There is a continuing concern over the risks associated with the use of microwave ovens because o... more There is a continuing concern over the risks associated with the use of microwave ovens because of the probable effects of the radiation leakage on the health of the individuals. In this paper, a new microstrip bandstop filter BSF is presented, designed and measured as an attempt to reduce the radiation leakage from the domestic microwave ovens operating at 2.45 GHz. The proposed BSF is composed of fractal based open-loop resonators coupled with an open-stub transmission line. The open-loop resonators are in the form of modified Minkowski fractal geometry of the 1st iteration. The open stubs have been adopted to increase the selectivity of the filter stopband response. The suggested filter is designed at 2.45 GHz. Modeling and performance assessments of the proposed filter have been evaluated by means of the computer software technique CST Microwave Studio and the Sonnet EM simulator. Simulation results reveal that the modeled filter offers stopband response with high selectivity. A prototype of the proposed filter is fabricated. The size limitations of the microwave oven opening width have been taken into account. Good agreement has been found between measured and simulated results. Four arrays of such a filter have been implemented to cover the microwave oven door frame taking into consideration the opening dimensions such that it well fit it. Measured radiated electric fields from the oven show that it considerably reduces the leaked radiation. By suitable choice of substrate material and carrying out the required dimension scaling, the proposed design idea is flexible and can be generalized for use with a wide variety of microwave equipment in which microwave leakage represents a serious issue.
ARPN journal of engineering and applied sciences, 2018
In this paper, a combination of the dual-mode technique and the fractal based resonator geometry ... more In this paper, a combination of the dual-mode technique and the fractal based resonator geometry has been adopted to design a compact band reject filter. The proposed filter structure relies mainly on that of the triangular patch resonators with an embedded slit structure. The Koch fractal geometry has been applied to the uncoupled side lengths of the triangular patch resonator. The filter structure has been modeled, and its performance is evaluated using the commercially available method of moment (MoM) based simulator, Sonnet. Results imply that the resulting dual-mode response seriously affected by the uncoupled side lengths of the triangular patch resonator. The consequences of varying the Koch indentation angle and the slit length on the resulting filter performance have been explored. Simulation results have confirmed the validity of the proposed resonant structure to realize a compact dual-mode stopband microstrip filter.
2018 Third Scientific Conference of Electrical Engineering (SCEE), 2018
In this paper, an Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) printed monopole antenna based Hard Surface (HS) is propo... more In this paper, an Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) printed monopole antenna based Hard Surface (HS) is proposed for RF energy harvesting to serve the application of the Internet of Things (IoT). The proposed antenna is constructed of a monopole of an open mouth flower patch mounted on an FR4 substrate and followed by an HS array. The antenna is backed with a partial ground plane to enhance the antenna bandwidth. The stability in the antenna radiation pattern over the entire frequency band is achieved by introducing three rows of the proposed HS based on H-Resonators (HS-HR) next to the patch edge. Such arrays provide an Omni directional antenna at several frequency bands that suit the application of RF energy harvesting. The array of the proposed HS-HR provides high electromagnetic impedance within the frequency band of interest toward the patch length. Numerical simulations are accompanied using CST MWS and HFSS software packages to evaluate the antenna performance. Finally, the related measurements to the antenna performance and RF harvesting are conducted at 2.45GHz. It is found that the proposed antenna provides a conversion efficiency of 35% with an acceptable gain-bandwidth product.
International Journal of RF and Microwave Computer-Aided Engineering, 2019
In this article, a novel concept for mutual coupling reduction between antenna elements is propos... more In this article, a novel concept for mutual coupling reduction between antenna elements is proposed at 2.45 GHz for Wi-Fi applications. A reject band filter (RBF) is used in order to reduce the mutual coupling between two monopoles for multiinput multi-output (MIMO) systems. The proposed RBF inclusions are developed to have zero refractive index response over a specific frequency band. The inclusions considered here are composed of open-loop resonators; each one with the same iteration level of Minkowski-like pre-fractal structures coupled with an open-stub transmission line to increase the band selectivity. The inclusions are inserted between λ/2-spaced monopole elements at 2.45 GHz. A significant mutual coupling reduction is realized by incorporating only two RBF cells. Such effective response is attributed to the electromagnetic wave cloaking at 2.45 GHz using the developed RBF inclusions. An extensive theoretical study using both numerical and analytical methods is invoked to obtain the best performance of the proposed MIMO antenna structure. Finally, the experimental and numerical results are agreed excellently.
