Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0172
Justin J. Gengler, N. Lari, Buthaina A. Al-Khelaifi, Maryam F. Al Thani, Rima Charbaji El-Kassem, Fatma Almoghunni
Amid the outbreak of the contagious novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), states were put in an unprecedented situation never encountered before. Qatari authorities applied certain preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus. Still, knowledge of public risk perceptions and behavioral responses surrounding the COVID-19 epidemic is emerging, and clear quantitative data remain limited. This poster summarizes the results of a SESRI study that investigated social attitudes, behavior, and consequences surrounding COVID-19 in Qatar. An original online survey was conducted in both Qatar and a comparison case (Kuwait) during a 3-month period from November 2020 to January 2021. A total of 4,597 citizens and residents of Qatar aged 18 years and older were recruited to participate in the study, with 2,282 completing the full interview schedule. A total of 2,671 citizens and residents of Kuwait (1,184 completed) also took part in the survey to provide a regional baseline. The study produced many previously unavailable insights. Attitudes on risk perception, behavioral responses, and psychological distress were examined, along with individual-level determinants of intentions to comply as well as actual compliance with mandated preventive measures. The study findings suggest that authorities in Qatar should prioritize increasing public knowledge about COVID-19, present clear explanations of important changes in public policy surrounding COVID-19, spread accurate information about COVID-19 to combat the global online misinformation and debunk conspiracy theories and perpetuating myths. Redouble efforts to ensure public compliance with COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly among Qatari citizens and in relation to social gatherings, continue the transparent communication about its approach of handling the crisis with the public and effectively communicate the dangers of COVID-19 in order to encourage citizens and residents to comply with restrictions and to take the vaccine.
{"title":"Social Attitudes, Behavior, and Consequences surrounding COVID-19 in Qatar: Findings from a Large-scale Online Survey V2H Operations","authors":"Justin J. Gengler, N. Lari, Buthaina A. Al-Khelaifi, Maryam F. Al Thani, Rima Charbaji El-Kassem, Fatma Almoghunni","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0172","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0172","url":null,"abstract":"Amid the outbreak of the contagious novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), states were put in an unprecedented situation never encountered before. Qatari authorities applied certain preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus. Still, knowledge of public risk perceptions and behavioral responses surrounding the COVID-19 epidemic is emerging, and clear quantitative data remain limited. This poster summarizes the results of a SESRI study that investigated social attitudes, behavior, and consequences surrounding COVID-19 in Qatar. An original online survey was conducted in both Qatar and a comparison case (Kuwait) during a 3-month period from November 2020 to January 2021. A total of 4,597 citizens and residents of Qatar aged 18 years and older were recruited to participate in the study, with 2,282 completing the full interview schedule. A total of 2,671 citizens and residents of Kuwait (1,184 completed) also took part in the survey to provide a regional baseline. The study produced many previously unavailable insights. Attitudes on risk perception, behavioral responses, and psychological distress were examined, along with individual-level determinants of intentions to comply as well as actual compliance with mandated preventive measures. The study findings suggest that authorities in Qatar should prioritize increasing public knowledge about COVID-19, present clear explanations of important changes in public policy surrounding COVID-19, spread accurate information about COVID-19 to combat the global online misinformation and debunk conspiracy theories and perpetuating myths. Redouble efforts to ensure public compliance with COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly among Qatari citizens and in relation to social gatherings, continue the transparent communication about its approach of handling the crisis with the public and effectively communicate the dangers of COVID-19 in order to encourage citizens and residents to comply with restrictions and to take the vaccine.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"44 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89809517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0142
Zainab Abdulwahab, Sara Qaddourah, Hajer Nafea, Omnia Abdelmegid
Background: Cognitive impairments has become a global public concern. A limited number of studies suggest a positive association between nuts intake and cognitive function. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between nuts consumption and cognitive function and to test whether hypertension and diabetes mediate this association among adults in Qatar. Methods: Data from 1000 participants aged 20 and above who attended Qatar Biobank (QBB) were used. Nuts consumption was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Blood samples were measured for magnesium and glucose. Cognitive function was assessed using computer self-administrated test to measure Mean Reaction Time (MRT). Linear regression was used to assess the association. Results: A total of 21.1% of the sample reported consuming nuts more than 4-6 times/week (high consumption) while 40.2% reported the consumption ≤1 time/month (low consumption). The mean MRT was 715.6 millisecond (SD 204.1). An inverse association was found between nuts consumption and MRT. Compared with those with a low consumption, high consumption of nuts had a regression coefficient of -36.95 (-68.09 to -5.82) after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The inverse association between nuts and MRT was mainly seen among those aged >50 years. There was an interaction between nuts consumption and hypertension. The association between nuts consumption and MRT was not mediated via hypertension, diabetes, and serum magnesium. Conclusion: There is a positive association between nuts consumption and cognitive function, especially among old adults.
