Introduction: Disaster damage to health systems is a human and health tragedy, results in huge economic losses, deals devastating blows to development goals, and shakes social confidence. Hospital disaster preparednes...Introduction: Disaster damage to health systems is a human and health tragedy, results in huge economic losses, deals devastating blows to development goals, and shakes social confidence. Hospital disaster preparedness presents complex clinical operation. It is difficult philosophical challenge. It is difficult to determine how much time, money, and effort should be spent in preparing for an event that may not occur. Health facilities whether hospitals or rural health clinics, should be a source of strength during emergencies and disasters. They should be ready to save lives and to continue providing essential emergencies and disasters. Jeddah has relatively a level of disaster risk which is attributable to its geographical location, climate variability, topography, etc. This study investigates the hospital disaster preparedness (HDP) in Jeddah. Methods: Questionnaire was designed according to five Likert scales. It was divided into eight fields of 33 indicators: structure, architectural and furnishings, lifeline facilities’ safety, hospital location, utilities maintenance, surge capacity, emergency and disaster plan, and control of communication and coordination. Sample of six hospitals participated in the study and rated to the extent of disaster preparedness for each hospital disaster preparedness indicators. Two hazard tools were used to find out the hazards for each hospital. An assessment tool was designed to monitor progress and effectiveness of the hospitals’ improvement. Weakness was found in HDP level in the surveyed hospitals. Disaster mitigation needs more action including: risk assessment, structural and non-structural prevention, and preparedness for contingency planning and warning and evacuation. Conclusion: The finding shows that hospitals included in this study have tools and indicators in hospital preparedness but with lack of training and management during disaster. So the research shed light on hospital disaster preparedness. Considering the importance of preparedness in disaster, it is necessary for hospitals to understand that most of hospital disaster preparedness is built in the hospital system.展开更多
This article represents the main positions of the theory of pleiotropic action of biologically active compounds (BACs) and medicines, which has been designed by the author based on her own experimental researches. The...This article represents the main positions of the theory of pleiotropic action of biologically active compounds (BACs) and medicines, which has been designed by the author based on her own experimental researches. The term “pleiotropy” means the ability of the BACs and medicines to implement more than one mechanism of action resulting in the specific biological (pharmacological) effect. The interaction of these mechanisms forms a distinct pattern of biological response (pleiotropic pattern), which reflects the change in his character with the increased dose (concentration)-dependent efficacy of BACs and medicines. The article consists of description of different pleiotropic patterns established in experiments on the model of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by macrophages dependent on activity of specialized enzyme called Nox2-NAD(P)H oxidase (Nox2, EC 1.6.3.1). Moreover, it consists of explanation of pharmacodynamic nature of pleiotropic patterns by means of application Chou-Talalay median effect equalization and combination index (CI) theory. The novel theory explains unsolved until now universal aspects of activity BACs and medicines, such as slope angles of “dose-effect” dependences in the conditions relevant in vivo, and it is of fundamental interest. However, it has applications in experimental pharmacology, as it allows defining the choice of the individual compounds and combinations, modulating the trust effect selectively and efficiently. This knowledge opens up new approaches to medicines discovery and evaluation, their rational dosing and combining.展开更多
