Depression among Health Care Workers in Khartoum State, Sudan, 2022

Introduction: Depression is a serious issue affecting healthcare workers and is a leading cause of disability for both genders. Furthermore, it is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, responsible for 4.4 percent of global disability. An estimated 350 million people are currently living with depression worldwide. Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of depression among healthcare workers in Khartoum State in 2022 and determine the associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers in Khartoum State, Sudan, in 2022 using a self-administered electronic questionnaire. Depression was screened using the self-reporting questionnaire (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages were used to display the data. Odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval were estimated using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine associations between depression and related factors. Results: A total of 341 valid responses were received, with a mean age of 33.91. The overall prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 > 8) was 258 (75.6%). The prevalence was significantly associated with marital status (single and divorced), occupation (psychologist), and working department (Emergency Department), showing a p-value of Conclusion: Depression is a serious mental health disorder that affects all people, including healthcare workers, and is a growing problem in Sudan. To address this, healthcare organizations must implement policies and strategies to reduce inequality and protect healthcare workers. A multidisciplinary approach that includes mental health professionals, the Ministry of Health, and universities is needed to prioritize mental health issues and ensure quality care and the overall well-being of both healthcare workers and patients.

Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Personal Protective Equipment for the Prevention of COVID-19 in Public Hospitals Khartoum State Sudan 2022

Since December 2019, there had been a series of unexplained cases of pneumonia reported in Wuhan, China, and on 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) named this new virus as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging, rapidly changing global health challenge affecting all sectors, including the health sector. This study aimed to investigate nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses in three public health hospitals in Khartoum state. A self-administered questionnaire was used. A total of 14 knowledge questions were adopted. There are 5 questions constructed for attitude. A total of 12 practice questions were used. Mean score of knowledge considers as follows when the mean more than 75% considers as good knowledge while this percent uses as good practice and poor practice respectively to analyze the mean score differences of knowledge, attitudes, and practices between the independent variables. Spearman correlation was used to assess the relationship between mean knowledge and attitude scores. Results: Of the 101 nurses approached, a total of 100 nurses responded (99.0% response rate). The mean age of the participants was 27.6 (SD 5.3) years, and the majority of the participants were male (293/434, 67.5%). The mean knowledge score was 1.01 (SD 0.100). The mean attitude score was 10.5 (SD 4.1), and 54.8% (238/434) of the participants had a good attitude toward COVID-19. The mean practice score was 1.4176 (SD 1.4176). There was a negative correlation between knowledge and attitude scores (P < -0.014) and between knowledge and practice scores (P < -0.081). Conclusions: The overall levels of knowledge and practice and attitude were good.

Acute Mastoiditis Clinical Course and Management in Patients Presented to Khartoumar Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital during the Period from November 2017 to November 2019

Introduction: Acute mastoiditis is the most common complication of Acute Otitis Media (AOM) and it’s the cause of serious morbidity. There is no standard universally agreed-upon management approach to acute mastoiditis. This study aims to view the clinical presentation and management approaches in Khartoum Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital. Methodology: This is a prospective case series and a hospital-based study conducted at Khartoum Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital during the period from November 2017 to November 2019. A total of 61 patients were included in the study. Results: The median age at presentation is 5 years old, males are more affected than females with a ratio of 1.35:1, and the mean duration of symptoms prior to hospital admission was 9.6 days. The most common presenting symptoms were otalgia (83.3%), ear discharge (83.3%) and post-auricular swelling (83.3%), and the most common signs at admission were tenderness over the mastoid (95.1%), retroauricular swelling and protrusion of the auricle (82%), and redness over the mastoid (77%). The abnormal tympanic membrane was found in all patients with central perforation being the commonest finding (73.8%), and bulging tympanic membrane (21.3%). 34.4% of patients received oral antibiotics before admission and the mean duration of symptoms prior to admission increased significantly in those who received antibiotics 12.7 days in comparison to those who didn’t 8.3 days. Only 52.5% of patients had a past history of recurrent acute otitis media, and 8.2% had a past history of acute mastoiditis. All the patients with recurrent mastoiditis had a past history of recurrent acute otitis media. Computed Tomography (CT) scans were obtained for 50.8% and 83.9% of those scans showed coalescent mastoiditis. Further evidence of intracranial extension was found in 6.5% and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was obtained for them. Of the study group, 67.2% presented with subperiosteal abscess, 4.9% with facial nerve palsy and 3.3% with brain abscess. Thirteen patients with no complications were managed initially with injectable and topical antibiotics and were successful in only 6 of them (46%), abscess incisions and drainages were needed in 46 patients and were successful in 34 of them (73.9%). Eighteen patients (29.5%) needed mastoidectomy and all of them were managed successfully (100%). One patient (1.6%) was referred for intracranial abscess drainage in a specialized hospital, also one patient (1.6%) initially presented with intracranial abscess died on the second day of admission and 96.8% were discharged in good condition. The mean duration of hospital stay was 7.5 days. Conclusion: Patients present to the hospital after a prolonged period with a higher rate of complications, and the delayed presentation increased significantly in patients who received oral antibiotics prior to admission. Conservative medical treatment in non-complicated acute mastoiditis was ineffective in more than half of the patients and abscess incision and drainage and/or mastoidectomy are often necessary for the management.

