Vitamin D deficiency and its effect have attracted considerable research interest due to its relation to glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, sensitivity and synthesis. This study aimed to evaluate vitamin D levels in patients with type II diabetes mellitus aged between 35-65 years and investigate their relations with glycemic control and obesity. The study included 74 Libyan patients with a known history of type II diabetes mellitus (33 males and 41 females). Serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (...) and vitamin D levels were biochemically estimated in these patients. Further, body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all diabetic patients (weight in kilogram per height in meter square). The mean level of plasma glucose level was 150.58±63.82 mg/dl (mean±SD). The mean of HbA1c level was 7.90±8.48% (mean±SD). The mean level of vitamin D was 22.75±14.97 ng/ml. The mean of BMI was 26.55±4.10 Kg per m2. The findings showed that 58.10% of the cases had vitamin D deficiency (Out of which 24.24% were males and 85.36% were females). This study showed significant differences in glucose, HbA1c, vitamin D and BMI between male and female patients. Moreover, elderly ages for both sexes had adverse effects on vitamin D status. Vitamin D levels have negatively been correlated with levels of glucose, HbA1c and BMI. It is concluded that vitamin D deficiency has an adverse effect on glucose homeostasis in patients with type II diabetes mellitus and this can be a contributing risk factor in complications of type II diabetes mellitus development in Libyan patients. (shrink)

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious, medical emergency that can be fatal but treatable, we aimed to evaluate the clinical profile of patients admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis. This case series study enrolled 213 non-pregnant adult and adolescent patients admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis at Tripoli Diabetes Hospital from January to September 2023. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, precipitating factors, and patient outcomes were extracted from medical records and analyzed. Type 1 diabetes mellitus was present in 187 (87.8%) of patients, (...) the age range 11-84 years, (30.26±13.28), with 130 patients ≤30 years old (61.0%), females accounting for 110 of the patients (51.6%), 109 had a diabetes duration of less than 10 years (51.2%). The most common precipitating factor was insulin omission 92 (43.2%) in patients with known diabetes mellitus, whereas, diabetic ketoacidosis as the first presentation of diabetes mellitus in 24 patients (11.7%), systolic blood pressure ranged 50-160 mmHg (112.82±16.19), diastolic blood pressure varied 30-100 mmHg (70.24±11.32). Plasma glucose at presentation ranged 183-1494 mg/dl (462.92±169.85), with Eu-glycemic diabetic ketoacidosis 100-249 mg/dl were in nine patients (4.2%), whereas most of cases (135 patients, 63.4%) present with plasma glucose 250-500 mg/dl, while hyperosmolar status (≥701 mg/dl) were present in 13 patients (6.1%). Venous pH varied from 6.7-7.42 (7.13±0.14), 132 (62.0%) patients presented with pH <7.24, while severe acidosis was pH < 7 in 32 of patients (14.6%), serum bicarbonate with 10.93±4.95, severe (<5 mmol) in 91 patients (42.7%) and moderate (5-10 mmol) were in 79 patients (37.08%). The mean length of hospital stay was 3.33 days, with an average of 2.11 days spent in the high-dependent unit. Serum potassium varied from 2.4-6.7 meq/L with 3.66± 0.63, most common complications of diabetic ketoacidosis treatment were hypokalemia observed in 82 (35.7%) of cases, and hypoglycemia was detected in 41 patients (19.2%). 170 patients were discharged in good condition (79.8%), and 17.8% of patients were transferred to another hospital to receive further management for co-morbid diseases with diabetes after controlling their hyperglycemic crises. The majority of patients presented with the critical status of diabetic ketoacidosis. The findings emphasize the importance of patient education about prevention measures prompt presentation to the hospital, and clinicians' awareness for early and aggressive treatment of hyperglycemic crises. (shrink)

Abstract: Background: Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency prevalent in all age groups across the world is common in obesity and may play an important role in the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS). Objectives: This cross-sectional study is to evaluate the relationship between levels of adiponectin and circulating 25(OH)D, and its effect on metabolic biomarker among overweight/obese female students. Methods: Three hundred female students; with mean age 20.9 ± 3.2 years were attending the Aljouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia. They were randomly (...) selected from university during the studying year 2015 – 2016. Anthropometric and biochemical indices were determined. Results: The study showed 19% of the female’s student were either overweight or obese (15% and 4%, respectively). The frequency of MS diagnosis among the students was 17%, with 13% and 4% had either three or four risk factors, respectively. Overweight/obese subjects had significantly worse anthropometric and biochemical characteristics, including waist/hip ratio, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (BG), insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride levels (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL-C), leptin, adiponectin, leptin/adiponectin ratio and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-C) compared to normal weight. Of the subjects diagnosed with MS, 59% had mild and 8.6% had severe 25(OH)D deficiency. There was negative association between 25(OH)D and both FBG and HOMA-IR among young women obese/overweight. Conclusion: In our study, it suggested that low level of adiponectin was strongly correlated with low 25(OH)D levels. Also, the prevalence of MS tends to increase with high occurrence rate of low circulating 25(OH)D levels that is, known cause poor glycemic control and prediction of cardiovascular outcomes. (shrink)