{"title":"Nuts consumption and cognitive function","authors":"Zainab Abdulwahab, Sara Qaddourah, Hajer Nafea, Omnia Abdelmegid","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0142","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Cognitive impairments has become a global public concern. A limited number of studies suggest a positive association between nuts intake and cognitive function. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between nuts consumption and cognitive function and to test whether hypertension and diabetes mediate this association among adults in Qatar. Methods: Data from 1000 participants aged 20 and above who attended Qatar Biobank (QBB) were used. Nuts consumption was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Blood samples were measured for magnesium and glucose. Cognitive function was assessed using computer self-administrated test to measure Mean Reaction Time (MRT). Linear regression was used to assess the association. Results: A total of 21.1% of the sample reported consuming nuts more than 4-6 times/week (high consumption) while 40.2% reported the consumption ≤1 time/month (low consumption). The mean MRT was 715.6 millisecond (SD 204.1). An inverse association was found between nuts consumption and MRT. Compared with those with a low consumption, high consumption of nuts had a regression coefficient of -36.95 (-68.09 to -5.82) after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The inverse association between nuts and MRT was mainly seen among those aged >50 years. There was an interaction between nuts consumption and hypertension. The association between nuts consumption and MRT was not mediated via hypertension, diabetes, and serum magnesium. Conclusion: There is a positive association between nuts consumption and cognitive function, especially among old adults.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"72 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84164172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0028
V. Subramanian, V. M. Aboobacker, A. Giráldes, S. Dib, J. Al-Khayat, P. Vethamony
The ubiquitous microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental issue in the marine environment. In this study, historical accumulation trends of MPs in the beach sediments around the Ras Rakan Island of Qatar have been established. The vertical distribution of MPs ranged from 0 to 665 particles/kg with maximum abundance at the surface layer (0–5 cm). Pellets were the dominant type of MPs in the surface sediments, whereas fibers were dominant in the bottom sediments. The polymer composition of MPs was identified using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene (EPS) were the abundant polymers present in the sediments. High MP concentrations were found in the western and northern parts of the island. The prevailing winds, waves, tides and currents are the forces responsible for the distribution and transport of MPs from the offshore to the island and further to vertical re-distribution as time progresses. The level of MP pollution along the Coast of Ras Rakan Island was higher than that found on the coast of mainland Qatar. This informs that remote islands should also be considered for MP pollution monitoring to assess the risk associated with MP on the biota.