Gravity Investigation in Area East of River Nile (Khartoum State)

The purpose of the study is to investigate the subsurface geology of the area. For quantitative interpretation of the resulting Bouguer anomalies, borehole data are explored. This is done along several profiles obtained from software program G.model version 2.2 No.175. This program is based on two dimensional mass distribution. The interpretation reveals two basinal features filling depressions in the basement complex named as Abu Harira basin and Kabbashi basin. They are structurally related to Khartoum basin. As a result, a geological/structural map of the area in east of the Nile is produced. The basinal features in the study area are considered as parts of the central Sudan (Khartoum basin) that had been subjected to several tectonic events that resulted in the formation of several fracture systems associated with block subsidence and formation of these basins.

Research on the prevalence of conduct disorders among primary school pupils in Khartoum-Sudan

The aim of this research was to investigate conduct disorder among pupils of primary schools in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. School survey descriptive method was used and 384 pupils were selected from primary schools through systematic sampling technique. Age ranged from 5 to 17 years old with a mean of (9.34) years. The tools of data collection consisted of the Sutter-Eyberg Student Behavior Inventory. The statis-tical tests used to analyze the collected data involve frequency and percentage, Pearson co-efficient of correlation, mean, t-test for one sample and t-test for two independent samples. The results of this research revealed that that the prevalence of conduct disorder among pupils of primary schools in Khartoum was low. There were significant differences in conduct disorder between male and females pupils. There were no significant differences between pupils of pre-paratory classes and pupils of elementary classes. There was no significant correlation between conduct disorder and age.

Analysis of Site Suitability of Mosques Locations Using GIS: A Case Study of Khartoum State

The distribution of mosques needs to be assessed to help authorities to choose the appropriate location for the new mosques proposals, or to extend the existing mosques, the distribution and capacity of mosques is a serious problem in Islamic towns. This research aimed at finding appropriate planning standards, selection criteria for mosques locations and capacity by studying the current locations, distributions and capacities of the existing mosques. An aerial photograph was used as a source of spatial data. The distinctive orientation of the mosques to Gibla (Mecca holy mosque direction) facilitated their identification among other buildings. A layer of mosques was created in GIS. Each mosque area was calculated from the layer and saved in the attribute table. The actual capacity of each mosque (number of worshipers) was calculated by dividing the mosque area by 1 square meter. A buffer tool was applied, depending on the optimal distance for worshipers to access the mosques;the houses within the buffer area of each mosque were calculated to estimate the expected maximum number of worshipers for Friday prayer. The actual capacities of mosques were compared to the expected population. The results indicated that some mosques were found to be suitable;some needed to be extended within the existing location, while others could not be extended within the existing location and a new location must be determined for a new mosque within the buffer area to accommodate the expected number of worshipers.

Sustainable Urban Restructuring of Khartoum： A Revolutionary Measure for Rapid Growth Absorption and Urban Changes

Rapidly developing cities are under continuous physical and social changes which make sustainable urban growth concept a matured line of thinking. They are therefore, in need of restructuring to contain these changes. Likewise, Khartoum is growing rapidly and is subjected to continual transformation. It started in Independence Day （1/1/1956） by 〈3% of Sudan population and reached 16.8% in 2010 while its physical block grew beyond imagination. The objective of this paper is to throw light on Khartoum rapid growth change effects which necessitated implementation of a revolutionary restructuring programme. At first, huge rural influxes were absorbed and later physical distortions were corrected. This included squatter settlements＇ treatment to strengthen urban fabric, reallocation of incompatible urban functions, revitalization of the CBD （central business district） and other urban renewal schemes. Transportation lines were extended to ease people mobility and higher population concentrations were diluted, particularly the filthy slums. Old neighbourhoods, traditional villages, etc. were re-planned and popular physical development was encouraged. The restructuring programme appropriated population distribution, administrative districts, new local markets＇ locations and urban activities＇ distribution. The programme attained social benefits, particularly availing shelter and essential social services. Difficulties from relocation processes were encountered but settlements＇ regularization achieved social justice and sustained urban growth.