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic illness that requires intensive lifelong management of blood glucose concentrations by means of external insulin administration. There have been substantial developments in the ways of measuring glucose levels, which is crucial to T1D self-management. Recently, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has allowed people with T1D to keep track of their blood glucose levels in near real-time. These devices have alarms that warn users about potentially dangerous blood glucose trends, which can often be shared (...) with ther people. CGM is consistently associated with improved glycemic control and reduced hypoglycemia and is currently recommended by doctors. However, due to the costs of CGM, only those who qualify for hospital provision or those who can personally afford it are able to use it, which excludes many people. In this paper, I argue that unequal access to CGM results in: (1) unjust health inequalities, (2) relational injustice, (3) injustice with regard to agency and autonomy, and (4) epistemic injustice. These considerations provide prima facie moral reasons why all people with T1D should have access to CGM technology. I discuss the specific case of CGM policy in the Netherlands, which currently only provides coverage for a small group of people with T1D, and argue that, especially with additional considerations of cost-effectiveness, the Dutch government ought to include CGM in basic health care insurance for all people with T1D. (shrink)

Metformin is considered the first-line treatment as a monotherapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Emerging evidence suggests that metformin may have a renoprotective role; therefore, understanding the impact of metformin dose and therapy duration on renal function may significantly improve renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients. This study aims to investigate the renoprotective effects of metformin by analyzing its dose-dependent impacts on the estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A (...) retrospective cross-sectional study design was used from September 2022 to October 2023. Data from 302 type 2 diabetes patients were collected from patient files at the Benghazi Diabetic Center and the Aljabal Al-Alkdar Diabetic Center, including all with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on varying doses of metformin. The collected data included age, gender, metformin dose, duration of metformin therapy, urea, and creatinine. Exclusion criteria included patients with significant comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (other than diabetic nephropathy), liver disease, heart failure, or malignancy; those taking nephrotoxic medications; individuals with recent acute illnesses or surgical procedures; pregnant or lactating women; participants with inadequate medical records; and patients who were non-adherent to metformin therapy. Survival analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of different metformin doses on the estimated glomerular filtration rate. The study analyzed 302 diabetic patients, of whom 46.0% were male and 54.0% were female. The age was 58.3±11.9 years. The HbA1c was 7.7%±1.3%. The duration of diabetes was 11.4±8.1 years. The creatinine was 1.0±0.9 mg/dL, and the urea was 36.7±23.8 mg/dL. Data analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in survival distribution across the dose groups. Different metformin doses significantly impact the estimated glomerular filtration rate, suggesting that dosage plays a crucial role in maintaining renal function. (shrink)

Diabetes is a major public health issue that affects the nations of our time to a large extent and is described as a non-communicable epidemic. Diabetes mellitus is a common disease where there is too much sugar (glucose) floating around in your blood. This occurs because either the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin or the cells in body have become resistant to insulin. The concentration in this paper is on diagnosis diabetes by designing a proposed expert system. (...) The main goal of this expert system is to get the appropriate diagnosing of the illness, dealing with it quickly, and tips for permanent treatment whenever possible is given out. SL5 object expert system language was used for designing and implementing the proposed expert system. (shrink)

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major global challenge. There are several risk factors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19, including age, gender, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, and pulmonary diseases. Among these factors, patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and obesity have the highest mortality rates. This paper aims to review how adjusting food and nutrition can help reduce the risk of obese patients contracting COVID-19. Various literature sources were examined, including studies on the genetics of obesity and (...) the consequences it can have, such as diabetes, heart and vascular diseases, cancer, trauma, and infection. Consequently, the role of nutrition in reducing the risk of obese patients being exposed to COVID-19 was described. It is recommended that obese patients strictly adhere to a diet that includes adequate and balanced food intake in order to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19. (shrink)