{"title":"Microplastics in the Beach Sediments around the Ras Rakan Island, Qatar","authors":"V. Subramanian, V. M. Aboobacker, A. Giráldes, S. Dib, J. Al-Khayat, P. Vethamony","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0028","url":null,"abstract":"The ubiquitous microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental issue in the marine environment. In this study, historical accumulation trends of MPs in the beach sediments around the Ras Rakan Island of Qatar have been established. The vertical distribution of MPs ranged from 0 to 665 particles/kg with maximum abundance at the surface layer (0–5 cm). Pellets were the dominant type of MPs in the surface sediments, whereas fibers were dominant in the bottom sediments. The polymer composition of MPs was identified using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene (EPS) were the abundant polymers present in the sediments. High MP concentrations were found in the western and northern parts of the island. The prevailing winds, waves, tides and currents are the forces responsible for the distribution and transport of MPs from the offshore to the island and further to vertical re-distribution as time progresses. The level of MP pollution along the Coast of Ras Rakan Island was higher than that found on the coast of mainland Qatar. This informs that remote islands should also be considered for MP pollution monitoring to assess the risk associated with MP on the biota.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83928908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0010
Mona Gulied, Sifani Zavahir, Tasneem Elmakki, H. Qiblawey, B. Hameed, D. Han
Qatar fertilizer company (QAFCO) is one of the world’s largest single site producer of ammonia and urea with production capacity of 12,900 metric tons per day. Currently, QAFCO faces major challenges in terms of water streams management that is generated from many processes such as wastewater from Harbor-Bosch process and brine solution from multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination process. To protect the environment; QAFCO has been making an effort to minimize the disposal of all types of water disposed into the sea. Here, this project proposes to develop a viable and economically effective process that can reach zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) of all processed water or wastewater from QAFCO facilities. The best method for ZLD is membrane distillation crystallization (MDC) hybrid process that concentrates and minimizes the volume of wastewater/brine streams to form solid through crystallizer. Membrane distillation (MD) is a thermally driven membrane process. It applies low-grade energy to create a thermal gradient across a microporous hydrophobic to vaporize water in the feed stream and condense the permeated vapor in the cold side. This research work aims to evaluate the performance of MDC for ZLD using commercial/fabricated electrospun nanofiber membrane (ENM) PVDF –base membranes at different type water streams. A general observation, higher water vapor flux and water recovery were exhibited at higher feed conductivity at 70°C. Moreover, the fabricated hydrophobic PVDF ENMs results confirmed the formation of nanofiber at the membrane surface using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the water contact angle values of PVDF ENMs were greater than 100° and have stable mechanical and chemical properties. The ongoing research work will conduct a comparison between the optimum PVDF ENMs and the commercial MD membranes in terms of water recovery, salt rejection%, fouling/scaling, amount of collected solid and energy consumption at optimum operating conditions in MDC. In addition, it will perform a techno- economic feasibility assessment of the MDC hybrid process.
{"title":"Membrane Distillation Crystallization Hybrid Process for Zero Liquid Discharge in QAFCO Plant","authors":"Mona Gulied, Sifani Zavahir, Tasneem Elmakki, H. Qiblawey, B. Hameed, D. Han","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0010","url":null,"abstract":"Qatar fertilizer company (QAFCO) is one of the world’s largest single site producer of ammonia and urea with production capacity of 12,900 metric tons per day. Currently, QAFCO faces major challenges in terms of water streams management that is generated from many processes such as wastewater from Harbor-Bosch process and brine solution from multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination process. To protect the environment; QAFCO has been making an effort to minimize the disposal of all types of water disposed into the sea. Here, this project proposes to develop a viable and economically effective process that can reach zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) of all processed water or wastewater from QAFCO facilities. The best method for ZLD is membrane distillation crystallization (MDC) hybrid process that concentrates and minimizes the volume of wastewater/brine streams to form solid through crystallizer. Membrane distillation (MD) is a thermally driven membrane process. It applies low-grade energy to create a thermal gradient across a microporous hydrophobic to vaporize water in the feed stream and condense the permeated vapor in the cold side. This research work aims to evaluate the performance of MDC for ZLD using commercial/fabricated electrospun nanofiber membrane (ENM) PVDF –base membranes at different type water streams. A general observation, higher water vapor flux and water recovery were exhibited at higher feed conductivity at 70°C. Moreover, the fabricated hydrophobic PVDF ENMs results confirmed the formation of nanofiber at the membrane surface using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the water contact angle values of PVDF ENMs were greater than 100° and have stable mechanical and chemical properties. The ongoing research work will conduct a comparison between the optimum PVDF ENMs and the commercial MD membranes in terms of water recovery, salt rejection%, fouling/scaling, amount of collected solid and energy consumption at optimum operating conditions in MDC. In addition, it will perform a techno- economic feasibility assessment of the MDC hybrid process.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"109 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79392528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0185
فاطمة محمد الدوسري
التعاون بين المدرسة وأولياء الأمور يكون بأكثر من صورة وطريقة. وفي هذه الدراسة التي أجريت مع 11 من أولياء الأمور في مدرسة دمج حكومية، وأخصائي اجتماعي. ينظر الباحثون إلى نوع التعاون الذي ينشأ بين الطرفين المذكورين سابقًا. وعليه، فقد استعمل الباحثون أداتي المقابلة والاستبانة التي حددت استجابة إيجابية لنوع التعاون الذي يربط بين الأسر والأخصائي الاجتماعي. وقد تحددت نسبة الرضا من خلال هذه الدراسة بنحو 64,34%.
