Natural Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Resin Filled with Bio-based Calcium Carbonate: Preparation and Examination

Ahmed Mohamed Sharaf,Eslam Syala,Abbas Anwar Ezzat,Salah F. Abdellah Ali,E. El-Rafey 한국섬유공학회 2022 Fibers and polymers Vol.23 No.5

Both the chicken eggshell (ES) and rice husk (RH) represent environmental, and pollution issues. Incorporatingboth of them, with minimum processing procedures, in various useful applications is a major contribution in solving suchproblems. In this research, unsaturated polyester (UP) was doped with different percentages (5-25 wt.%) of fine (ES) to formone (UP-ES) composite system. The (UP-ES) system was reinforced with a fixed 10 wt.% of (RH), which represents anagricultural waste produced in tonnage, to fabricate the second system. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis emerged that the(ES) is forming from calcium carbonate (CaCO3) resembling typically the mineral one. The addition of (ES) enhanced boththe mechanical characteristics of (UP) resin in terms of tensile strength, elongation %, tensile modulus, impact strength,flexural strength from 26.33 to 33.77 MPa, from 3.30 to 3.60 MPa, from 2000 to 2406.67 MPa, from 1.25 to 2.42 kJ/m², from64.93 to 75.07 MPa, and the thermal stability from 335.75 to 346.24 oC, respectively. This inclusion of (ES) also promotedboth the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and dielectric constant (εr) of (UP) from 17.25 to 23.50 % and from 6.76 to 11.02,respectively. The addition of (RH) to (ES-UP) composite, generally, gave the same attitude for the properties like what in the(ES-UP) system other than the remarkable extra-increase in the (εr). Also, (RH) elevated the water absorption (%) of (ES-UP)composite by the action of its hydrophilic nature. It is concluded that the incorporation of both (ES) and (RH) reduces thefinal cost of the composite and solves one of the great environmental disposal issues.

Are there differences in risk factors, microbial aspects, and prognosis of cellulitis between compensated and decompensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis?

Elham Ahmed Hassan,Abeer Sharaf El-Din Abde,Mohamed Omar Abdel-Malek,Asmaa Omar Ahmed,Nourhan Mahmoud Abbas 대한간학회 2019 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.25 No.3

Background/Aims: Cellulitis is a common infection in patients with liver cirrhosis. We aimed to compare risk factors, microbial aspects, and outcomes of cellulitis in compensated and decompensated hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis. Methods: Six hundred twenty consecutive HCV-related cirrhotic patients were evaluated for cellulitis. Demographic and clinical data were evaluated, along with blood and skin cultures. Severity of cirrhosis was assessed using Child-Pugh score. In-hospital mortality was assessed. Results: Seventy-seven (12.4%) cirrhotic patients had cellulitis (25 with compensated and 52 with decompensated disease). Smoking and venous insufficiency were risk factors of cellulitis in compensated cirrhosis. Leg edema, ascites, hyperbilrubinemia and hypoalbuminemia were risk factors in decompensated cirrhosis. Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus pyogenes) were the infective organisms in compensated patients, while gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were the predominant organisms in decompensated cirrhosis. Fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) were detected in 3 decompensated cases. In-hospital mortality in patients with cellulitis was 27.3%, approaching 100% in decompensated patients with gram-negative cellulitis. Prolonged hospitalization, higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)-Na score, septic shock, local complication, and recurrent cellulitis were predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Cellulitis in compensated cirrhosis is different from that of decompensated patients regarding microorganisms, pathogenesis, and prognosis. Cellulitis has a poor prognosis, with mortality rates approaching 100% in decompensated patients with gram-negative cellulitis. Stratifying patients according to severity of cirrhosis is important to identify the proper empirical antibiotic and to decide the proper means of care.