Housing Policy in Khartoum： Plot Subdivision for Increased Housing Supply for Low-income People

The article discusses plot size standards applied in the government sites-and-services projects in Khartoum and probes into the possible alternative ways of re-establishing solid grounds for those standards. The particular issue of plot size is a crucial factor in the whole housing policy as it directly affects the urban land use and consumption and extends its influence far into sustainability and affordability issues and the whole housing policy and supply process. The article, analysing the applied standards, argues that plot subdivision can substantially contribute to providing more access of housing to the low-income groups. Large plot sizes can be subdivided driven by the need to realize security of tenure, doubling the owner-occupier housing stock which is the base issue of self-help housing, increases housing finance, provides variety of housing choices and behind all it conforms to the legacy principles and some cultural attributes of the local community. The article underlined existence of a cumbersome regulatory system, subdivision procedures and development controls which need to be reformed.

Types of trematodes infecting freshwater snails found in irrigation canals in the East Nile locality,Khartoum,Sudan

Background:The planorbid freshwater snails of the two genera,Biomphalaria and Bulinus-have been vigorously studied due to the role they play as intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis.In Sudan specifically,most studies have focused on the chemical and ecological control of the two genera,but few studies have looked at their biological control.This study explored the coexistence of other species of freshwater snails and the two genera along with their trematode infections in relation to a number of environmental factors in the East Nile locality,Khartoum state,Sudan.Methods:Freshwater snails from irrigation canals(abueshreens)were sampled monthly from January 2004 to December 2005.The snails were examined for trematode infections by cercarial emergence immediately after collection and then weekly for an additional four weeks to allow for the maturation of prepatent infections.Vegetation cover in the study sites as well as the physicochemical characteristics of the water,including temperature,were also recorded.Results:A total of 10,493 snails,representing seven species,were collected.The most abundant species was Biomphalaria pfeifferi,representing 48.6%of the sample.Overall,14.1%of the snails were found to be shedding some type of cercariae.Five species were found to have infections;among these the Bulinus truncatus species was found to be the most heavily infected,with an overall prevalence of 46.2%.Double infections were recorded in only two B.truncatus snails and one Cleopatra bulimoides snail.Twenty different morphotypes of cercariae were recorded,seven of which appeared not to conform to previously described cercariae from Africa.Xiphidiocercariae type 1 was the most common type of cercariae recovered,accounting for 44.3% of all infections.The density of snails tended to be lower during the summer months than the winter months,except for M.tuberculata snails,which were not affected by seasonal changes.Conclusion:The findings of this study indicate that besides schistosomes,other larval trematodes are found,and some use the same intermediate hosts as the schistosomes.Further studies should be conducted to determine whether some of these trematodes could be manipulated for the biological control of schistosomiasis.

Origin and Distribution of Heavy Minerals in the Surficial and Subsurficial Sediments of the Alluvial Nile River Terraces

Origin and distribution of the heavy minerals of surficial and subsurficial sediments has been investigated in the alluvial Nile River terraces, Khartoum North, Sudan. Heavy mineral assemblages in the very fine sand fraction (0.063 - 0.125 mm) of 10 sediment samples were identified using petrography microscope. Results of descriptive statistical parameters revealed that most sediments samples belonged within very poorly sorted to extremely poorly sorted, strongly negative skewed to strongly positive skewed and mesokurtic to very leptokurtic. The quartz was the dominant in the opaque minerals in all sediments. The non-opaque heavy minerals were dominant by zircon, tourmaline, rutile, garnet, sillimanite, and andalusite. Results revealed that the ultrastable minerals (zircon, tourmaline and rutile) were found in all sediments with range from (2% - 47.36%, 2.08% - 29% and 3% - 24.99%), respectively. Garnet, sillimanite and andalusite were also found with range from (5% - 67%, 1% - 9.09% and 1% - 50%), respectively. Heavy mineral assemblage indentifies sources that are not bounded to the local origin. The proportion and presence of heavy minerals from outside source rocks indicated relatively strong reworking of zircon sand from the outer-shelf to inner-shelf as well relatively long distance of transport. Fluvial and Aeolian sediments were the dominant environments in the investigated area. We conclude that most heavy minerals in the study area are originally derived from gneisses and schist metamorphic rocks and some igneous rocks of the Ethiopian plateau.