{"title":"دور التعاون بين أسر ذوي الاحتياجات الخاصة مع الأخصائي الاجتماعي في تعزيز القبول الاجتماعي","authors":"فاطمة محمد الدوسري","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0185","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0185","url":null,"abstract":"التعاون بين المدرسة وأولياء الأمور يكون بأكثر من صورة وطريقة. وفي هذه الدراسة التي أجريت مع 11 من أولياء الأمور في مدرسة دمج حكومية، وأخصائي اجتماعي. ينظر الباحثون إلى نوع التعاون الذي ينشأ بين الطرفين المذكورين سابقًا. وعليه، فقد استعمل الباحثون أداتي المقابلة والاستبانة التي حددت استجابة إيجابية لنوع التعاون الذي يربط بين الأسر والأخصائي الاجتماعي. وقد تحددت نسبة الرضا من خلال هذه الدراسة بنحو 64,34%.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83730233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0183
Shahad Alkhair, Enas Elhawary, Ruba Ali, Nitha Siby, Rania Aledamat, Maryam AlEjji, J. Bhadra, Zubair Ahmed, N. Al-Thani
In early 2020 when Covid-19 hit the globe, it caused significant destruction to the educational process. Schools were shut down, teachers and students struggled to adapt to the new method of learning. Meanwhile, Students were subjected to numerous misinformation circulating about the virus. Thereby it was crucial to develop an interactive virtual health awareness course addressing Covid-19 and utilizing STEM learning in the content of the course. Twenty students (12 Females and 8 Males) from secondary schools inside Qatar participated in the course. Diverse digital tools were integrated into the course contents, such as interactive quizzes, online games, videos, and PowerPoint presentations to increase student’s interest in STEM. Furthermore, discussions with experts in various fields were held during the course to equip students with the knowledge and competencies needed to meet course outcomes. A feedback mechanism evaluated the course content design and delivery. The results indicated student’s positive responses to the STEM learning experience and the activities implemented in the course. The students exhibited high attendance throughout the course, and they completed their assigned projects voluntarily. The course effectively achieved desired outcomes of the study. The design of the course content integrated various digital tools that address STEM learning and motivate students to join and retain three weeks course duration. The course effectively achieved desired outcomes of the study. The design of the course content integrated various digital tools that address STEM learning and motivate students to join and retain three weeks duration. Consequently, students’ competencies, and innovation capabilities were improved.
{"title":"Development and Productive use of Virtual Pandemic Awareness Course during COVID-19 Outbreak to Stimulate STEM Curiosity in High School Students","authors":"Shahad Alkhair, Enas Elhawary, Ruba Ali, Nitha Siby, Rania Aledamat, Maryam AlEjji, J. Bhadra, Zubair Ahmed, N. Al-Thani","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0183","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0183","url":null,"abstract":"In early 2020 when Covid-19 hit the globe, it caused significant destruction to the educational process. Schools were shut down, teachers and students struggled to adapt to the new method of learning. Meanwhile, Students were subjected to numerous misinformation circulating about the virus. Thereby it was crucial to develop an interactive virtual health awareness course addressing Covid-19 and utilizing STEM learning in the content of the course. Twenty students (12 Females and 8 Males) from secondary schools inside Qatar participated in the course. Diverse digital tools were integrated into the course contents, such as interactive quizzes, online games, videos, and PowerPoint presentations to increase student’s interest in STEM. Furthermore, discussions with experts in various fields were held during the course to equip students with the knowledge and competencies needed to meet course outcomes. A feedback mechanism evaluated the course content design and delivery. The results indicated student’s positive responses to the STEM learning experience and the activities implemented in the course. The students exhibited high attendance throughout the course, and they completed their assigned projects voluntarily. The course effectively achieved desired outcomes of the study. The design of the course content integrated various digital tools that address STEM learning and motivate students to join and retain three weeks course duration. The course effectively achieved desired outcomes of the study. The design of the course content integrated various digital tools that address STEM learning and motivate students to join and retain three weeks duration. Consequently, students’ competencies, and innovation capabilities were improved.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"81 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84137472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0099
C. Cugno, G. Halade, M. Mizanur Rahman