The H-K-ATPase (HKA), a potassium-dependent proton transporter in the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis. The OMCD contains two HKA isoforms;gastric (HKAα1), domin...The H-K-ATPase (HKA), a potassium-dependent proton transporter in the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis. The OMCD contains two HKA isoforms;gastric (HKAα1), dominant under normal dietary conditions (ND), and colonic (HKAα2), induced under a K-free diet (KD). The enzymatic activity (EA) of HKA in the OMCD is incompletely understood. The focus of the present study is elucidating the EA of the HKA in HKAα1 and HKAα2 knockout (KO) mice under ND and KD. KO mice were subjected to ND or KD for 10 days. Ten OMCD tubules were extracted, half placed in potassium-free media (Solution 2), half in potassium-containing media (Solution 3). Fluorescence measurements are based on the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP, coupled with the oxidation of NADH. ADP is determined by a decrease in NADH fluorescence. In K presence, NADH fluorescence of HKAα1 KO mice read 13.5 ± 0.7 ppm for ND and 10.3 ± 0.2 ppm for KD, indicating stimulation of the colonic isoform. HKAα2 KO mice averaged 6.8 ± 0.3 ppm for ND and 5.4 ± 0.3 ppm for KD in solution 2 (p p α2 isoform. A significant difference in ATP production in HKAα2 KO mice is likely due to enhanced EA of H-ATPase under potassium depletion.展开更多
In this paper, we propose a H∞ robust observer-based control DC motor based on a photovoltaic pumping system. Maximum power point tracking is achieved via an algorithm using Perturb and Observe method, with array vol...In this paper, we propose a H∞ robust observer-based control DC motor based on a photovoltaic pumping system. Maximum power point tracking is achieved via an algorithm using Perturb and Observe method, with array voltage and current being used to generate the reference voltage which should be the PV panel’s operating voltage to get maximum available power. A Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) observer has been proposed and designed with non-measurable premise variables and the conditions of stability are given in terms of Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI). The simulation results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.展开更多
In this paper, H∞ optimal model reduction for singular fast subsystems will be inves-tigated. First, error system is established to measure the error magnitude between the original andreduced systems, and it is demon...In this paper, H∞ optimal model reduction for singular fast subsystems will be inves-tigated. First, error system is established to measure the error magnitude between the original andreduced systems, and it is demonstrated that the new feature for model reduction of singular systemsis to make H∞ norm of the error system finite and minimal. The necessary and su?cient conditionis derived for the existence of the H∞ suboptimal model reduction problem. Next, we give an exactand practicable algorithm to get the parameters of the reduced subsystems by applying the matrixtheory. Meanwhile, the reduced system may be also impulsive. The advantages of the proposedalgorithm are that it is more ?exible in a straight-forward way without much extra computation, andthe order of the reduced systems is as minimal as possible. Finally, one illustrative example is givento illustrate the e?ectiveness of the proposed model reduction approach.展开更多
A complementarity hypothesis concerning outsider and insider perspectives of a gargantuan black hole is proposed. The two thought experiments presented herein are followed by a brief discussion of a new interpretation...A complementarity hypothesis concerning outsider and insider perspectives of a gargantuan black hole is proposed. The two thought experiments presented herein are followed by a brief discussion of a new interpretation of black hole interior “space-and-time-reversal”. Specifically, it is proposed that the “singularity” space of the black hole interior is time-like and the expansion time of the black hole interior is space-like. The resemblance of this new insider interpretation to our own expanding and redshifting big bang universe is compelling.展开更多
Influenza and other respiratory viral infections account for 80%-90% of infectious pathologies. Influenza A (H5N1) virus has an apparent pneumotropism, and therefore the lung compartment of mononuclear phagocyte syste...Influenza and other respiratory viral infections account for 80%-90% of infectious pathologies. Influenza A (H5N1) virus has an apparent pneumotropism, and therefore the lung compartment of mononuclear phagocyte system plays an important role in antiviral immunity. Lung macrophages are active phagocytes expressing variety of antiviral factors. The investigation of morphofunctional status of lung macrophages and evaluation of their role in mammal antiviral response in a mouse model were performed within the study. Methods: Light microscopy using standard hematoxylin-eosin, and Van-Gizon’s picrofuchsin staining. Immunohistochemistry using influenza A antigen marker specific primary antibodies, myeloperoxidase, cathepsin D, lysozyme, NO synthase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cells of CD68 macrophage lineage, PCNA proliferative activity. Morphometric and statistical analysis. Results: Influenza A virus