Physical Inactivity, Sedentary Behavior and Chronic Diseases

Karimé González,Jorge Fuentes,José Luis Márquez 대한가정의학회 2017 Korean Journal of Family Medicine Vol.38 No.3

New research into physical activity suggests that it is no longer sufficient just to meet minimum levels recommend-ed by health guidelines in order to reduce cardiovascular risk. Both physical inactivity and sedentary behavior have their own health hazards and need to be addressed separately, in order to explore their different deleterious mech-anisms. The aim of this review was to define and to characterize both concepts, and their relationship with major non-communicable chronic diseases. A PubMed database search was undertaken, using the following key words: physical activity, physical inactivity, sedentarism, sedentary behavior, and non-communicable chronic disease. This literature review provides an updated view on physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, and reevaluates their prevalence and association with major non-communicable chronic disease.

Amplified Pixel Architectures in Amorphous Silicon Technology for Large Area Digital Imaging Applications

Karim S. Karim,F. Taghibakhsh,G. Sanaie-Fard Sanaie-Fard,M. H. Izadi,T. Ottaviani 한국물리학회 2006 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.48 No.I

On-pixel amplifiers in amorphous silicon (a-Si) technology can offer increased pixel signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) compared to traditional switch based imaging pixels. Experiments reveal a reduction in readout noise and indicate that a-Si pixel amplifiers can meet the stringent requirements for digital X-ray fluoroscopy. However, larger input voltages can introduce non-linearities thereby reducing the pixel dynamic range. In this research, we investigate amplified pixel architectures that exhibit large signal linearity and consequently higher dynamic range. Gain, linearity, noise, metastability and area estimations of the amplified pixels indicate their applicability in large-area medical Xray imaging applications that require switching between low-exposure, real-time fluoroscopy and high-exposure chest radiography modes at a region of interest.

Effect of Pollination Technique on Agronomic and Physicochemical Characteristics of Date Palm Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cv. ‘Deglet Nour ’

Kadri Karim,Aounallah Karim,Hammadi Hamza,Abdelhafidh Manar,Chahine Karmous,Taoufik Bettaieb 한국원예학회 2022 원예과학기술지 Vol.40 No.2

In Tunisian oases, pollination remains a traditional process and the male’ spikelets are manually inserted into female inflorescences. The drawback of this ancestral practice forced us to look for a new alternative pollination technique for improving date palm productivity. The present investigation aimed to compare agronomic and biochemical characteristics of ‘Deglet Nour’ variety following three pollination techniques: the handmade traditional technique, the dusting (spraying pollen grains by powder) and the water suspension technique. The results affirmed that the dusting technique was the most efficient technique followed by the handmade pollination. Sprinkling showed the highest fruit set rate (82.21%), retention rate (68.34%) and yield per bunch (5.5 kg) with the lowest number of partenocarpic fruits (less than 2%). Besides, data revealed that pollination techniques were not involved in physicochemical and pomological characteristics during the different stages of date maturation. However, other studies can be carried out to explore these different pollination techniques on other varieties growing in different oasis systems.

Alloxan-induced diabetic thermal hyperalgesia, prophylaxis and phytotherapeutic effects of Rheum ribes L. in mouse model

Karim Raafat,Maha Aboul-Ela,Abdalla El-Lakany 대한약학회 2021 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.44 No.8

Rheum ribes L., known as Syrian rhubarb, isused in traditional Lebanese folk medicine for the treatmentof diabetes. The present study aims to investigate theactivities of R. ribes aqueous extract for glucose homeostasis,in vivo antioxidant and diabetic neuropathy protectionin mice. The acute and the subacute effects of variousdoses of R. ribes on blood glucose and in vivo antioxidantactivity utilizing serum catalase level (CAT) were studiedin alloxan-diabetic mice. The high doses significantlylowered glucose level and increased serum CAT inalloxan-diabetic mice. Pretreatment with the extract priorto alloxination, protected the mice from acquiring diabetesand diabetic neuropathy. Treatment with the extract for8 weeks alleviated hyperalgesia in diabetic mice. Ourfindings provide clinicians with promising drugs intendedfor the management of the symptoms of diabetic complications. The protective activity of R. ribes against acquiringdiabetes and diabetic neuropathy might pave the wayfor preparing a prophylactic treatment for diabetes riskgroups.