Rosiglitazone is an effective insulin-sensitizer, however, associated with bone loss mainly due to increased bone resorption, and bone marrow adiposity, and decreased bone formation. We investigated the effect of the co-administration of fish oil (FO) rich in omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) on rosiglitazone (RSG)-induced bone loss in aging C57BL/6 mice and the mechanisms underlying potential preventive effect. Mice fed the iso-caloric diet supplemented with fish oil exhibited significantly higher levels of bone density in different regions compared to the other groups. In the same cohort of mice, reduced activity of COX-2, enhanced activity of alkaline phosphatase, lower levels of cathepsin k, PPAR-γ, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a higher level of anti-inflammatory cytokines were observed. Moreover, fish oil restored rosiglitazone-induced down-regulation of osteoblast differentiation and up-regulation of adipocyte differentiation in C3H10T1/2 cells and inhibited the up-regulation of osteoclast differentiation of RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells. We finally tested our hypothesis on human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) differentiated to osteocytes and adipocytes confirming the beneficial effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 FA during treatment with rosiglitazone, through the down-regulation of adipogenic genes, such as adipsin and FABP4 along the PPARg/FABP4 axis, and reducing the capability of osteocytes to switch toward adipogenesis. Our findings demonstrate that fish oil may prevent rosiglitazone-induced bone loss by inhibiting inflammation, osteoclastogenesis, and adipogenesis and by enhancing osteogenesis in the bone microenvironment. Further clinical studies will be undertaken to establish this treatment regimen for the successful treatment of diabetic patients with rosiglitazone without adverse side effects on bone.
{"title":"Omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish oil supplementation prevents rosiglitazone-induced osteopenia in aging mice","authors":"C. Cugno, G. Halade, M. Mizanur Rahman","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0099","url":null,"abstract":"Rosiglitazone is an effective insulin-sensitizer, however, associated with bone loss mainly due to increased bone resorption, and bone marrow adiposity, and decreased bone formation. We investigated the effect of the co-administration of fish oil (FO) rich in omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) on rosiglitazone (RSG)-induced bone loss in aging C57BL/6 mice and the mechanisms underlying potential preventive effect. Mice fed the iso-caloric diet supplemented with fish oil exhibited significantly higher levels of bone density in different regions compared to the other groups. In the same cohort of mice, reduced activity of COX-2, enhanced activity of alkaline phosphatase, lower levels of cathepsin k, PPAR-γ, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a higher level of anti-inflammatory cytokines were observed. Moreover, fish oil restored rosiglitazone-induced down-regulation of osteoblast differentiation and up-regulation of adipocyte differentiation in C3H10T1/2 cells and inhibited the up-regulation of osteoclast differentiation of RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells. We finally tested our hypothesis on human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) differentiated to osteocytes and adipocytes confirming the beneficial effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 FA during treatment with rosiglitazone, through the down-regulation of adipogenic genes, such as adipsin and FABP4 along the PPARg/FABP4 axis, and reducing the capability of osteocytes to switch toward adipogenesis. Our findings demonstrate that fish oil may prevent rosiglitazone-induced bone loss by inhibiting inflammation, osteoclastogenesis, and adipogenesis and by enhancing osteogenesis in the bone microenvironment. Further clinical studies will be undertaken to establish this treatment regimen for the successful treatment of diabetic patients with rosiglitazone without adverse side effects on bone.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90631575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0063
E. Elbashier, I. Hussein
The geometrical properties of the reservoir rocks are usually affected by natural thermodynamics or environmental changes that may affect the amount of gas in place in the reservoir. To address these properties, we conduct density functional theory calculations to study the effect of gas composition on the adsorption (Eads), considering surface strain and curvature effects. Additional analyses, like geometrical analysis, and surface energy, were conducted to explain the results. The results of the strain effect showed that regardless of the strain values or curvature levels, all considered gases are physisorbed, with CO2 having the largest Eads. In addition to their weak interaction with the surface, CH4 shows no particular changing trend of the Eads with strain. The effect of strain becomes more pronounced in the case of CO2 and C2H6. A new model of the nanopore, which is the cylindrical-shaped nanopore, is introduced. Cylindrical nanopores have greater adsorption affinity compared to the flat surface, which demonstrates their higher gas capacity. Additionally, a mathematical model of the Eads vs. the diameter is developed. The capacity test of CH4 and CO2 showed adsorption of >24 molecules. These findings can be useful for determining the estimated ultimate recovery in carbonaceous tight gas reservoirs.