International Journal of Electronics Letters, 2018
This article suggests a novel 1D Reject Band Filter (RBF) array to prevent the radiation leakage ... more This article suggests a novel 1D Reject Band Filter (RBF) array to prevent the radiation leakage from portable devices around 2.45 GHz. The proposed RBF array is constructed from eightunit cell elements mounted on the same side of an FR-4 substrate of 1.5 mm thickness. Each two adjacent unit cells are separated with 2mm. The individual unit cell design is based on fractal based open-loop resonators of a modified 1 st iteration Minkowski configuration. Such configuration is coupled with an open-stub transmission line to increase the selectivity of the filter stopband response at the frequency of interest. The unit cell performance is evaluated numerically and analytically, and then compared against measurements. Next, the optimal RBF array is fabricated and simulated to evaluate the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) at 2.45 GHz. The SAR effect on the human thigh tissue is studied numerically to show an excellent reduction from 0.912 W/kg to 0.352 W/kg. Finally, the field strength before and after introducing the proposed array underneath a laptop computer, just below the Wi-Fi antenna, is measured and found to be reduced from 497.1 mV/m to 171.8 mV/m.
In this paper, Minkowski fractal based open-loop resonators are adopted to design triple band mic... more In this paper, Minkowski fractal based open-loop resonators are adopted to design triple band microstrip bandstop filters (BSFs). The suggested filter structures are primarily based on that of the conventional open-loop rectangular microstrip resonators. The resonators of the proposed BSF structure are made in the form of Minkowski fractal geometry with different iteration levels. Many filter structures have been modeled, and their performances have been evaluated using the commercially available EM simulator, Sonnet. Each of the modeled filter structures contains two pairs of open loop fractal based resonators with different iteration levels. The lower frequency bandstop performance is attributed to the resonators with higher iteration level while the higher frequency bandstop performance is due to the resonators with lower iteration levels. Simulation results for the proposed microstrip filters have confirmed the validity to realize compact multiband narrow-stopband microstrip filters. Measured results of a fabricated filter prototype are found to be in reasonable agreement with those predicted by numerical computation. The results presented show that the proposed fractal based resonators can be used to construct compact multiband filters with narrow stopbands.
Fractal geometries are found attractive to designers seeking for compact size microwave circuits ... more Fractal geometries are found attractive to designers seeking for compact size microwave circuits and antennas. In this paper, Peano fractal based open-loop resonators are<br>adopted to design dual-band microstrip band-stop filters (PSFs). The suggested filter structure is essentially based on that of the conventional open-loop rectangular microstrip resonators. The resonators of the proposed PSF structure are made in the form of Peano fractal geometry with<br>different iteration levels. Many filters have been modeled, and their performances have been evaluated using a commercially available full-wave electromagnetic simulator. Each of the modeled filter structures contains two pairs of open loop fractal based resonators with different iteration<br>levels. The lower frequency band-stop performance is attributed to the resonators with higher iteration level while the higher frequency band-stop performance is due to the resonators with lower iteration level. Simulatio...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2018
Introduction: Spirometry performed prior to surgery provides information on the types of lung dis... more Introduction: Spirometry performed prior to surgery provides information on the types of lung disorders in patients. The purpose of this study was to look for a relationship between the prevalence of diabetes and spirometry parameters. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in patients with coronary artery disease who were eligible for an isolated coronary artery bypass graft in 2013. The study group included 367 patients (287 men and 80 women) aged 68.7 ± 8.4 years. They were divided into those with diagnosed diabetes (group I, n = 138, 37.6%) and without diabetes (group II, n = 229, 62.4%). Spirometry tests were performed on the day of admission to the hospital. Results: Patients with diabetes (group I) had a significantly higher body mass index than those without diabetes (group II). Spirometry tests also showed that patients with diabetes had statistically significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0). Both FVC and FEV1.0 were also statistically significantly lower for overweight and obese individuals in group I than those in group II. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes eligible for coronary artery bypass grafting with concurrent overweight or obesity are more likely to have lower spirometry parameters than those without diabetes.
This article focuses on the impact of digital platforms on international marketing. It describes ... more This article focuses on the impact of digital platforms on international marketing. It describes the evolution of social media and its influence on marketing. After identifying a typology of context for international marketing, the author identifies and describes five dimensions of value creation in marketing: access, affordability, acceptance, awareness, and activation. Finally, this article provides future implications for areas of research in social media and international marketing.
Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings Volume 2016 Issue 1, 2016
Introduction The levels of chronic disease amongst the Qatari population have increased dramatica... more Introduction The levels of chronic disease amongst the Qatari population have increased dramatically in recent years. Whilst these diseases are highly prevalent in Qatar, awareness surrounding the recognition of symptoms and the disease itself are limited. Sourcing accurate information about health conditions is crucial. It is currently unknown how Qatari people source information concerning health problems for themselves as well as others. This information, however, is essential for our understanding so that strategies can be derived to assist the population concerning the various health problems that are encountered. We explored how and where the Qatari population seek information regarding health problems. Methods Ethical approval was gained from Hamad Medical Corporation/Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar Joint Institutional Review Board (14-00017). Adult Qataris 18–85 y were approached at different sites, including educational establishments and shopping malls, and asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire to ascertain basic information concerning demographics, health status, and utilisation of health care services during the past year and sources of health information that individuals access. The data were analysed using SPSS version 23. Results A total of 394 questionnaires were completed, with 62% respondents being women. More men rated their health as very good compared to women (60.1% and 53.1%, respectively). However, this was not statistically significant X2(3, 387) = 5.7, p = 0.319. Overall, more people in Qatar used the Internet as a source of health information (71.1%) than in previous studies in the USA (23.8–53.5%)(1,2). This difference between US and Qatar percentages can be explained by the fast diffusion of Internet use and overall wide spread of technology usage among Qataris (3). More women (78.7%) than men (60.8%) used the Internet as a source of seeking information about health (X2 (1, 72) = 14.8, p
Background/Objectives: Mediterranean diet has been related with reduced morbidity and better well... more Background/Objectives: Mediterranean diet has been related with reduced morbidity and better well-being. The aim of this study was to assess whether the adherence to the Mediterranean diet were associated with mental and physical health related to quality of life. Subjects/Methods: This analysis included 11 015 participants with 4 years of follow-up in the SUN Project (a multipurpose cohort study based on university graduates from Spain). A validated 136-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the adherence to the Mediterranean diet at baseline, according to a nine-point score, presented in four categories (low, low-moderate, moderate-high and high). Health-related quality of life (HRQL) was measured after 4 years of follow-up with the Spanish version of the SF-36 Health Survey. Generalized Linear Models were fitted to assess adjusted mean scores, the regression coefficients (b) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the SF-36 domains according to categories of adherence to Mediterranean diet. Results: Multivariate-adjusted models revealed a significant direct association between adherence to Mediterranean diet and all the physical and most mental health domains (vitality, social functioning and role emotional). Vitality (b ¼ 0.50, 95% CI ¼ 0.32-0.68) and general health (b ¼ 0.45, 95% CI ¼ 0.26-0.62) showed the highest coefficients. Mean values for physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health and vitality domains were significantly better with increasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Those having improved their initial high diet scores have better scores in physical functioning, general health and vitality. Conclusions: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet seems to be a factor importantly associated with a better HRQL.
Petroleum refineries are looking for an alternative wastewater treatment method to ensure that th... more Petroleum refineries are looking for an alternative wastewater treatment method to ensure that they will meet the regulatory limit of effluent discharge standard set in environmental quality regulations. In this study, the overall goal was to monitor the treatment efficiency by a lab scale process in order to determine the degradation process in a batch biological treatment system. Three different configuration of sequencing batch reactor were used to treat petroleum refinery wastewater (PRWW). Aerobic SBR for raw PRWW, two-stage anaerobic-aerobic SBR for raw PRWW, and aerobic for mixed raw PRWW and domestic wastewater. The process was operated continuously in batch mode with continuous operation and monitoring with regards to COD, Ammonia-nitrogen,
ObjectivesDiabetes Intervention Accentuating Diet and Enhancing Metabolism-I (DIADEM-I) is the fi... more ObjectivesDiabetes Intervention Accentuating Diet and Enhancing Metabolism-I (DIADEM-I) is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region testing the effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for weight loss and diabetes remission. We report on the recruitment process and baseline characteristics of the DIADEM-I cohort based on origin (Middle East vs North Africa), and waist circumference.DesignDIADEM-I is an open-label randomised, controlled, parallel group RCT recruiting young individuals (18–50 years) with early type 2 diabetes (≤3 years since diagnosis) originating from MENA. Individuals from primary care were randomised to usual medical care or ILI (total dietary replacement phase using meal replacement products, followed by staged food reintroduction and physical activity support). The primary outcome is weight loss at 12 months. Other outcomes are glycaemic control and diabetes remission.SettingPrimary care, Qata...
