the same happens for emotional appeals when the perceived scope of the threat is high. The study concludes with value-adding theoretical and managerial implications for the hospitality industry.

Analysis of insects colonised on human corpses during autopsy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Mashaly Ashraf,Al‐Khalifa Mohammed,Al‐Qahtni Abdulmani,Alshehri Adel 한국곤충학회 2020 Entomological Research Vol.50 No.7

In medicolegal cases, an analysis of the presence of insects on human bodies may have potential legal significance. This study investigates the presence of insects on human bodies during autopsies in legal medicine. It was implemented in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Nine cadavers were examined, respectively, from four cases of homicide, two cases of burning, one suicide, one accident and one case of neglect. Insects associated with the human corpses were carefully collected and identified using valid taxonomic keys. Three of the cadavers were of children with ages ranging from seven months to nine years. In seven cases decomposition had occurred outdoors while in two cases it was indoors. Overall, eleven different species of insects were identified. Six of the cases exhibited species from five families within Diptera (Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Ulidiidae, Tachinidae and Sarcophagidae), specifically Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Musca domestica (Linnaeus), Tachinidae sp. (Bigot), Physiphora alceae (Preyssler) and Sarcophaga dux (Thompson). Six of the cadavers hosted beetles, which were identified as Dermestes maculatus(DeGeer), D. frischii (Kugelann), Necrobia rufipes (Fabricius), Nitidula bipunctata (Linnaeus), Pimelia interjecta (Solier) and Latridiidae sp. (Erichson). Moreover, the suicide corpse was colonised by more fly species than the other corpses, while the beetles colonised the homicide and accident corpses more than the other corpses. Analysis of the diversity of insects on human corpses may lead to advances in the understanding of forensic entomology and more sophisticated estimates of the minimum post-mortem interval.

Transarterial Embolization of Intracranial Arteriovenous Fistulas with Large Venous Pouches in the Form of Venous Outlet Ectasia and Large Venous Varix or Aneurysm : Two Centers Experience

Mohamed Adel Deniwar,Saima Ahmad,Ashraf Ezz Eldin 대한신경외과학회 2022 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.65 No.1

Objective : There are different types of cerebral vascular malformations. Pial arteriovenous fistulas (PAVFs) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are two entities; they consist of one or more arterial connections to a single venous outlet without a true intervening nidus. The high turbulent flow of PAVFs and aggressive DAVFs with cortical venous reflux can result in venous outflow varix and aneurysmal dilatation. They pose a significant challenge to transvenous embolization (TVE), stereotactic radiosurgery, and surgical treatment. We aim to share our centers’ experience with the transarterial embolization (TAE) for arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with large venous pouches and to report the outcome. Methods : The authors’ two institutions’ databases were retrospectively reviewed from February 2017 to February 2021. All patients with intracranial high flow PAVFs and aggressive DAVFs with venous outlet ectasia and large venous varix and were treated by TAE were included. Results : Fifteen patients harboring 11 DAVFs and four PAVFs met our inclusion criteria. All patients underwent TAE in 17 sessions. Complete angiographic obliteration was achieved after 14 sessions in 12 patients (80%). Four patients (25%) had residual after one TAE session. Technical failure was documented in one patient (6.7%). Fourteen patients (93.3%) had favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin score 0–2). Conclusions : TAE for high flow or aggressive intracranial AVFs is a safe and considerable treatment option, especially for those associated with large venous pouches that are challenging and relatively high-risk for TVE.

Encapsulation of Low Metronidazole Dose in Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) Nanoparticles Improves Giardia intestinalis Treatment

Madbouly Neveen Adel,Nashee Hayam,Elgendy Ashraf Ahmed,Rabee Ibraheem,El Amir Azza 대한감염학회 2020 Infection and Chemotherapy Vol.52 No.4

Background: The present study was designed to investigate the antigiardial efficacy of low metronidazole dose loaded-D.L-lactide-co-glycolide (LMD-PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) and to compare it with the standard high dose of metronidazole either free (HMD) or loaded on PLGA (HMD-PLGA). Materials and Methods: PLGA NPs were prepared by single emulsification method, metronidazole (MTZ) was loaded in low and high doses. The nanoparticles were evaluated in vivo for mice model. The Giardia intestinalis infected mice were treated by LMD and HMD either free or PLGA NPs loaded, the parasitic load and ployclonal antigiardial serum antibodies (IgG and IgA) were recorded. Histopathological studies on intestinal and liver sections were applied. Results: MTZ-PLGA NPs was successfully prepared with 81.68% encapsulation efficiency and with an average particle size of approximately 228.00 ± 43.19 nm and -32.28 ± 0.07 mV Zeta potential. Experimentally, it was observed that Giardia intestinalis infected animals administered with LMD-PLGA had completely eliminated cyst shedding and trophozoite count compared with Giardia-infected mice. Further, it was found that animals belonging to LMD-PLGA group had significantly reduced levels of antigiardial IgA (0.99 ± 0.05) antibodies in serum compared with Giardia-infected. Histopathologyically, also animals belonging to LMD-PLGA treated group had intact mucosal epithelium lining, and normal villi with no detection of G. intestinalis trophozoites. In addition to the less toxic effect on the liver tissue compared to free HMD, HMD-PLGA and infected-untreated groups using Ishak grading system. Conclusion: Our study showed that PLGA nanoparticles could be atrial delivery systems for antigiardial drugs to improve their therapeutic efficacy and minimize their side effects that results from frequent dosing.