{"title":"Qatari tight Gas Reservoirs: Molecular Simulation insights toward Estimation of Ultimate Recovery (EUR) from Carbonated Reservoirs","authors":"E. Elbashier, I. Hussein","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0063","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0063","url":null,"abstract":"The geometrical properties of the reservoir rocks are usually affected by natural thermodynamics or environmental changes that may affect the amount of gas in place in the reservoir. To address these properties, we conduct density functional theory calculations to study the effect of gas composition on the adsorption (Eads), considering surface strain and curvature effects. Additional analyses, like geometrical analysis, and surface energy, were conducted to explain the results. The results of the strain effect showed that regardless of the strain values or curvature levels, all considered gases are physisorbed, with CO2 having the largest Eads. In addition to their weak interaction with the surface, CH4 shows no particular changing trend of the Eads with strain. The effect of strain becomes more pronounced in the case of CO2 and C2H6. A new model of the nanopore, which is the cylindrical-shaped nanopore, is introduced. Cylindrical nanopores have greater adsorption affinity compared to the flat surface, which demonstrates their higher gas capacity. Additionally, a mathematical model of the Eads vs. the diameter is developed. The capacity test of CH4 and CO2 showed adsorption of >24 molecules. These findings can be useful for determining the estimated ultimate recovery in carbonaceous tight gas reservoirs.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"EM-34 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84532181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0094
Introduction:Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease process of the abdominal aorta that leads to a focal dilation and irreversible remodeling of the arterial wall. In this condition, the aortic vessel diameter is dilated beyond 50% its its size.AAA might gradually expand until rupture If left untreated. Current surgical treatment options also are associated with high mortality rates. Therefore, for AAA, it is critically important to determine when the risk of rupture justifies repair. Current clinical practice is to surgically repair large AAAs with diameter > 5.5 cm. However, the incidence of rupture is independent of the diameter size. Currently there is no accepted technique to quantify the risk of rupture for individual AAAs. It is believed that, rupture locations are where peak wall stresses act. Hemodynamic forces by the flowing blood such as shear stress are also thought to contribute to the formation of aneurysm leading to rupture. Endothelial cells respond to disturbed flows in the aneurysm and initiate inflammation that are thought to be important in disease progression. However, little is known about the flow dynamics in AAA, and how it affects endothelial cell biology leading to AAA rupture. Methods: In this project, we will use different flow systems to induce shear stress over cell’s monolayer. After inducing shear stress, gene expression for shear responsive genes and inflammatory markers will be assessed. Basically, we used the peristaltic pump to induce pulsatile flow over cell’s monolayer, and laminar flow using our modified set up. We will compare gene expression data obtained from those two systems with data obtained from our Fluigent pressurized driven pump. Then, we will use another state-of-the-art system, namely a biological pulsed duplicator. Using the system, endothelial cells that are cultured within AAA shaped chambers will be exposed to physiological flows in order to reveal differential endothelial cell signals at potential rupture locations Results: In this project, pulsatile and steady flow were successfully induced and validated. Endothelial cells are mostly affected by mechanical signals, mostly shear stress. The cell’s cytoskeleton is responsible for cell shape and integrity. Those proteins are affected by fluid flow. We expect to have a differences in the gene expression of different flow conditions. After we obtain the gene expression data, those will be compared to more precise flow set up ( Fluigent pressurized driven pump)
{"title":"Experimental and Biological Investigation of Hemodynamics-induced Injuries for Cardiovascular Disorders","authors":"","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0094","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction:Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease process of the abdominal aorta that leads to a focal dilation and irreversible remodeling of the arterial wall. In this condition, the aortic vessel diameter is dilated beyond 50% its its size.AAA might gradually expand until rupture If left untreated. Current surgical treatment options also are associated with high mortality rates. Therefore, for AAA, it is critically important to determine when the risk of rupture justifies repair. Current clinical practice is to surgically repair large AAAs with diameter > 5.5 cm. However, the incidence of rupture is independent of the diameter size. Currently there is no accepted technique to quantify the risk of rupture for individual AAAs. It is believed that, rupture locations are where peak wall stresses act. Hemodynamic forces by the flowing blood such as shear stress are also thought to contribute to the formation of aneurysm leading to rupture. Endothelial cells respond to disturbed