Background: A better understanding of the pattern of epidemic-related referrals to healthcare centers might allow the identification of vulnerabilities and the required changes that the healthcare management system should undergo. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the COVID-19 referral pattern and the role of media and health management planning in changing the trends. Methods: Data extracted from the electronic medical database of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex (IKHC), located in Tehran, Iran, from February 20 to June 4, 2020 were examined. Individuals (...) were divided into two groups, COVID-19 positive and negative. We used Google Trends to evaluate Google Internet search queries and also available policy documents, programs, and official news related to COVID-19 in Iran during the mentioned period. Results: In this study, 8647 individuals aged 46.05 ± 16.5 years were referred to IKHC. Approximately 57% were male, and 70% were COVID-19 positive. The most clinical symptoms were dyspnea, fever, cough, and myalgia. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus were the most common underlying health conditions. In the first two weeks, the percentage of negative cases was higher than positive cases and then the pattern was reversed, when people searched for information about COVID-19 in media. Conclusions: Proper and timely information and education to people through the media and health management measures can be effective in reducing unnecessary visits to health centers, preventing the exhaustion of medical staff, and controlling the disease during epidemics. (shrink)

A study of the literature and our own observations allow us to conclude that COVID-19 has become a provoking factor in the onset or aggravation of endocrinopathies. The number of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus has increased, and in persons with an established diagnosis of diabetes, the likelihood of a severe course, complications and mortality has been noted. One of the reasons for this was the lack of routine monitoring and treatment of patients during the quarantine period. The highest (...) percentage of deaths from coronavirus was noted among overweight patients. In the lungs of an obese patient and Kovi d -Infection with pulmonary fibrosis occurs more pronounced than without obesity. The condition of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and pituitary gland is negatively affected by both infection and the methods of treatment that were taken to save patients. (shrink)

Abstract: Retama raetam (RR) is a traditional medicinal plant belongs to fabaceae family which grows in North Africa and East Mediterranean region. Locally, RR is used in several diseases including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Thus, this study aims to investigate certain behavioral and central effects of methanolic extract of RR seeds in experimental animals (male Albino adult mice of 20 – 35 gm). Three exploratory behavioral models are used in this study, open field, elevated plus maze and light-dark box (...) models, in addition, picrotoxin induced seizure model in mice. In elevated plus-maze test of anxiety, a dose of 25 mg/kg of RR induced a significant increase in number of open arms entries and time spent on open arms of the maze compared to the control. In light-dark model, time spent on light area and number of light-dark transitions are significantly increased after treatment with 25 mg/kg RR extract of seeds. Open field model also revealed a significant increase in general motor activity of the mouse after 25 mg/kg of RR. On the other hand, a dose of 50 mg/kg of RR significantly induced a profound central and peripheral analgesic responses. In summary, this study concludes that RR seeds have a profound anxiolytic-like effect and analgesic response with delay in latency time of seizure induced by picrotoxin in mice. (shrink)

Background: This study was conducted to measure depression literacy (D-Lit) and mental health literacy (MHL) and to investigate their relationship with psychological status and quality of life among Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). -/- Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 among 400 patients with T2DM in Iran. Samples were selected using proportional stratified sampling. Data collection tools comprised a demographic questionnaire, measures of MHL and D-Lit, the diabetes quality of life (DQOL) scale, and (...) the DASS-21. After confirming the normality of the data using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, parametric statistical tests (such as one-way ANOVA, independent samples t-test, and Chi-Square) were used to investigate the relationship between the variables using SPSS v22 software. The results of continuous quantitative data are reported in the form of means and standard deviations, and qualitative data are reported in the form of absolute and relative frequencies. -/- Results: In this study, 10.25% of the participants (n = 41) had severe depression, while 36.75% (n = 147) experienced severe anxiety. The mean (standard deviation) of MHL was 80.92 (9.16) from 130 points. Of the participants, only 1.7% (n = 7) did not answer any questions correctly on the D-lit scale, and only 5.8% (n = 23) were able to answer 15 questions or more correctly on the D-lit. MHL had a significant negative correlation with depression (r = −0.236), anxiety (r = −0.243), and stress (r = −0.155) (P < 0.001). There was a positive and significant correlation between MHL and D-Lit (r = 0.186) (P < 0.001). D-Lit had a significant negative correlation with depression (r = −0.192), anxiety (r = −0.238), and stress (r = −0.156) (P < 0.001). There was a positive and significant correlation between the ability to recognize disorders (r = 0.163), knowledge of self-treatment (r = 0.154), and DQOL (P < 0.001). Depression (r = −0.251), anxiety (r = −0.257), and stress (r = −0.203) had a significant negative correlation with DQOL (P < 0.001). -/- Conclusion: MHL and D-Lit levels were found to be inadequate in patients with T2DM. These low levels of MHL and D-Lit among patients with T2DM were associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as a lower quality of life. Therefore, designing and implementing preventive programs to improve the mental health of patients with T2DM can help prevent mental disorders and ultimately improve their quality of life. (shrink)

Obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges and becomes a public health problem. Consumption of fast-food, which have high energy densities and glycemic loads, and expose customers to excessive portion size, is frequently associated with weight gain, therefore, it is hypothesized that relative availability of fast-food is a risk for obesity.

This study employs machine learning to predict diabetes using a Kaggle dataset with 13 features. Our three-layer model achieves an accuracy of 98.73% and an average error of 0.01%. Feature analysis identifies Age, Gender, Polyuria, Polydipsia, Visual blurring, sudden weight loss, partial paresis, delayed healing, irritability, Muscle stiffness, Alopecia, Genital thrush, Weakness, and Obesity as influential predictors. These findings have clinical significance for early diabetes risk assessment. While our research addresses gaps in the field, further work is needed (...) to enhance model generalizability. (shrink)

Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem among Libyan women. Age, gender, inadequate exposure to sunlight, and obesity are common risk factors for this issue. In this study, we randomly examined 40 Libyan women (age: 17.58±10.45, mean±SD, range: 15 years to 65 years). Blood samples were taken from each participant and directly centrifuged and processed on Cobas 411 Automatic Electrochemil-uminescence Immunoassay Analyzer. Vitamin D levels were measured in ng/ml and the mean serum value was calculated for the (...) total. Body weight and height for each participant were taken to calculate the body mass index. The findings revealed that all participants are suffering from vitamin D deficiency with less than 30 ng/ml serum levels. Female participants aged between 55 and 65 years tend to have a less degree of vitamin D deficiency as compared to the other age subgroups with a mean level of 27 ng/ml of vitamin D. This study revealed the association between vitamin D levels and obesity as measured by body mass index, in contrast, it found that overweight participants have higher vitamin D levels as compared to other groups of body mass index. (shrink)

UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL RURAL DE PERNAMBUCO DEPARTAMENTO DE ZOOTECNIA – 50 ANOS EMANUEL ISAQUE CORDEIRO DA SILVA REPRODUÇÃO ANIMAL: OVULAÇÃO, CONTROLE E SINCRONIZAÇÃO -/- REPRODUÇÃO ANIMAL: OVULAÇÃO, CONTROLE E SINCRONIZAÇÃO DO CICLO ESTRAL -/- ANIMAL REPRODUCTION: OVULATION, CONTROL AND SYNCHRONIZATION OF THE ESTRAL CYCLE -/- Autor: Emanuel Isaque Cordeiro da Silva – IFPE-BJ/CAP-UFPE/EEFCC-BJ/UFRPE 1. INTRODUÇÃO As fêmeas dos animais domésticos possuem em seus ovários, desde praticamente o nascimento, a dotação completa de gametas dos quais vão dispor para o resto de sua (...) vida. No entanto, terão que esperar até a puberdade para que se produza a evolução completa dos folículos (foliculogênese) que darão como resultado as primeiras ovulações. Este momento caracteriza-se, por um lado, pelo início gradual da secreção por parte da hipófise de quantidades importantes de hormonas gonadotropinas (hormonas folículo estimulante «FSH» e sobretudo luteinizante «LH»); por outro lado, pelo aumento da capacidade dos seus ovários para responder a estas secreções. A partir daí, o aparelho reprodutor feminino das fêmeas domésticas deve apresentar, durante todo o período de atividade sexual, alterações morfológicas, endócrinas e fisiológicas, que devem ser repetidas sequencialmente e periodicamente, consoante com a duração e a frequência do ciclo estral característico de cada espécie animal, assegurando assim a liberação de um ou mais ovócitos férteis nos ciclos estrais correspondentes. -/- 2. EVOLUÇÃO DO OVÓCITO E DOS FOLÍCULOS OVÁRICOS O ovário constitui um órgão de armazenamento de ovócitos formados durante a vida fetal ou após o nascimento, os quais permanecerão «latentes», num estado de imaturidade, paralisando a sua atividade de desenvolvimento e crescimento após o processo de mitose pelo qual as células germinativas ou ovogonias evoluem para ovócitos primários. Estes ovócitos devem ser rodeados por células foliculares para alcançar sua maturação e posterior ovulação, constituindo-se, desta maneira, os folículos. Estes últimos, que se localizam no parênquima ovárico, sofrem uma série de mudanças evolutivas que os fazem passar de folículos primordiais (constituídos por um ovócito rodeado de células planas) a folículos maduros ou de Graaf, passando pelos estágios primário, secundário e terciários. A estrutura do ovário e a terminologia correspondente, bem como a sua fisiologia, já foram tratados em trabalhos anteriores. Basicamente, o folículo maduro ou de Graaf, que ressalta já na superfície ovariana como se tratasse de uma pequena vesícula cheia de líquido, encontra-se constituído, no caso dos mamíferos, pelas tecas externa e interna, a folha basal, o ovócito e o seu núcleo ou vesícula germinativa e um acúmulo de células