非洲喀土穆盆地下白垩统烃源岩特征与油气成藏

喀土穆盆地是一个中新生代裂谷盆地,位于中非裂谷系最东端,盆内发育十多个凹陷。本次研究基于岩屑和原油样品的地球化学分析,重点对盆地内K凹陷和D凹陷下白垩统烃源岩进行研究。结果表明,K凹陷下白垩统AJ组发育一套较为优质的湖相泥岩,厚度为40~180m,以Ⅱ型有机质为主,整体热演化为低熟-成熟阶段;AJ组泥岩的姥植比多为0.5~2之间,属于半还原-半氧化环境,有机质以半咸水湖泊中水体生物和陆源高等植物混源为主。而D凹陷的下白垩统D3组发育一套中等到好的气源岩,以Ⅱ2~Ⅲ型有机质为主,整体热演化为成熟-高成熟阶段,总有机碳比AJ组稍低,但厚度很大在200~500 m之间。从K凹陷向南到D凹陷,有机质中高等植物来源占比增高,藻类和细菌来源有机质占比降低,盆地中原油的萜烷和甾烷含量均较低,藿烷含量高,具有典型的中非裂谷系原油特征。结合有机质类型和成熟度,喀土穆盆地K凹陷未来勘探应以油为主, D凹陷以气为主,其余凹陷潜力有限。

Quality Improvement of Sudanese Petrodiesel Fuel by Furfural

The main objective of this project is quality improvement of Sudanese petrodiesel fuel by the use of furfural. The Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry GC/MS technique was performed to analyze organic compounds for marked petrodiesel fuel before and after treatment by furfural, physicochemical characteristics of petrodiesel fuel were investigated before and after treatment according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), characteristics include: density, distillation, cloud point, viscosity, ash content, micro carbon residue, water content, flash point, colour, copper strip corrosion, sulfur content and calculated cetane number. Elements composition of petrodiesel sample has been determined by Inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The furfural showed high ability in extraction of aromatic, cyclo and branched hydrocarbons, a total of 81 organic compounds that exhibit a negative effect on quality of petrodiesel have been removed by furfural. All physicochemical characteristics of petrodiesel fuel were improved within permissible limits assigned by ASTM. The furfural has shown no effect on colour of Sudanese Petrodiesel, which cetane number has increased from 54.46 to 58.36. The concentration of Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Al and As have been decreased after treatment by furfural, these results have led to decrease of ash content.

单塔低压全吹出工艺在苏丹喀土穆炼厂100×10^4t/a酸性水汽提装置上的应用

在苏丹喀土穆炼厂,为与三期扩建炼油生产能力配套,解决现污水汽提装置处理能力小,净化水质量不合格,侧线抽氨中硫化氢含量高,恶臭气味造成环境污染等问题,新上一套100×104t/a酸性水汽提装置,采用单塔低压全吹出工艺,酸性水储罐罐顶气体采用成套设施脱臭,并采用注碱脱除酸性水中固氨等技术,处理来自延迟焦化装置、焦化汽油、柴油加氢装置、催化裂化装置以及常减压装置的含硫污水,装置所产净化水返回常减压、催化裂化和焦化装置回用,剩余部分送污水处理场。装置应用表明,单塔低压全吹出工艺技术成熟可靠,对原料适应范围宽,脱臭及注碱等技术的应用,提高了净化水的质量指标,使其既能满足下游污水处理厂的要求,又可用于回注。

蓝尼罗河盆地喀土穆凹陷构造演化及烃源岩发育特征

对蓝尼罗河盆地喀土穆凹陷构造演化特征进行了分析,重新厘定了构造演化阶段,并对主力烃源岩发育特征及油气来源进行了深入分析。研究表明:喀土穆凹陷的形成与演化受控于中非剪切带的活动,该凹陷经历了裂陷Ⅰ期、裂陷Ⅱ期及拗陷期等构造演化阶段。早白垩世裂陷Ⅰ期的强裂陷作用是湖相烃源岩发育的主要时期,综合烃源岩地化指标及油-源对比分析认为Abu Jinn组烃源岩为喀土穆凹陷的主力烃源岩。喀土穆凹陷Abu Jinn组烃源岩与穆格莱德盆地Abu Gabra组主力烃源岩沉积环境类似,为弱氧化-弱还原的沉积环境,且水体较淡。不同构造位置处Abu Jinn组烃源岩有机质类型和甾烷分布差别较大。Abu Jinn组烃源岩热演化程度主要受埋藏深度的控制,但火山活动促进了Abu Jinn组烃源岩的热演化,烃源岩成熟度受火成岩影响范围约为火成岩上下200 m范围。

苏丹稠油延迟焦化装置直接引稠油开工情况

介绍了中国石油国际苏丹喀土穆炼油有限公司喀土穆炼油厂,在直接加工苏丹稠油(一种高酸高钙高黏度重质原油)延迟焦化装置中采用的两种开工方式,分析了它们的优缺点。该装置原来引用常压渣油作为进料进行开工,待操作正常后再切换为稠油进料,虽然这种开工方式在装置开工循环过程中,脱除轻组分的时间短,但在切换四通阀以后调整操作的难度较大,因此后来改为直接引用原油(稠油)作为进料进行开工。实践证明,直接引用原油开工的效果很好,操作调整简单,大量的轻组分进入分馏塔上部,分馏塔各侧线回流较容易建立;另外未出现常压渣油开工过程中蜡油量大、塔底温度高、加热炉对流段出口油温超高现象。