There is a continuing concern over the risks associated with the use of microwave ovens because o... more There is a continuing concern over the risks associated with the use of microwave ovens because of the probable effects of the radiation leakage on the health of the individuals. In this paper, a new microstrip bandstop filter BSF is presented, designed and measured as an attempt to reduce the radiation leakage from the domestic microwave ovens operating at 2.45 GHz. The proposed BSF is composed of fractal based open-loop resonators coupled with an open-stub transmission line. The open-loop resonators are in the form of modified Minkowski fractal geometry of the 1st iteration. The open stubs have been adopted to increase the selectivity of the filter stopband response. The suggested filter is designed at 2.45 GHz. Modeling and performance assessments of the proposed filter have been evaluated by means of the computer software technique CST Microwave Studio and the Sonnet EM simulator. Simulation results reveal that the modeled filter offers stopband response with high selectivity. A prototype of the proposed filter is fabricated. The size limitations of the microwave oven opening width have been taken into account. Good agreement has been found between measured and simulated results. Four arrays of such a filter have been implemented to cover the microwave oven door frame taking into consideration the opening dimensions such that it well fit it. Measured radiated electric fields from the oven show that it considerably reduces the leaked radiation. By suitable choice of substrate material and carrying out the required dimension scaling, the proposed design idea is flexible and can be generalized for use with a wide variety of microwave equipment in which microwave leakage represents a serious issue.
ARPN journal of engineering and applied sciences, 2018
In this paper, a combination of the dual-mode technique and the fractal based resonator geometry ... more In this paper, a combination of the dual-mode technique and the fractal based resonator geometry has been adopted to design a compact band reject filter. The proposed filter structure relies mainly on that of the triangular patch resonators with an embedded slit structure. The Koch fractal geometry has been applied to the uncoupled side lengths of the triangular patch resonator. The filter structure has been modeled, and its performance is evaluated using the commercially available method of moment (MoM) based simulator, Sonnet. Results imply that the resulting dual-mode response seriously affected by the uncoupled side lengths of the triangular patch resonator. The consequences of varying the Koch indentation angle and the slit length on the resulting filter performance have been explored. Simulation results have confirmed the validity of the proposed resonant structure to realize a compact dual-mode stopband microstrip filter.
2018 Third Scientific Conference of Electrical Engineering (SCEE), 2018
In this paper, an Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) printed monopole antenna based Hard Surface (HS) is propo... more In this paper, an Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) printed monopole antenna based Hard Surface (HS) is proposed for RF energy harvesting to serve the application of the Internet of Things (IoT). The proposed antenna is constructed of a monopole of an open mouth flower patch mounted on an FR4 substrate and followed by an HS array. The antenna is backed with a partial ground plane to enhance the antenna bandwidth. The stability in the antenna radiation pattern over the entire frequency band is achieved by introducing three rows of the proposed HS based on H-Resonators (HS-HR) next to the patch edge. Such arrays provide an Omni directional antenna at several frequency bands that suit the application of RF energy harvesting. The array of the proposed HS-HR provides high electromagnetic impedance within the frequency band of interest toward the patch length. Numerical simulations are accompanied using CST MWS and HFSS software packages to evaluate the antenna performance. Finally, the related measurements to the antenna performance and RF harvesting are conducted at 2.45GHz. It is found that the proposed antenna provides a conversion efficiency of 35% with an acceptable gain-bandwidth product.
International Journal of RF and Microwave Computer-Aided Engineering, 2019
In this article, a novel concept for mutual coupling reduction between antenna elements is propos... more In this article, a novel concept for mutual coupling reduction between antenna elements is proposed at 2.45 GHz for Wi-Fi applications. A reject band filter (RBF) is used in order to reduce the mutual coupling between two monopoles for multiinput multi-output (MIMO) systems. The proposed RBF inclusions are developed to have zero refractive index response over a specific frequency band. The inclusions considered here are composed of open-loop resonators; each one with the same iteration level of Minkowski-like pre-fractal structures coupled with an open-stub transmission line to increase the band selectivity. The inclusions are inserted between λ/2-spaced monopole elements at 2.45 GHz. A significant mutual coupling reduction is realized by incorporating only two RBF cells. Such effective response is attributed to the electromagnetic wave cloaking at 2.45 GHz using the developed RBF inclusions. An extensive theoretical study using both numerical and analytical methods is invoked to obtain the best performance of the proposed MIMO antenna structure. Finally, the experimental and numerical results are agreed excellently.