da granulosa chamado cumulus. O antro-folicular ou cavidade intrafolicular formada durante o estágio de folículo terciário possui no seu interior um líquido cuja composição provém do plasma sanguíneo. Por outro lado, o ovócito, que desde a constituição da reserva de folículos primordiais se encontrava em estado de ovócito primário, começa a aumentar de volume (durante a fase de evolução do folículo terciário a folículo maduro) e a cobrir-se de uma membrana celular denominada zona pelúcida. Nos momentos que precedem imediatamente à ovulação reativa-se a meiose, liberando-se o primeiro corpúsculo polar e convertendo-se o ovócito em secundário. Produzida a ovulação retoma-se de novo a meiose, que tinha permanecido em repouso, e depois de ocorrer a fecundação libera-se o segundo corpúsculo polar, passando a ser uma ovotida ou óvulo maduro. -/- 3. A OVULAÇÃO Acabado o crescimento, o folículo maduro ou de Graaf é capaz de responder à descarga pré-ovulatória de gonadotropinas (LH e em menor medida FSH) de tal forma que se produza uma reestruturação completa do mesmo e a subsequente liberação de um ovócito fértil através de um pequeno orifício (estigma) produzido no ponto de ruptura da sua parede celular e das camadas celulares mais superficiais do córtex ovárico, cuja espessura, neste momento, é muito reduzida. No momento da ovulação tanto o líquido folicular como o ovócito são projetados, entre outras causas, pela contração da musculatura lisa que rodeia os folículos para a cavidade peritoneal caindo perto das fimbrias do oviduto ou trompas de Falópio. Esta expulsão, no caso das vacas e ovelhas, ocorre sob a forma de um fluxo fluido, enquanto na coelha ocorre sob a forma de um jato súbito ou de um processo explosivo. No caso da égua, a estrutura dos seus ovários difere das outras fêmeas domésticas, no sentido em que a zona vascular se localiza superficialmente e os folículos se distribuem no interior do ovário. Ao mesmo tempo, a ovulação ocorre unicamente num determinado ponto denominado fossa de ovulação. Por tudo isso, durante a foliculogênese, os folículos vão migrando para a fossa de ovulação, chegando em algumas ocasiões a ficarem presos no interior do ovário, não conseguindo desenvolver-se nem evolucionar (folículo cístico) e que, ao apresentar uma secreção contínua de estrogênios, produz na fêmea um estado de cio permanente ou ninfomania. Nas espécies cuja ovulação é espontânea, o processo supra ocorre periódica e sequencialmente em todos os ciclos estrais com um intervalo conhecido a partir do início do estro ou, no caso da vaca, após o término deste (tabela 1). Por outro lado, nas espécies de ovulação induzida (coelha, gata e fêmeas de furão e camelo) esta ocorre pouco depois de realizado o coito. Nestas espécies, o estímulo coital, favorecido pelas espículas localizadas no pênis do macho, determina por via eferente nervosa a liberação hipotalâmica de GnRH, que em poucos minutos depois provoca a secreção adeno-hepática de LH, que por via sistêmica alcança os folículos, desencadeando os processos fisiológicos que conduzem à ovulação. Tabela 1: Parâmetros que definem o ciclo sexual e tipo de ovulação de algumas espécies domésticas (adaptado e elaborado a partir de DUKES, et. al. 1996). -/- Espécie Duração do ciclo estral Atividade sexual Tipo de ovulação E/I N° de ovócitos Duração do estro Momento da ovulação Vaca 21 dias Poliéstrica contínua E 1 18 horas 11 horas após o final do estro Ovelha 17 dias Poliéstrica estacional E 1-3 29 horas Ao final do estro Porca 21 dias Poliéstrica contínua E 11-24 45 horas 24-36 horas do começo do estro Égua 21 dias Poliéstrica estacional E 1 6 dias 24-48 horas antes do final do cio Cabra 20 dias Poliéstrica estacional E 1-3 40 horas 33 horas do começo do estro Cadela 9 dias Monoéstrica a cada 4-8 E — 7-9 dias 3-4 dias do começo do estro Gata 5 dias Poliéstrica estacional I 3-4 4 dias 27 horas postcoito Coelha 16 dias Poliéstrica I 4-12 Não definida 10 horas postcoito -/- Dado que a vida fértil dos ovócitos, uma vez produzida a ovulação, raramente ultrapassa as 10-12 horas, é importante, sobretudo quando se realiza inseminação artificial ou monta dirigida, determinar, a partir da presença dos sintomas de cio, o período de tempo durante o qual a fertilização numa exploração específica será efetuada, evitando-se assim uma redução da fecundidade. 3.1 Ovulação simples e múltipla Em algumas ocasiões, dependendo da espécie (ver tab. 1), são vários os folículos que apresentam uma evolução completa, chegando a possuir nas células da granulosa receptores de LH, com o qual realiza-se a descarga ovulante de gonadotropinas e produz-se uma ovulação múltipla ou multiovulação, sendo, neste caso, libertados vários ovócitos férteis. No esquema abaixo, observa-se os processos de recrutamento, seleção e dominação da espécie ovina, a partir dos quais um ou vários folículos em crescimento chegam a ovular, bem como a influência das gonadotropinas FSH e LH em cada uma destas fases. Independentemente da influência genética, manifestada pelas diferenças entre espécies, raças e mesmo estirpes, os processos que determinam que entre um grupo de folículos em crescimento sejam um ou vários deles que cheguem a ovular englobam-se sob os termos de recrutamento, seleção e dominação folicular (fig. 1). -/- Figura 1. Recrutamento, seleção e dominação folicular na espécie ovina e influência do FSH e LH nas fases. SILVA, 2019. O recrutamento é definido como a entrada em crescimento terminal de um grupo de folículos gonadodependentes, ou seja, que dentre os folículos em crescimento que existem no reservatório ovariano iniciarão seu crescimento terminal aqueles que possuem receptores à FSH (a partir do estágio primário já os possuem) e tenham igualmente atingido um tamanho