Epidemiology and Clinical Burden of Malaria in the War-Torn Area, Orakzai Agency in Pakistan

Karim, Asad Mustafa,Hussain, Irfan,Malik, Sumera Kausar,Lee, Jung Hun,Cho, Ill Hwan,Kim, Young Bae,Lee, Sang Hee Public Library of Science 2016 PLoS neglected tropical diseases Vol.10 No.1

<▼1><P><B>Background</B></P><P>Military conflict has been a major challenge in the detection and control of emerging infectious diseases such as malaria. It poses issues associated with enhancing emergence and transmission of infectious diseases by destroying infrastructure and collapsing healthcare systems. The Orakzai agency in Pakistan has witnessed a series of intense violence and destruction. Military conflicts and instability in Afghanistan have resulted in the migration of refugees into the area and possible introduction of many infectious disease epidemics. Due to the ongoing violence and Talibanization, it has been a challenge to conduct an epidemiological study.</P><P><B>Methodology/Principal Findings</B></P><P>All patients were sampled within the transmission season. After a detailed clinical investigation of patients, data were recorded. Baseline venous blood samples were taken for microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) analysis. <I>Plasmodium</I> species were detected using nested PCR (nPCR) and amplification of the small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (ssrRNA) genes using the primer pairs. We report a clinical assessment of the epidemic situation of malaria caused by <I>Plasmodium vivax</I> (86.5%) and <I>Plasmodium falciparum</I> (11.79%) infections with analysis of complications in patients such as decompensated shock (41%), anemia (8.98%), hypoglycaemia (7.3%), multiple convulsions (6.7%), hyperpyrexia (6.17%), jaundice (5%), and hyperparasitaemia (4.49%).</P><P><B>Conclusions/Significance</B></P><P>This overlooked distribution of <I>P</I>. <I>vivax</I> should be considered by malaria control strategy makers in the world and by the Government of Pakistan. In our study, children were the most susceptible population to malaria infection while they were the least expected to use satisfactory prevention strategies in such a war-torn deprived region. Local health authorities should initiate malaria awareness programs in schools and malaria-related education should be further promoted at the local level reaching out to both children and parents.</P></▼1><▼2><P><B>Author Summary</B></P><P>The malaria epidemic and endemic in Pakistan is a present and ongoing threat to public health which could have an impact in the nearby regions as well. For the first time, we report a clinical assessment of malaria endemicity in the Orakzai Agency, which is Pakistan’s most neglected area due to Talibanization and war in Afghanistan. Febrile patient blood samples of the area were investigated to report the clinical assessment of malaria caused by <I>Plasmodium vivax</I> and <I>P</I>. <I>falciparum</I> infections. The nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) examination detected 154 (86%) and 21 (12%) <I>P</I>. <I>vivax</I> and <I>P</I>. <I>falciparum</I> infections, respectively. We found worsening hygiene conditions in FATA, likely caused by poor socioeconomics and the collapse of the public health infrastructure. Decompensated shock was a common and prominent clinical feature of malaria among all the clinical presentations caused by both <I>P</I>. <I>vivax</I> (53%) and <I>P</I>. <I>falciparum</I> (42.9%). Our results have significant implications for both public health and malaria control in FATA and Pakistan. Our findings illustrate higher prevalence of malaria in children compared to other age groups. Further research on sensible estimates of refugees is required, as well as resistance to anti-malarials.</P></▼2>

Synthesis, structure and electrochemical performance of double perovskite oxide Sr₂Fe_1-xTi_xNbO_6-δ as SOFC electrode

Karim, Afizul Hakem,Park, Ka-Young,Lee, Tae Hee,Muhammed Ali, S.A.,Hossain, Shahzad,Absah, Hidayatul Qayyimah Hj Hairul,Park, Jun-Young,Azad, Abul Kalam Elsevier 2017 Journal of Alloys and Compounds Vol.724 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A new series of double perovskite oxides Sr<SUB>2</SUB>Fe<SUB>1-x</SUB>Ti<SUB>x</SUB>NbO<SUB>6-δ</SUB> (x = 0, 0.05 & 0.1) were prepared by traditional solid state reaction method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), ac impedance and dc four point using Van Der Pauw method. The samples were sintered at 1200 °C for 12 h in air to get single phase. Rietveld refinement shows that all composition crystallizes in tetragonal symmetry in the space group <I>I</I>4/<I>m.</I> The lattice parameter were related to the ideal single perovskite a<SUB>p</SUB> as a ≈ b ≈ √2a<SUB>p</SUB>, and c ≈ 2a<SUB>p</SUB>. Scanning electron microscope shows increase in porosity with increase of Ti content. Sr<SUB>2</SUB>Fe<SUB>1-x</SUB>Ti<SUB>x</SUB>NbO<SUB>6-δ</SUB>/YSZ shows a good interface with no lamination problem between the two materials. EDX shows that the element contents of the materials synthesized in this study close to the nominal stoichiometry. Chemical compatibility studies with YSZ electrolyte shows no reaction with the anode. A symmetrical cell with the configuration of Sr<SUB>2</SUB>Fe<SUB>1-x</SUB>Ti<SUB>x</SUB>NbO<SUB>6-δ</SUB>|YSZ|Sr<SUB>2</SUB>Fe<SUB>1-x</SUB>Ti<SUB>x</SUB>NbO<SUB>6-δ</SUB> (x = 0.05 & 0.1) shows the lowest polarization resistance of 49.80 Ω cm<SUP>2</SUP> and the highest ac conductivity of 3.57 × 10<SUP>−3</SUP> S cm<SUP>−1</SUP> in dry H<SUB>2</SUB>/Ar for x = 0.1. The activation energy was found to be 1.20 eV which is almost similar to Sr<SUB>2</SUB>FeNbO<SUB>6-δ</SUB> as reported in literature. The dc conductivity measurement was highest for SFTN0.1 at 750 °C in dry 5% H<SUB>2</SUB>/Ar with a value of 1.17 S cm<SUP>−1</SUP>.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Titanium was substituted for Iron in the mixed conducting perovskite oxide SFN. </LI> <LI> A single double perovskite phase was obtained in air. </LI> <LI> Titanium substitution improves porosity, a.c conductivity and area specific resistance. </LI> <LI> The enhancement has been explained by a simple defect chemistry model. </LI> <LI> Electrochemical performance are interesting for applicability as an SOFC anode material. </LI> </UL> </P>