Congestion pricing with Genetic Algorithm for delay reduction on urban road network

Sharaf AlKheder,Ahmed Al-Rashidi 서울시립대학교 도시과학연구원 2021 도시과학국제저널 Vol.25 No.2

This paper investigated the possibility of applying congestion pricing in order to mitigate the traffic congestion on urban road networks in Kuwait. In order to explore the public support of this idea, a satisfaction study survey had been distributed randomly to road users. Genetic Algorithm (GA) was utilized to design the congestion pricing system as a unit price combinatorial optimization problem. Additionally, network analysis with SYNCHRO simulation software had been applied to examine Kuwait city network overall performance before and after applying congestion pricing. Two different approaches had been introduced: User Equilibrium (UE) and System Optimal Flow (SO). It was concluded that commuters are supporting applying congestion pricing as long as it will guarantee them a lower travel time with less delay. Eventually, the positive impact of congestion pricing on the studied network and the delay reduction was clearly noticed.

Integrating Entrepreneurship in Translator Training : A Project-Based Case Study

Hanan Sharaf,Dine M. Ahmed 한국외국어대학교 통번역연구소 2022 한국외국어대학교 통번역연구소 학술대회 Vol.2022 No.01

In contemporary research on translator training and education, emphasis is largely placed on the translation process and translation competence acquisition. A broader social constructivist approach to translator training is needed to pay more attention towards strengthening the social connections within which translators are embedded and towards addressing a multi-dimensional translator competence rather than translation competence (Kiraly, 2013). Thus, shifting the initial traditional focus on linguistic skills to a more comprehensive set of competencies that can better prepare the freshly graduated translators to venture confidently into the Language Service Providers market is needed. Entrepreneurial skills are among the most significant skills translators should acquire in the 21st Century. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development pays close attention to entrepreneurship as a means for creating decent work opportunities, improving the quality of life, promoting sustainable economic development, and fostering innovation. While the UN 2018 World Youth Report commends efforts for introducing entrepreneurship to educational programs in both developed and developing countries, it still calls for further studies to evaluate the effectiveness and value of such programs. Although there is a growing interest among institutions of higher education in Egypt to integrate entrepreneurship education in their programs, in fulfillment of the Egypt Vision 2030 and consequently the global SDGs, this interest remains confined mostly to the science majors like engineering, computer science, or even pharmacy and dentistry. Translator training in Egypt mostly focuses on developing the linguistic skills of translators and in best cases their technology and soft skills. To introduce entrepreneurship into translator training, it is not just enough to combine specific skills of business planning and management to linguistic and soft skills, there should be a shift in the teaching and learning methodologies and the roles assumed by students and instructors (Lackeus, 2015). This article presents a case study of a project that integrates entrepreneurship education in a quasi-professional practice setting within a legal translation course for senior students of the translation minor, at an Egyptian private university. The study adopts a post-modern relativistic qualitative methodology as advocated by Kiraly (2013, 2014) to investigate the newly emerging translator competence. Interviews are also conducted to further consolidate the research findings. The study aims to provide insights into curriculum development for translation undergraduate programs promoting entrepreneurship education and student-centered learning. In addition, the study proposes a model of translator competence that befits the new changes in the LSP market and contributes to the 2030 Agenda.

Inelastic large deflection analysis of space steel frames consisting of I-shaped cross section

Ashraf ElSabbagh,Ahmed Hanefa,Ahmed Zubydan,Mohamed ElGhandour,Tarek Sharaf 국제구조공학회 2021 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.41 No.6

This paper presents a simplified model to capture the nonlinear behavior of steel frames depending on the spread of plasticity method. New interaction formulae were derived to evaluate the plastic strength for I-shaped steel sections under uniaxial bending moment and axial compression load. Also, new empirical formulae were derived to evaluate the tangent stiffness modulus of steel I-shaped cross-sections considering the effect of the residual stresses suggested by the specifications in European Convention for Construction Steelworks (ECCS). The secant stiffness which depends on the tangent modulus is used to evaluate the internal forces. Based on stiffness matrix method, a finite element analysis program was developed for the nonlinear analysis of space steel frames using the derived formulae. Comparison between the proposed model results with those given by the fiber model shows very good agreement. Numerical examples were introduced to verify, check the accuracy, and evaluate the efficiency of the proposed model. The analysis results show that the new proposed model is accurate and able to minimize the solution time.

In vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic Activities of Essential Oil from Moringa oleifera Seeds on HeLa, HepG2, MCF-7, CACO-2 and L929 Cell Lines

Elsayed, Elsayed Ahmed,Sharaf-Eldin, Mahmoud A.,Wadaan, Mohammad Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.11

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is widely consumed in tropical and subtropical regions for their valuable nutritional and medicinal characteristics. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on leaf extracts of M. oleifera to evaluate their potential cytotoxic effects. However, with the exception of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, little information is present on the cytotoxic activity of the essential oil obtained from M. oleifera seeds. Therefore, the present investigation was designed to investigate the potential cytotoxic activity of seed essential oil obtained from M. oleifera on HeLa, HepG2, MCF-7, CACO-2 and L929 cell lines. The different cell lines were subjected to increasing oil concentrations ranging from 0.15 to 1 mg/mL for 24h, and the cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assay. All treated cell lines showed a significant reduction in cell viability in response to the increasing oil concentration. Moreover, the reduction depended on the cell line as well as the oil concentration applied. Additionally, HeLa cells were the most affected cells followed by HepG2, MCF-7, L929 and CACO-2, where the percentages of cell toxicity recorded were 76.1, 65.1, 59.5, 57.0 and 49.7%, respectively. Furthermore, the $IC_{50}$ values obtained for MCF-7, HeLa and HepG2 cells were 226.1, 422.8 and $751.9{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. Conclusively, the present investigation provides preliminary results which suggest that seed essential oil from M. oleifera has potent cytotoxic activities against cancer cell lines.

New Cellular Neural Networks Template for Image Halftoning based on Bayesian Rough Sets

Elsayed Radwan,Basem Y. Alkazemi,Ahmed I. Sharaf International Journal of Computer ScienceNetwork S 2023 International journal of computer science and netw Vol.23 No.4

Image halftoning is a technique for varying grayscale images into two-tone binary images. Unfortunately, the static representation of an image-half toning, wherever each pixel intensity is combined by its local neighbors only, causes missing subjective problem. Also, the existing noise causes an instability criterion. In this paper an image half-toning is represented as a dynamical system for recognizing the global representation. Also, noise is reduced based on a probabilistic model. Since image half-toning is considered as 2-D matrix with a full connected pass, this structure is recognized by the dynamical system of Cellular Neural Networks (CNNs) which is defined by its template. Bayesian Rough Sets is used in exploiting the ideal CNNs construction that synthesis its dynamic. Also, Bayesian rough sets contribute to enhance the quality of the halftone image by removing noise and discovering the effective parameters in the CNNs template. The novelty of this method lies in finding a probabilistic based technique to discover the term of CNNs template and define new learning rules for CNNs internal work. A numerical experiment is conducted on image half-toning corrupted by Gaussian noise.

Plant diversity of the pads of electric towers along the deltaic Mediterranean coast of Egypt

Kamal Shaltout,Hani Beshara,Yassin Al-Sodany,Ahmed Sharaf, El-Din,Ragab El-Fahar The Ecological Society of Korea 2023 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.47 No.1

