In this paper, mesoscale modeling is performed to simulate and understand fracture behavior of two concrete composites: cement and asphalt concrete using disk-shaped compact tension (DCT) tests. Mesoscale models are used as alternative to macroscale models to obtain better realistic behavior of composite and heterogeneous materials such as cement and asphalt concrete. In mesoscale models, aggregate and matrix are represented as distinct materials and each material has its characteristic properties. Disk-shaped compact tension test is used to obtain tensile strength and fracture energy of materials. This test can be used as a better alternative to other tests such as three points bending tests because it is more convenient for both field and

A summary of zooplankton research done in Peruvian marine waters is presented. We first provide a brief overview of the evolution of zooplankton studies off Peru before reviewing zooplankton biodiversity, regional distribution, seasonal and interannual fluctuation, trophodynamics, secondary production, and modeling are some of these topics. We evaluate research on various meroplankton, macroplankton, mesoplankton, and microplankton groups and provide a list of species from both published and unpublished sources. Three regional zooplankton groups have been identified: A shelf group on the continental shelf dominated by Acartia tonsa and Centropages brachiatus; A slope group on the continental shelf with siphonophores, bivalves, foramin

The proliferation of electronic games, video games and computers has caused children and teenagers to become attracted to these games and become their favorite entertainment. The widespread of these games has generated widespread debate about positive aspects and negative aspects. It is evident that there are two main trends in the impact of electronic games on the behavior of children and adolescents. The first trend is that e-games have positive effects on children and adolescents, especially in cognitive abilities and skills in learning. While the second view sees that electronic games have negative effects that appear in social isolation and lack of movement and aggression. Through the review of previous literature, the current resea

New, easy, simple, and fast spectral method for estimation of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) in pure and pharmaceutical forms. The proposed method is based on the azotization of the drug compound by sodium nitrite in an acidic medium and then coupling with 2,3dimethyl phenol reagent (DMP) in a basic medium to yield an orange-coloured dye which shows λmax at 402 nm. Different affection of the optimization reaction has been completed, following the classical univariate sequence. The concentration of sulfamethoxazole about (1-15) μg. mL-1 with molar absorptivity of (14943.461) L.mol1 .cm-1 that obeyed Beer’s law. The detection and quantification limits were (0.852, 2.583) μg. mL-1 respectively, while the value of Sandell’s sensitivity (

Background: Periodontal diseases are initiated by microbial plaque, which accumulates in the sulcular region and induces an inflammatory response. The Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand / osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) axis is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism in periodontitis, in which an increase in receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand or a decrease in osteoprotegerin can tip the balance in favor of osteoclastogenesis and the resorption of alveolar bone that is the hallmark of periodontitis. This study was performed to investigate the role of salivary levels of RANKL and OPG in pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis. Subjects and Methods: Fifty five subjects with chronic periodontitis with ages rang

Selexipag is an orally selective long-acting prostacyclin receptor agonist, which indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is practically insoluble in water ( class II, according to BCS). This work aims to prepare and optimized Selexipag nanosuspensions to achieve an enhancement in the in vitro dissolution rate. The solvent antisolvent precipitation method was used for the production of nanosuspension, and the effect of formulation parameters (stabilizer type, drug: stabilizer ratio, and use of co-stabilizer) and process parameter (stirring speed) on the particle size and polydispersity index were studied. SLPNS prepared with Soluplus® as amain stabilizer (F15) showed the smallest particle size 47nm wi

Itraconazole (ITZ) is an antifungal drug (BCSII) used for the treatment of local and systemic fungal infections. Furthermore, ITZ used as an antifungal prophylaxis for immunocompromised patients.

The objective of the study is to overcome the two problems of low and pH dependent solubility of ITZ by its preparation as floating microparticles.

Firstly, pH-dependent floating microparticles were prepared using oil in water solvent evaporation method, from which the best one (F7) selected as a best pH-dependent formula with composition of   ITZ (200mg),EC (800mg), HPMC 15cps (200mg) and safflower oil (2ml) .Then, F7 was compared with the selected Relatively pH-independent ITZ floating microparticles formula  wit

Background: laparoscopic cholecystectomy is standard treatment in gallbladder disease. Acute cholecystitis has been relative contraindication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. With the
accumulation of experience in laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is being gradually applied for the treatment of acute cholecystitis
Objective: to evaluate and compare the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute and chronic cholecystitis in terms of complications, conversion rates, reason of conversion, need for special modifications of the operative technique, and hospital stay.
Methods: A prospective study done Between April 2007 and January 2010, in the department of general surgery, medical city teac

A simple, and rapid spectrophotometric method for the estimation of paracetamol has been developed. The methods is based on diazotisation of 2,4-dichloroaniline followed by a coupling reaction with paracetamol in sodium hydroxide medium. All variables affecting the reaction conditions were carefully studied. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range of 4-350 ?gml?1 at 490 nm .The method is successfully employed for the determination of paracetamol in pharmaceutical preparations. No interferes observed in the proposed method. Analytical parameters such as accuracy and precision have been established for the method and evaluated statistically to assess the application of the method.