The use of SMA wire dampers to enhance the seismic performance of two historical Islamic minarets

El-Attar, Adel,Saleh, Ahmed,El-Habbal, Islam,Zaghw, Abdel Hamid,Osman, Ashraf Techno-Press 2008 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.4 No.2

This paper represents the final results of a research program sponsored by the European Commission through project WIND-CHIME ($\underline{W}$ide Range Non-$\underline{IN}$trusive $\underline{D}$evices toward $\underline{C}$onservation of $\underline{HI}$storical Monuments in the $\underline{ME}$diterranean Area), in which the possibility of using advanced seismic protection technologies to preserve historical monuments in the Mediterranean area is investigated. In the current research, the dynamic characteristics of two outstanding Mamluk-Style minarets, which similar minarets were reported to experience extensive damage during Dahshur 1992 earthquake, are investigated. The first minaret is the Qusun minaret (1337 A.D, 736 Hijri Date (H.D)) located in El-Suyuti cemetery on the southern side of the Salah El-Din citadel. The minaret is currently separated from the surrounding building and is directly resting on the ground (no vaults underneath). The total height of the minaret is 40.28 meters with a base rectangular shaft of about 5.42 ${\times}$ 5.20 m. The second minaret is the southern minaret of Al-Sultaniya (1340 A.D, 739 H.D). It is located about 30.0 meters from Qusun minaret, and it is now standing alone but it seems that it used to be attached to a huge unidentified structure. The style of the minaret and its size attribute it to the first half of the fourteenth century. The minaret total height is 36.69 meters and has a 4.48 ${\times}$ 4.48 m rectangular base. Field investigations were conducted to obtain: (a) geometrical description of the minarets, (b) material properties of the minarets' stones, and (c) soil conditions at the minarets' location. Ambient vibration tests were performed to determine the modal parameters of the minarets such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. A $1/16^{th}$ scale model of Qusun minaret was constructed at Cairo University Concrete Research Laboratory and tested under free vibration with and without SMA wire dampers. The contribution of SMA wire dampers to the structural damping coefficient was evaluated under different vertical loads and vibration amplitudes. Experimental results were used along with the field investigation data to develop a realistic 3-D finite element model that can be used for seismic risk evaluation of the minarets. Examining the updated finite element models under different seismic excitations indicated the vulnerability of such structures to earthquakes with medium to high a/v ratio. The use of SMA wire dampers was found feasible for reducing the seismic risk for this type of structures.

Burden of Early Life Obesity and Its Relationship with Protein Intake in Infancy: The Middle East Expert Consensus

Frank Jochum,Mohamed Abdellatif,Ashraf Adel,Ahmed Alhammadi,Abdulrahman Alnemri,Eman Alohali,Khaled AlSarraf,Khoula Al-Said,Mahmoud Elzalabany,Hasan M. A. Isa,Sridhar Kalyanasundaram,Naguib Abdel Rehe 대한소아소화기영양학회 2022 Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & nutrition Vol.25 No.2

Adequate nutrition in early life is proposed to shape a child’s future health by launching the growth trajectory in the proper direction, which helps to avoid negative metabolic programming effects. Protein intake during infancy and early childhood is of great importance, as it plays a key role in infant metabolic programming and the future risk of obesity. Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition in early life, with many benefits tailored for the baby, including the appropriate quantity and quality of proteins. Considering the high prevalence of childhood, and subsequent adult, obesity in the region, a virtual Middle East expert consensus meeting was held to discuss an effective approach for managing childhood obesity. Leading pediatric experts from Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates participated in the meeting. The experts discussed, debated, and agreed on certain directions, including the importance of educating parents, endorsing breastfeeding, and ensuring optimum quantity and quality intake of proteins in early life. This expert consensus may serve as the starting point for healthcare professionals in the region who are interested in shaping a healthy future for the generations to come.