Background: Comparing with the several types of infrastructures, linear infrastructures are known to facilitate the spread of undesirable species in ecosystems. Recently, some new man-made habitats (e.g., gravel pads of the high-voltage towers, solid wastes and sewage habitats) were established along the Deltaic Mediterranean coast of Egypt as a result of the construction of the E-W coastal international highway. The current study evaluates the floristic composition associated with the pads of high-voltage towers that had been constructed for stabilizing the power line towers in the North Nile Delta. Plant cover was measured for 22 randomly stand. Results: Eighty-four species were recorded, of which 35 are perennials (41.6%), 2 biennials (2.3%) and 47 annuals (56.0%) belonging to 23 families. The largest families were Asteraceae (16 species), Poaceae (15 species), Chenopodiaceae (12 species), and Fabaceae (7 species). Ten aliens (10.7%) out of the 84 species were recorded. Therophytes have the highest percentage (58%), followed by hemicryptophytes (14%), chamaephytes (11%). Six vegetation groups were recognized in the study area after the application of two way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN), Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Phragmites australis, and Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum have the highest presence percentage. Both of Salsola cyclophylla and Solanum villosum were recorded for the first time in North Nile Delta. Natural habitat had the highest α-diversity, but the lowest β-diversity (4.9, 15.4), while gravel pads had the reverse (2.7, 30.8). Some species which are native to the desert habitats (e.g., Rumex pictus, Salsola kali, and Carthamus tenuis) were able to invade the North Nile Delta. Conclusions: Habitat of gravel pads is an expressing form about the intense of disturbance in Deltaic Mediterranean coast of Egypt. More of efforts should be carried out to avoid more human disturbances that creating as ruderal habitats which open the gate to invasive species in the flora of North Nile Delta.

Elaboration of Impregnated Composite for Sorption of Europium and Neodymium Ions from Aqueous Solutions

A.A. Naser,S.S. Metwally,G.E. Sharaf El-deen,Ahmed A. Bhran,A.M. El-Kamash 한국공업화학회 2015 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.32 No.-

Silica-based urea–formaldehyde (SiO2/UF) composite material was prepared and impregnated withorganophosphorus extractant, namely; 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester, forremoval of Eu3+ and Nd3+ from aqueous solutions. The sorption capacity of the impregnated SiO2/UF forEu3+ and Nd3+ were determined and found to be 3.1 and 2.8 meq/g, respectively. Pseudo-second-orderkinetic model is applicable and the sorption process is controlled by intra-particle diffusion mechanism. The values of thermodynamic parameters indicated that the sorption process is spontaneous and hasendothermic nature. The prepared impregnated composite is an efficient sorbent media andrecommended for removal of some lanthanide elements from aqueous solution

Plant diversity of the pads of electric towers along the deltaic Mediterranean coast of Egypt

Shaltout Kamal,Beshara Hani,Al-Sodany Yassin,El-Din Ahmed Sharaf,El-Fahar Ragab 한국생태학회 2023 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.47 No.3

Background: Comparing with the several types of infrastructures, linear infrastructures are known to facilitate the spread of undesirable species in ecosystems. Recently, some new man-made habitats (e.g., gravel pads of the high-voltage towers, solid wastes and sewage habitats) were established along the Deltaic Mediterranean coast of Egypt as a result of the construction of the E-W coastal international highway. The current study evaluates the floristic composition associated with the pads of high-voltage towers that had been constructed for stabilizing the power line towers in the North Nile Delta. Plant cover was measured for 22 randomly stand. Results: Eighty-four species were recorded, of which 35 are perennials (41.6%), 2 biennials (2.3%) and 47 annuals (56.0%) belonging to 23 families. The largest families were Asteraceae (16 species), Poaceae (15 species), Chenopodiaceae (12 species), and Fabaceae (7 species). Ten aliens (10.7%) out of the 84 species were recorded. Therophytes have the highest percentage (58%), followed by hemicryptophytes (14%), chamaephytes (11%). Six vegetation groups were recognized in the study area after the application of two way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN), Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Phragmites australis, and Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum have the highest presence percentage. Both of Salsola cyclophylla and Solanum villosum were recorded for the first time in North Nile Delta. Natural habitat had the highest α-diversity, but the lowest β-diversity (4.9, 15.4), while gravel pads had the reverse (2.7, 30.8). Some species which are native to the desert habitats (e.g., Rumex pictus, Salsola kali, and Carthamus tenuis) were able to invade the North Nile Delta. Conclusions: Habitat of gravel pads is an expressing form about the intense of disturbance in Deltaic Mediterranean coast of Egypt. More of efforts should be carried out to avoid more human disturbances that creating as ruderal habitats which open the gate to invasive species in the flora of North Nile Delta.