flows in the aneurysm and initiate inflammation that are thought to be important in disease progression. However, little is known about the flow dynamics in AAA, and how it affects endothelial cell biology leading to AAA rupture. Methods: In this project, we will use different flow systems to induce shear stress over cell’s monolayer. After inducing shear stress, gene expression for shear responsive genes and inflammatory markers will be assessed. Basically, we used the peristaltic pump to induce pulsatile flow over cell’s monolayer, and laminar flow using our modified set up. We will compare gene expression data obtained from those two systems with data obtained from our Fluigent pressurized driven pump. Then, we will use another state-of-the-art system, namely a biological pulsed duplicator. Using the system, endothelial cells that are cultured within AAA shaped chambers will be exposed to physiological flows in order to reveal differential endothelial cell signals at potential rupture locations Results: In this project, pulsatile and steady flow were successfully induced and validated. Endothelial cells are mostly affected by mechanical signals, mostly shear stress. The cell’s cytoskeleton is responsible for cell shape and integrity. Those proteins are affected by fluid flow. We expect to have a differences in the gene expression of different flow conditions. After we obtain the gene expression data, those will be compared to more precise flow set up ( Fluigent pressurized driven pump)","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83184400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-20DOI: 10.29117/quarfe.2021.0066
M. Al-Kaabi, M. Al‐Ghouti, N. Zouari, T. Ahmed
The produced water from natural gas production process in the North field offshore is considered as the largest wastewater volume in Qatar, which could be potentially used for clean water resources for the industry as well as for some other domestic uses, if it is treated properly. This research aims to study the physical and chemical characterizations of the produced water from the North field and examine the removal of major inorganic and organic pollutants and heavy metals from the PW by using different treatments method such as using the sand filtration, activated carbon filtration and modified activated carbon filtration. The physical and chemical characterization of produced water was examined followed by treatment through sand filtration coupled with activated carbon and microemulsion modified activated carbon techniques. The results of characterization showed that the produced water had high concentration of COD, TOC, BTEX and various metals. After sand filtration, considerable reduction in TSS and COD was achieved. Furthermore, BTEX were also removed by more than 93% except for toluene. However, sand filtration was not enough to remove most of the metals and ions. Therefore, further treatment was done through activated carbon and modified activated carbon and their treatment efficiency was compared. Both techniques were able to achieve higher removal efficiencies for BTEX, metals and ions. Thus, the treated water was free from all major pollutants of PW and can be considered suitable for reuse at industrial application. Further studies and applications could be applied on produced water such as studying the biological characterization and applying biological treatment processes.
{"title":"An Integrated Approach to Produced Water Treatment using Sand Filtration, Activated Carbon and Microemulsions modified Activated Carbon","authors":"M. Al-Kaabi, M. Al‐Ghouti, N. Zouari, T. Ahmed","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0066","url":null,"abstract":"The produced water from natural gas production process in the North field offshore is considered as the largest wastewater volume in Qatar, which could be potentially used for clean water resources for the industry as well as for some other domestic uses, if it is treated properly. This research aims to study the physical and chemical characterizations of the produced water from the North field and examine the removal of major inorganic and organic pollutants and heavy metals from the PW by using different treatments method such as using the sand filtration, activated carbon filtration and modified activated carbon filtration. The physical and chemical characterization of produced water was examined followed by treatment through sand filtration coupled with activated carbon and microemulsion modified activated carbon techniques. The results of characterization showed that the produced water had high concentration of COD, TOC, BTEX and various metals. After sand filtration, considerable reduction in TSS and COD was achieved. Furthermore, BTEX were also removed by more than 93% except for toluene. However, sand filtration was not enough to remove most of the metals and ions. Therefore, further treatment was done through activated carbon and modified activated carbon and their treatment efficiency was compared. Both techniques were able to achieve higher removal efficiencies for BTEX, metals and ions. Thus, the treated water was free from all major pollutants of PW and can be considered suitable for reuse at industrial application. Further studies and applications could be applied on produced water such as studying the biological characterization and applying biological treatment processes.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91400467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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