determinado, que varia entre as diferentes espécies (2 mm Ø em ovelhas). Geralmente o número de folículos recrutados é duas ou três vezes superior ao número de folículos ovulados. O recrutamento no caso da ovelha ocorre três dias antes da ovulação sob a regressão do corpo lúteo e aumento de FSH. A seleção é caracterizada porque entre os folículos recrutados um ou vários folículos continuam a aumentar de tamanho, enquanto o resto se torna atrésico. No caso da ovelha, o tamanho do folículo no momento da seleção corresponde ao tamanho em que aparecem os receptores de LH sobre a granulosa (folículo terciário) ou quando, como se verá posteriormente, a aromatização de andrógenos em estrogênios é máxima. Por outro lado, a produção de inibina (hormônio gonodal não esteroide) é igualmente elevada. A interação destes dois fatores de retroalimentação (estrogénios e inibina) para a secreção de FSH provoca uma redução dos níveis desta hormona, facilitando a seleção: neste contexto, verificou-se que a injeção de FSH em ovinos bloqueia a seleção produzindo, com efeito, uma multiovulação. No caso da vaca, poderia existir um segundo mecanismo regulador: o folículo maior poderia secretar, em um momento da seleção, um composto de ação parácrina, diminuindo a resposta de outros folículos à ação dos níveis existentes de FSH. A dominância que produz os folículos selecionados está associada com a regressão ou atresia de outros folículos recrutados e com a inibição do recrutamento de novos folículos. Embora os níveis de FSH diminuam, os folículos dominantes persistem porque reduzem suas necessidades em FSH. Esta adaptação a meios mais pobres em FSH poderia explicar-se, entre outras causas, pela ampliação da resposta a esses níveis baixos em FSH graças à produção de IGFI (Insulin Like Growth Factor l), no caso da ovelha, pelo folículo dominante. O IGFI estimula a aromatização dos androgênios em estrogênios e, por sua vez, o estradiol estimula a produção de IGFI nas células granulosas, tornando-a ao mesmo tempo mais sensível ao IGFI. Este laço formado pelo estradiol e IGFI pode desempenhar um papel importante na produção do folículo dominante do estradiol. -/- 4. MECANISMOS NEUROENDÓCRINOS QUE CONDUZEM À OVULAÇÃO A ovulação, propriamente dita, pode ser um bom ponto de partida para explicar os mecanismos neuroendócrinos que se sucedem para alcançar, no próximo ciclo estral, uma nova ovulação. Imediatamente após a ocorrência da ovulação, forma-se um coágulo de sangue no interior do folículo em consequência da hemorragia causada pela ruptura celular (folículo hemorrágico) e que servirá de substrato para o crescimento das células granulosas. Em seguida, as células da granulosa hipertrofiam e proliferam rapidamente, acumulando lipídios e pigmentos carotenoides (luteína) que lhe conferem uma cor amarelada (corpo lúteo). Esta estrutura formada, sob a ação do LH e também da prolactina, começa a produzir progesterona, a qual além de preparar o aparelho reprodutor para uma possível gestação inibe, a nível da hipófise, a secreção cíclica de LH, impedindo assim novas ovulações. À medida que os níveis de progesterona diminuem devido à regressão do corpo lúteo sob a ação da PGF2a (prostaglandina 2a), vários folículos começam seu crescimento sob a ação dos níveis de FSH (cada vez maiores), atingindo o seu crescimento final na fase folicular. Alcançado o estado de terciário, as células da teca interna do folículo, estimuladas pela secreção tônica do LH liberada pela hipófise em pequenas ondas (sem chegar a atingir a quantidade que provoca a ovulação), sintetizam a partir do colesterol, passando por alguns passos intermediários, testosterona, que é depois aromatizada a estradiol sob a ação do FSH pelas células da granulosa (fig. 2). A prolactina, juntamente com o FSH, também influencia o crescimento e a maturação dos folículos, bem como a produção de estrogênios. À medida que avança o crescimento e maturação dos folículos, a concentração de estradiol aumenta (os folículos que em um momento da evolução se tornam atrésicos aportam também uma quantidade importante de estradiol), sendo máxima nos momentos imediatos à ovulação (fig. 3). Este aumento, sustentado na taxa circulante de estrogênios, é a responsável pelo aparecimento do cio nas fêmeas, cujo final, geralmente, exerce um efeito feedback positivo sobre o eixo hipotálamo-hipofisário induzindo o pico pré-ovulatório de LH (e também FSH), que conduz a nova ovulação. Figura 2. Processo de aromatização dos andrógenos em estrógenos. (Adaptado e elaborado a partir de ILLERA, 1994). -/- Figura 3. Crescimento prático folicular, e níveis de progesterona e 17 estradiol (a) e FSH e LH (b), durante o ciclo estral da ovelha. (Elaborado a partir de DURÁN DEL CAMPO, 1980). Nota importante: a ovulação em algumas espécies não é acompanhada do cio (ovulações silentes ou silenciosas), sobretudo nas primeiras ovulações da puberdade e após o anestro estacionário, devido a produção nula da estimulação prévia da progesterona. Embora citado anteriormente que o crescimento folicular começa no final da fase lútea no caso da vaca, a ovelha e a égua, a população de folículos ovulatórios se renova ao longo do ciclo estral, produzindo-se um crescimento e regressão dos folículos, denominado onda folicular. Nestas ondas, que também podem ocorrer durante o período pré-púbere, anestro estacionário e pós-parto, os folículos são receptores à descarga de LH, no entanto, a sua capacidade de produzir estradiol é muito limitada devido a uma deficiência de precursores em tecas ou a uma inadequação da aromatização dos androgênios em estrogênios, com o qual não se atinge a quantidade de estrogênios necessários para produzir a ativação nervosa necessária para a liberação cíclica de LH. Do ponto de vista