antigen was detected in lung macrophages starting from day 1 to day 14 of infection which corresponds with the beginning of convalescence and may be suggestive of prolonged persistence of virus. On the one hand, the cytopathic effects of the virus lead to lung macrophages death mainly via apoptosis through activation of caspase cascade, including caspase-3 and caspase-9. On the other hand, the observed activation of PCNA proliferation marker, perhaps, allows to support the pool of lung macrophages not only by their recruitment from bone marrow but also by their proliferation in situ. The increase of mononuclear phagocyte system cells expressing antiviral factors depended on the stage of infection. In the early stage, there was an increase of number of cells expressing lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, cathepsin D, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) followed by the increase of number of macrophages expressing inducible NO synthase (iNOS), pro-inflammatory cytokines and interleukins.展开更多
文摘Introduction: Disaster damage to health systems is a human and health tragedy, results in huge economic losses, deals devastating blows to development goals, and shakes social confidence. Hospital disaster preparedness presents complex clinical operation. It is difficult philosophical challenge. It is difficult to determine how much time, money, and effort should be spent in preparing for an event that may not occur. Health facilities whether hospitals or rural health clinics, should be a source of strength during emergencies and disasters. They should be ready to save lives and to continue providing essential emergencies and disasters. Jeddah has relatively a level of disaster risk which is attributable to its geographical location, climate variability, topography, etc. This study investigates the hospital disaster preparedness (HDP) in Jeddah. Methods: Questionnaire was designed according to five Likert scales. It was divided into eight fields of 33 indicators: structure, architectural and furnishings, lifeline facilities’ safety, hospital location, utilities maintenance, surge capacity, emergency and disaster plan, and control of communication and coordination. Sample of six hospitals participated in the study and rated to the extent of disaster preparedness for each hospital disaster preparedness indicators. Two hazard tools were used to find out the hazards for each hospital. An assessment tool was designed to monitor progress and effectiveness of the hospitals’ improvement. Weakness was found in HDP level in the surveyed hospitals. Disaster mitigation needs more action including: risk assessment, structural and non-structural prevention, and preparedness for contingency planning and warning and evacuation. Conclusion: The finding shows that hospitals included in this study have tools and indicators in hospital preparedness but with lack of training and management during disaster. So the research shed light on hospital disaster preparedness. Considering the importance of preparedness in disaster, it is necessary for hospitals to understand that most of hospital disaster preparedness is built in the hospital system.
文摘This article represents the main positions of the theory of pleiotropic action of biologically active compounds (BACs) and medicines, which has been designed by the author based on her own experimental researches. The term “pleiotropy” means the ability of the BACs and medicines to implement more than one mechanism of action resulting in the specific biological (pharmacological) effect. The interaction of these mechanisms forms a distinct pattern of biological response (pleiotropic pattern), which reflects the change in his character with the increased dose (concentration)-dependent efficacy of BACs and medicines. The article consists of description of different pleiotropic patterns established in experiments on the model of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by macrophages dependent on activity of specialized enzyme called Nox2-NAD(P)H oxidase (Nox2, EC 1.6.3.1). Moreover, it consists of explanation of pharmacodynamic nature of pleiotropic patterns by means of application Chou-Talalay median effect equalization and combination index (CI) theory. The novel theory explains unsolved until now universal aspects of activity BACs and medicines, such as slope angles of “dose-effect” dependences in the conditions relevant in vivo, and it is of fundamental interest. However, it has applications in experimental pharmacology, as it allows defining the choice of the individual compounds and combinations, modulating the trust effect selectively and efficiently. This knowledge opens up new approaches to medicines discovery and evaluation, their rational dosing and combining.