Authoring System of Mobile Tutorial Modules Based on Auditory Multimedia

Karim Q. Hussein 한국지능시스템학회 2022 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of FUZZY LOGIC and INTELLIGE Vol.22 No.4

In this study, we consider technologies of auditory multimedia as a mode of communicationbetween a mobile device and blind students regarding instructional material. We proposean authoring system designed to create mobile tutorial modules (MTMs) for use by blindstudents. The system includes two major phases. In the first phase, the instructor submits thecontents of a tutorial module in natural language into a server. The server saves the contents oftutorial modules in a database. The server then creates a website based on PHP with MYSQL. Thus, the system creates a website with all the material entered by the instructor. The secondphase considers an Android environment with XML for the graphical user interface (GUI) andJava source coding for activities). An API library in the server manages the tutorial contentinto typical tutorial module. Because the application is designed for totally blind students,all the contents of the GUI are converted into corresponding text-to-speech data (Audio files)using Android. Finally, the blind student receives the MTMs as sound output from the device. We invited several instructors to experimentally evaluate some sample MTMs. The resultsshow that the proposed approach was considered successful in this application. Additionally,an algorithm was applied to reduce the time required for multiple users to interact with theapplication. We also implemented text-to-speech on Android as well. The proposed approachwas received positively by the participants and users.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STRUCTURE OF A FACTOR RING R/P AND DERIVATIONS OF R

Karim Bouchannafa,Moulay Abdallah Idrissi,Lahcen Oukhtite 대한수학회 2023 대한수학회보 Vol.60 No.5

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between the structure of a factor ring $R/P$ and the behavior of some derivations of $R$. More precisely, we establish a connection between the commutativity of $R/P$ and derivations of $R$ satisfying specific identities involving the prime ideal $P$. Moreover, we provide an example to show that our results cannot be extended to semi-prime ideals.

On Position Control using GMS-Model-Based Friction Compensation and Velocity Reduced-Order Observer for Servo-Systems - LMI Approach

Karim Khayati 제어로봇시스템학회 2008 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2008 No.10

This paper is devoted to a stabilization problem for a servo-system under the inuence of friction. The proposed approach is based on a multi-objective control design using a reduced-order velocity observer, a generalized Maxwell-slip (GMS) model-based friction compensation and a linear time invariant (LTI) compensator simultaneously. Stabilization conditions on interconnected systems are investigated with strictly positive real (SPR) condition on linear closed-loop dynamics of hierarchical systems using linear matrix inequality (LMI) frameworks. The appeal of this proven theoretical design is further demonstrated by numerical results.

Numerical Procedure for the Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Modelling of Composite Steel–Concrete Beams

Karim Benyahi,Youcef Bouafia,Marc Oudjene,Salma Barboura,Mohand Said Kachi 한국강구조학회 2021 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.21 No.3

Composite steel–concrete structures are commonly used in the fi eld of bridges, where the steel frame provides great ease of installation, and concrete provides useful strength at low cost. This construction system makes it possible to seek to use each material to the best of its ability, so as to provide the entire construction system with greater savings. The purpose of this article is to be able to perform the simulation and the non-linear elastic calculation of composite steel–concrete beams through a calculation approach based on a matrix method of displacements. The numerical calculation model developed is based on taking into account the non-linearity of materials, or a set of laws allowing the modeling of the nonlinear behaviors of materials under an instantaneous and monotonous loading increasing until the ruin; the concrete is represented in its post-elastic part by a softening branch in compression and the contribution of the concrete stretched between two successive cracks is taken into account. Steel is represented by a perfect elastoplastic law or an elastoplastic law with fi rming. The proposed approach has been implemented on the Fortran programming language, where our procedure of numerical modeling of the mechanical behavior seems capable of correctly simulating the three-dimensional nonlinear behavior of isostatic and hyperstatic composite steel–concrete beams, under monotonous (increasing) static loading until ruin. It was validated by comparing the results of our calculations to experimental results or to analytical solutions.