prático, o conhecimento dos mecanismos neuroendócrinos que se sucedem durante o ciclo estral e que conduzem à ovulação, bem como a sua possível regulação mediante técnicas culturais ou tratamentos hormonais, é de vital importância quando o que se pretende é realizar um controle e sincronização tanto do cio quanto da ovulação. -/- 5. ALTERAÇÕES MORFOLÓGICAS ASSOCIADAS À OVULAÇÃO Nos momentos prévios à ovulação, o folículo ovulatório experimenta uma série de mudanças morfológicas e histológicas regulamentadas endocrinamente e cuja finalidade será a modificação da estrutura do folículo, facilitando a liberação do ovócito fértil. Logo após a descarga pré-ovulatória, ocorre um aumento do fluxo sanguíneo associado a um acúmulo de sangue que dependerá, entre outros, da prostaglandina E2 (PGF2) secretada pelas células granulosas. A teca externa é edemaciada pela difusão do plasma sanguíneo e o volume do antro folicular aumenta pela atração de água exercida pelo ácido hialurônico secretado pelas células do cumulus sob a ação do FSH/LH. Este aumento de volume é facilitado pela dissociação dos feixes de fibras de colágeno da teca externa e da túnica albugínea sob a ação de duas enzimas: a colagenase e a plasmina. A plasmina age em primeiro lugar e aparece como resultado da produção de ativadores do plasminogênio pelas células da granulosa e do cumulus; sua atividade é máxima no ápice do folículo dissociando a matriz proteica dos feixes de fibras de colágeno e ativando o precursor da colagenase. Além disso, a atividade da colagenase é máxima no momento da ruptura do folículo. A maioria das células da granulosa que estão fixadas na lâmina basal se soltam, perdem sua união em colônia e deixam de se dividir (fig. 4). As ligações que as ligavam desaparecem, mas a sua dissociação não é completa devido, provavelmente, à produção local de inibidores da colagenase. As células do cumulus sofrem as mesmas transformações, mas a sua dissociação é total porque estas secretam ácido hialurônico. No entanto, as células que asseguraram, desde o início do crescimento folicular, a ligação entre a granulosa e o ovócito permanecem durante um período mais ou menos longo, ligadas à coroa radiada. Figura 4. Estado de um folículo pouco antes da ovulação. DRIANCOURT, et al. 1991. Pouco antes da ovulação, a lâmina basal desaparece de seu lugar, ocorre uma individualização dos vasos sanguíneos e as células da teca interna penetram no folículo. No ápice do folículo, produz-se uma deficiência na irrigação sanguínea e, portanto, de oxigênio, o que faz com que as células do epitélio ovariano morram. As hidrolases, que nesse momento são liberadas, contribuem para a destruição completa dos tecidos subjacentes. Em definitivo, é o conjunto de fatos comentado supra que conduzem à ruptura do ápice do folículo e provocam um aumento da pressão hidrostática que se traduz em uma contração do folículo expulsando o ovócito e as células da coroa radiada. -/- 6. CONTROLE, SINCRONIZAÇÃO E INDUÇÃO DA OVULAÇÃO 6.1 Introdução O controle e a sincronização da ovulação se situa dentro de um contexto muito mais amplo como é o controle da reprodução, entendendo como tal o governo dos elementos manipuláveis do processo reprodutivo. No âmbito do controle da reprodução, existem muitos objetivos, entre os quais a indução da puberdade, a cobertura em época de anestro, aumento da prolificidade, entre outras. Além disso, o controle da reprodução é necessário para a utilização de determinadas técnicas, como a inseminação artificial ou a transferência de embriões. Com efeito, e consoante com o objetivo pretendido, poderão ser utilizadas diferentes técnicas e métodos, tais como os tratamentos hormonais, o efeito macho, a alimentação (Flushing) e os cruzamentos, tudo isso, por sua vez, empregado nos esquemas de seleção. Neste sentido e como passo prévio à sincronização e indução da ovulação, em muitas ocasiões se realiza também um controle e sincronização do cio. Este último, além de permitir que o criador regule o momento do estro e da cobrição, podendo em algumas espécies suprimir o anestro estacionário, permite que os animais se agrupem em lotes homogêneos e assim poder alimentá-los com as dietas adequadas segundo o estado de gestação, atender os partos e assim diminuir a mortalidade neonatal, programar os desmames e engordar os animais para, por fim, vender os animais por lotes. Na sincronização do cio o que se pretende é atuar sobre o intervalo entre a fase folicular e a fase luteica, modificando, portanto, a duração do ciclo estral (fig. 5). Figura 5. Representação dos métodos de sincronização do ciclo estral: (a) duração normal das fases luteica e folicular: (b) fase luteica cortada: (c) extensão da fase luteica. HUNTER, 1987. Para alcançar esse objetivo, os criadores podem adotar dois métodos: a) Induzindo a regressão do corpo lúteo de um grupo de animais de forma que todos eles iniciem a fase folicular e apresentem o cio num espaço de tempo bastante semelhante (injeções de prostaglandinas) (fig. 5b). b) Alargando artificialmente, através de um bloqueio hormonal, a fase luteica de tal modo que, ao cessar esse bloqueio e injetar-lhes gonadotropinas exógenas, os animais iniciem conjuntamente uma fase folicular seguida de um cio sincronizado (injeções de progesterona, implantes de progesterona ou progestágenos, esponjas vaginais impregnadas de progestágenos) (fig. 5c). 