Early and Late Functional Outcomes of Anal Sphincter-Sparing Procedures With Total Mesorectal Excision for Anorectal Adenocarcinoma

Osama Eldamshety,Sherif Kotb,Ashraf Khater,Waleed Elnahas,Sameh Roshdy,Mohamed S. Zahi,Hend M.H. Rashed Elkalla,Omar Farouk,Ahmed Senbel,Adel Fathi,Emad-Eldeen Hamed,Khaled Abdelwahab,Islam A. Elzahby 대한대장항문학회 2020 Annals of Coloproctolgy Vol.36 No.3

Purpose: The study aims to assess the functional outcome of anal sphincter-sparing procedures (SSP) with total mesorectal excision (TME) for anorectal adenocarcinoma. Methods: In a multicentric, prospective, single-group study in the period between December 2012 and November 2017, 93 patients presented with anorectal adenocarcinoma were included in the study. Sixty-nine patients underwent SSP with TME. SSP included the combined approach of transabdominal TME with intersphincteric resection (ISR) or transanal transabdominal TME. Using the per anal examination scoring system (PASS), postoperative anal function was assessed after 1 year. Results: Bowel motility time was 50±19 hours. The time needed for narcotic analgesia was 54±18.8 hours. Mean hospital stay was 15.4±10.25 days. Incidence of evident fecal incontinence after ISR is 10.6% (7 of 67 cases). The PASS findings of 69 cases are as follows: extremely hypotonic 8.6% (6 cases), slightly hypotonic 26.1% (18 cases), normal tone 58% (40 cases), slightly stenotic 3 cases (4.3%), or occluded 2.9% (2 cases). Urinary dysfunction occurred in 1 case (1.4%). Temporary diversion was performed in 61 patients (87.1%). Conclusion: Sphincter preservation with TME for anorectal adenocarcinoma helps avoid permanent stoma and provides reasonable functional outcomes. PASS is a new application for postoperative assessment of anal function.

Amelioration of rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease; comparing therapeutic role of erythropoietin versus low-level laser activation of mesenchymal stem cells (an in-vivo and in-vitro study)

Eman Mumtaz El Mahdy,Maha Gamal,Basma Emad Aboulhoda,Basent Adel Al Dreny,Ashraf Shamaa,Laila Rashed,Ahmed Nour Eldine Abdallah,Asmaa M. Shamseldeen 한국통합생물학회 2023 Animal cells and systems Vol.27 No.1

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second common neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by theloss of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Because of L-dopa’s side effects, newtherapeutic methods were considered such as stem cells for PD treatment. The major challengefacing stem cell therapy following transplantations is their peripheral sequestration anddecreased survival. Thus, the ability of erythropoietin (EPO) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) toenhance mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation and therapeutic efficiency for alleviatingrotenone-induced PD was investigated. Therefore, we compared the influence of stem cellpreconditioning with erythropoietin versus LLLT on MSCs’ homing ability and the chances ofsurvival. Forty-eight male Swiss mice were included in the in vivo protocol and ten in the invitro work. The mice in the in vivo study were divided randomly into six groups (8 in each);group I; control group and group II; induced PD (untreated) group, group III; L-dopa, group IV;MSCs, group V; EPO-activated MSCs and group VI; laser-activated MSCs. Treatment with MSCs(either preconditioned or not) improved these neurological features by restoring the normalbalance between glutamate and GABA neurotransmitters, and dopamine as well as increasedtyrosine hydroxylase levels. Stem cell therapy decreased oxidative stress, miRNA-155 levels,enhanced neuronal architecture in SN, and decreased the number of apoptotic cells. LLLTenhanced MSC expression of integrin β1 which was reflected in the homing of PKH26-labelledMSCs into corpus striatum and SN. Thus, the optimum results were achieved with laseractivatedMSCs.

Derivation and Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Osteoarthritis Patients

Mamdooh Gari,Haneen Alsehli,Abdullah Gari,Mohammed Abbas,Mohammed Alkaff,Mohammed Abuzinadah,Fatin Al-Sayes,Mazin Gari,Ashraf Dallol,Adel M Abuzenadah,Kalamegam Gauthaman 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2016 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.13 No.6

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a degenerative joint disease caused by the progressive reduction of the articular cartilage surface that leads to reduced joint function. Cartilage degeneration occurs through gradual loss in extracellular matrix components including type II collagen and proteoglycan. Due to limited inherent self repair capacity of the cartilage, the use of cell-based therapies for articular cartilage regeneration is considered promising. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are multipotent cells and are highly capable of multilineage differentiation which render them valuable for regenerative medicine. In this study, BM-MSCs were isolated from OA patients and were characterized for MSC specific CD surface marker antigens using flowcytometry and their differentiation potential into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes were evaluated using histological and gene expression studies. BM-MSCs isolated from OA patients showed short spindle shaped morphology in culture and expressed positive MSC related CD markers. They also demonstrated positive staining with oil red O, alizarin red and alcian blue following differentiation into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes, respectively. In addition, chodrogenic related genes such as collagen type II alpha1, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, fibromodulin, and SOX9 as well as osteocytic related genes such as alkaline phosphatase, core-binding factor alpha 1, osteopontin and RUNX2 runt-related transcription factor 2 were upregulated following chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation respectively. We have successfully isolated and characterized BM-MSCs from OA patients. Although BM-MSCs has been widely studied and their potential in regenerative medicine is reported, the present study is the first report in our series of experiments on the BMSCs isolated from OA patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.