文摘The H-K-ATPase (HKA), a potassium-dependent proton transporter in the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis. The OMCD contains two HKA isoforms;gastric (HKAα1), dominant under normal dietary conditions (ND), and colonic (HKAα2), induced under a K-free diet (KD). The enzymatic activity (EA) of HKA in the OMCD is incompletely understood. The focus of the present study is elucidating the EA of the HKA in HKAα1 and HKAα2 knockout (KO) mice under ND and KD. KO mice were subjected to ND or KD for 10 days. Ten OMCD tubules were extracted, half placed in potassium-free media (Solution 2), half in potassium-containing media (Solution 3). Fluorescence measurements are based on the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP, coupled with the oxidation of NADH. ADP is determined by a decrease in NADH fluorescence. In K presence, NADH fluorescence of HKAα1 KO mice read 13.5 ± 0.7 ppm for ND and 10.3 ± 0.2 ppm for KD, indicating stimulation of the colonic isoform. HKAα2 KO mice averaged 6.8 ± 0.3 ppm for ND and 5.4 ± 0.3 ppm for KD in solution 2 (p p α2 isoform. A significant difference in ATP production in HKAα2 KO mice is likely due to enhanced EA of H-ATPase under potassium depletion.
文摘In this paper, we propose a H∞ robust observer-based control DC motor based on a photovoltaic pumping system. Maximum power point tracking is achieved via an algorithm using Perturb and Observe method, with array voltage and current being used to generate the reference voltage which should be the PV panel’s operating voltage to get maximum available power. A Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) observer has been proposed and designed with non-measurable premise variables and the conditions of stability are given in terms of Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI). The simulation results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
文摘In this paper, H∞ optimal model reduction for singular fast subsystems will be inves-tigated. First, error system is established to measure the error magnitude between the original andreduced systems, and it is demonstrated that the new feature for model reduction of singular systemsis to make H∞ norm of the error system finite and minimal. The necessary and su?cient conditionis derived for the existence of the H∞ suboptimal model reduction problem. Next, we give an exactand practicable algorithm to get the parameters of the reduced subsystems by applying the matrixtheory. Meanwhile, the reduced system may be also impulsive. The advantages of the proposedalgorithm are that it is more ?exible in a straight-forward way without much extra computation, andthe order of the reduced systems is as minimal as possible. Finally, one illustrative example is givento illustrate the e?ectiveness of the proposed model reduction approach.
文摘A complementarity hypothesis concerning outsider and insider perspectives of a gargantuan black hole is proposed. The two thought experiments presented herein are followed by a brief discussion of a new interpretation of black hole interior “space-and-time-reversal”. Specifically, it is proposed that the “singularity” space of the black hole interior is time-like and the expansion time of the black hole interior is space-like. The resemblance of this new insider interpretation to our own expanding and redshifting big bang universe is compelling.
文摘Influenza and other respiratory viral infections account for 80%-90% of infectious pathologies. Influenza A (H5N1) virus has an apparent pneumotropism, and therefore the lung compartment of mononuclear phagocyte system plays an important role in antiviral immunity. Lung macrophages are active phagocytes expressing variety of antiviral factors. The investigation of morphofunctional status of lung macrophages and evaluation of their role in mammal antiviral response in a mouse model were performed within the study. Methods: Light microscopy using standard hematoxylin-eosin, and Van-Gizon’s picrofuchsin staining. Immunohistochemistry using influenza A antigen marker specific primary antibodies, myeloperoxidase, cathepsin D, lysozyme, NO synthase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cells of CD68 macrophage lineage, PCNA proliferative activity. Morphometric and statistical analysis. Results: Influenza A virus antigen was detected in lung macrophages starting from day 1 to day 14 of infection which corresponds with the beginning of convalescence and may be suggestive of prolonged persistence of virus. On the one hand, the cytopathic effects of the virus lead to lung macrophages death mainly via apoptosis through activation of caspase cascade, including caspase-3 and caspase-9. On the other hand, the observed activation of PCNA proliferation marker, perhaps, allows to support the pool of lung macrophages not only by their recruitment from bone marrow but also by their proliferation in situ. The increase of mononuclear phagocyte system cells expressing antiviral factors depended on the stage of infection. In the early stage, there was an increase of number of cells expressing lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, cathepsin D, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) followed by the increase of number of macrophages expressing inducible NO synthase (iNOS), pro-inflammatory cytokines and interleukins.