International Journal of Electronics Letters, 2018
This article suggests a novel 1D Reject Band Filter (RBF) array to prevent the radiation leakage ... more This article suggests a novel 1D Reject Band Filter (RBF) array to prevent the radiation leakage from portable devices around 2.45 GHz. The proposed RBF array is constructed from eightunit cell elements mounted on the same side of an FR-4 substrate of 1.5 mm thickness. Each two adjacent unit cells are separated with 2mm. The individual unit cell design is based on fractal based open-loop resonators of a modified 1 st iteration Minkowski configuration. Such configuration is coupled with an open-stub transmission line to increase the selectivity of the filter stopband response at the frequency of interest. The unit cell performance is evaluated numerically and analytically, and then compared against measurements. Next, the optimal RBF array is fabricated and simulated to evaluate the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) at 2.45 GHz. The SAR effect on the human thigh tissue is studied numerically to show an excellent reduction from 0.912 W/kg to 0.352 W/kg. Finally, the field strength before and after introducing the proposed array underneath a laptop computer, just below the Wi-Fi antenna, is measured and found to be reduced from 497.1 mV/m to 171.8 mV/m.
In this paper, Minkowski fractal based open-loop resonators are adopted to design triple band mic... more In this paper, Minkowski fractal based open-loop resonators are adopted to design triple band microstrip bandstop filters (BSFs). The suggested filter structures are primarily based on that of the conventional open-loop rectangular microstrip resonators. The resonators of the proposed BSF structure are made in the form of Minkowski fractal geometry with different iteration levels. Many filter structures have been modeled, and their performances have been evaluated using the commercially available EM simulator, Sonnet. Each of the modeled filter structures contains two pairs of open loop fractal based resonators with different iteration levels. The lower frequency bandstop performance is attributed to the resonators with higher iteration level while the higher frequency bandstop performance is due to the resonators with lower iteration levels. Simulation results for the proposed microstrip filters have confirmed the validity to realize compact multiband narrow-stopband microstrip filters. Measured results of a fabricated filter prototype are found to be in reasonable agreement with those predicted by numerical computation. The results presented show that the proposed fractal based resonators can be used to construct compact multiband filters with narrow stopbands.
Fractal geometries are found attractive to designers seeking for compact size microwave circuits ... more Fractal geometries are found attractive to designers seeking for compact size microwave circuits and antennas. In this paper, Peano fractal based open-loop resonators are<br>adopted to design dual-band microstrip band-stop filters (PSFs). The suggested filter structure is essentially based on that of the conventional open-loop rectangular microstrip resonators. The resonators of the proposed PSF structure are made in the form of Peano fractal geometry with<br>different iteration levels. Many filters have been modeled, and their performances have been evaluated using a commercially available full-wave electromagnetic simulator. Each of the modeled filter structures contains two pairs of open loop fractal based resonators with different iteration<br>levels. The lower frequency band-stop performance is attributed to the resonators with higher iteration level while the higher frequency band-stop performance is due to the resonators with lower iteration level. Simulatio...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2018
Introduction: Spirometry performed prior to surgery provides information on the types of lung dis... more Introduction: Spirometry performed prior to surgery provides information on the types of lung disorders in patients. The purpose of this study was to look for a relationship between the prevalence of diabetes and spirometry parameters. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in patients with coronary artery disease who were eligible for an isolated coronary artery bypass graft in 2013. The study group included 367 patients (287 men and 80 women) aged 68.7 ± 8.4 years. They were divided into those with diagnosed diabetes (group I, n = 138, 37.6%) and without diabetes (group II, n = 229, 62.4%). Spirometry tests were performed on the day of admission to the hospital. Results: Patients with diabetes (group I) had a significantly higher body mass index than those without diabetes (group II). Spirometry tests also showed that patients with diabetes had statistically significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0). Both FVC and FEV1.0 were also statistically significantly lower for overweight and obese individuals in group I than those in group II. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes eligible for coronary artery bypass grafting with concurrent overweight or obesity are more likely to have lower spirometry parameters than those without diabetes.
This article focuses on the impact of digital platforms on international marketing. It describes ... more This article focuses on the impact of digital platforms on international marketing. It describes the evolution of social media and its influence on marketing. After identifying a typology of context for international marketing, the author identifies and describes five dimensions of value creation in marketing: access, affordability, acceptance, awareness, and activation. Finally, this article provides future implications for areas of research in social media and international marketing.
Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings Volume 2016 Issue 1, 2016
Introduction The levels of chronic disease amongst the Qatari population have increased dramatica... more Introduction The levels of chronic disease amongst the Qatari population have increased dramatically in recent years. Whilst these diseases are highly prevalent in Qatar, awareness surrounding the recognition of symptoms and the disease itself are limited. Sourcing accurate information about health conditions is crucial. It is currently unknown how Qatari people source information concerning health problems for themselves as well as others. This information, however, is essential for our understanding so that strategies can be derived to assist the population concerning the various health problems that are encountered. We explored how and where the Qatari population seek information regarding health problems. Methods Ethical approval was gained from Hamad Medical Corporation/Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar Joint Institutional Review Board (14-00017). Adult Qataris 18–85 y were approached at different sites, including educational establishments and shopping malls, and asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire to ascertain basic information concerning demographics, health status, and utilisation of health care services during the past year and sources of health information that individuals access. The data were analysed using SPSS version 23. Results A total of 394 questionnaires were completed, with 62% respondents being women. More men rated their health as very good compared to women (60.1% and 53.1%, respectively). However, this was not statistically significant X2(3, 387) = 5.7, p = 0.319. Overall, more people in Qatar used the Internet as a source of health information (71.1%) than in previous studies in the USA (23.8–53.5%)(1,2). This difference between US and Qatar percentages can be explained by the fast diffusion of Internet use and overall wide spread of technology usage among Qataris (3). More women (78.7%) than men (60.8%) used the Internet as a source of seeking information about health (X2 (1, 72) = 14.8, p
Background/Objectives: Mediterranean diet has been related with reduced morbidity and better well... more Background/Objectives: Mediterranean diet has been related with reduced morbidity and better well-being. The aim of this study was to assess whether the adherence to the Mediterranean diet were associated with mental and physical health related to quality of life. Subjects/Methods: This analysis included 11 015 participants with 4 years of follow-up in the SUN Project (a multipurpose cohort study based on university graduates from Spain). A validated 136-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the adherence to the Mediterranean diet at baseline, according to a nine-point score, presented in four categories (low, low-moderate, moderate-high and high). Health-related quality of life (HRQL) was measured after 4 years of follow-up with the Spanish version of the SF-36 Health Survey. Generalized Linear Models were fitted to assess adjusted mean scores, the regression coefficients (b) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the SF-36 domains according to categories of adherence to Mediterranean diet. Results: Multivariate-adjusted models revealed a significant direct association between adherence to Mediterranean diet and all the physical and most mental health domains (vitality, social functioning and role emotional). Vitality (b ¼ 0.50, 95% CI ¼ 0.32-0.68) and general health (b ¼ 0.45, 95% CI ¼ 0.26-0.62) showed the highest coefficients. Mean values for physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health and vitality domains were significantly better with increasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Those having improved their initial high diet scores have better scores in physical functioning, general health and vitality. Conclusions: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet seems to be a factor importantly associated with a better HRQL.
Petroleum refineries are looking for an alternative wastewater treatment method to ensure that th... more Petroleum refineries are looking for an alternative wastewater treatment method to ensure that they will meet the regulatory limit of effluent discharge standard set in environmental quality regulations. In this study, the overall goal was to monitor the treatment efficiency by a lab scale process in order to determine the degradation process in a batch biological treatment system. Three different configuration of sequencing batch reactor were used to treat petroleum refinery wastewater (PRWW). Aerobic SBR for raw PRWW, two-stage anaerobic-aerobic SBR for raw PRWW, and aerobic for mixed raw PRWW and domestic wastewater. The process was operated continuously in batch mode with continuous operation and monitoring with regards to COD, Ammonia-nitrogen,
ObjectivesDiabetes Intervention Accentuating Diet and Enhancing Metabolism-I (DIADEM-I) is the fi... more ObjectivesDiabetes Intervention Accentuating Diet and Enhancing Metabolism-I (DIADEM-I) is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region testing the effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for weight loss and diabetes remission. We report on the recruitment process and baseline characteristics of the DIADEM-I cohort based on origin (Middle East vs North Africa), and waist circumference.DesignDIADEM-I is an open-label randomised, controlled, parallel group RCT recruiting young individuals (18–50 years) with early type 2 diabetes (≤3 years since diagnosis) originating from MENA. Individuals from primary care were randomised to usual medical care or ILI (total dietary replacement phase using meal replacement products, followed by staged food reintroduction and physical activity support). The primary outcome is weight loss at 12 months. Other outcomes are glycaemic control and diabetes remission.SettingPrimary care, Qata...
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