6.2 Objetivos e fundamentos Os tratamentos de controle e sincronização da ovulação têm por objetivo tentar regular, por um lado, o momento exato da ovulação, e por outro, o número de folículos que possam chegar a liberar ovócitos férteis, ao qual pode-se conseguir mediante a intervenção nos processos de recrutamento e seleção dos folículos. O primeiro objetivo permitirá que se realize a inseminação artificial no momento propício, evitando o envelhecimento dos ovócitos e que se possa calcular o momento da fertilização e a fase de desenvolvimento dos embriões (realização de transplantes). Por outro lado, o segundo objetivo ajudará a aumentar a fertilidade e a prolificidade em um rebanho e, no caso de fêmeas doadoras para a transferência de embriões, a relação: número de embriões/fêmea doadora. A indução da ovulação e/ou o aumento da taxa de ovulação pode ser conseguida aumentando os níveis de gonadotropinas no sangue antes do início da atresia folicular, ou seja, 3 a 5 dias antes da ovulação. Por outro lado, a taxa de ovulação pode também ser aumentada através da imunização contra esteroides, embora, por outro lado, permitam uma sincronização de cios. Além disso, o aumento dos níveis de gonadotropinas pode ser conseguido estimulando a sua secreção pelo próprio organismo do animal, por injeção de fatores de liberação hipotalâmicos que estimulem na hipófise a secreção de gonadotropinas, através do manejo dos reprodutores (efeito macho) e da alimentação (Flushing) ou por injeção das gonadotropinas no animal. 6.3 Imunização contra esteroides A imunização contra esteroides é uma técnica eficaz para aumentar a taxa de ovulação de animais que encontram-se em atividade sexual, ou seja, fora do anestro, uma vez que o seu mecanismo de ação baseia-se na alteração do controle endócrino da ovulação devido à ação dos anticorpos contra os esteroides ováricos, especialmente contra a androstenediona. Esta última regula a produção de uma proteína denominada «interleucina l», secretada pelos macrófagos do sistema imunitário e que inibe a diferenciação dos receptores à LH nos folículos, sem afetar a quantidade de sangue do FSH. Por isso, a teoria que tenta explicar o mecanismo de ação dos tratamentos de imunização é a seguinte: «O bloqueio dos esteroides pelos anticorpos do tratamento reduziria a produção de «interleucina l», permitindo assim que um maior número de folículos tivessem receptores à LH e pudessem ovular». Existem dois tipos de imunização: imunização ativa e imunização passiva. Na primeira, a metodologia consiste em tratar o animal com uma série de vacinas por via subcutânea ou intradérmica, pelo menos em duas ocasiões, até que a resposta imunitária atinja o nível desejado e ele próprio produza os anticorpos contra o antígeno (androstenediona) contido no conteúdo da vacina. Por outro lado, na imunização passiva o animal tratado recebe soro, por via intravenosa, de outro animal que foi imunizado (anticorpos policlonais), ou anticorpos monoclonais produzidos mediante técnicas imunológicas modernas. 6.4. Injeções de hormonas gonadotropinas As preparações hormonais de gonadotropinas injetadas num momento adequado do ciclo estral permitem, por um lado, aumentar o número de folículos em desenvolvimento (preparações ricas em atividade FSH) e, por outro lado, controlar e sincronizar o momento da ovulação (preparações ricas em atividade LH). Atualmente, os preparados hormonais à base de LH e FSH puros obtidos a partir de glândulas pituitárias em matadouros deixaram de ser utilizados, já que, além de não serem economicamente rentáveis, a sua conservação e utilização acarreta inúmeros problemas. a) A PMSG ou gonadotropina do soro de égua gestante com atividade predominante em FSH. Este hormônio, que permite aumentar o número de folículos em desenvolvimento, deve ser injetado (em doses variáveis segundo a espécie; tabela 2) no início da fase folicular, imediatamente após a regressão do corpo lúteo, quando as gonadotropinas endógenas do próprio animal estimulam o crescimento folicular. Para determinar esse exato momento, normalmente se realiza uma sincronização do cio. Tabela 2. Doses de aplicação do PMSG e do HCG (em unidades internacionais SI) para regular a quantidade e o momento da ovulação Espécie PMSG HCG Vaca 2000 - 3000 500 - 2500 Ovelha 500 - 800 250 - 500 Porca 750 - 1500 500 - 1000 Adaptado e elaborado a partir de HUNTER, 1987. b) A HCG ou gonadotropina coriónica humana com atividade predominante em LH. Pode ser obtida facilmente, já que se acumula na urina da mulher gestante, servindo sua detecção como teste para a determinação da gestação (teste da rã: origina a ejaculação na rã macho). Uma vez que com esta hormona se pretende controlar o momento da ovulação, a injeção deve ser feita por via intravenosa ou intramuscular, algumas horas antes do animal ter iniciado o estro e portanto a liberação das hormonas gonadotropinas. Pode-se conseguir mediante a injeção, com um intervalo conhecido e em doses adequadas (2), após estimulação com PMSG ou após sincronização do estro. 6.5 Limites das técnicas de controle, sincronização e indução à ovulação Os objetivos almejados durante o tratamento de sincronização e indução da ovulação, acima mencionados, não chegaram a ser alcançados em sua totalidade devido, principalmente, aos seguintes fatores: a) O hipotálamo mediante a liberação em forma de ondas ou pulsações cada um ou dois minutos de fatores liberadores (GnRH) estimula a hipófise para a secreção de hormônios gonadotropinas, o que na prática é muito difícil de se artificializar. b) Como resultado das injeções de hormonas gonadotropas produz-se um feedback dos esteroides gonodais, o qual interfere na secreção de hormonas endógenas e na precisão da resposta. c) As preparações hormonais de natureza proteica provocam a formação de anticorpos no animal, pelo qual a relação dose-resposta não é exata. d) Uma vez que os níveis de resposta tenham sido atingidos, a administração de doses excessivas de gonadotropinas produz uma redução do número de ovulações e interfere nos mecanismos ovulatórios. -/- 7. RESUMO E PRIMEIRAS CONCLUSÕES A ovulação marca o culminar de uma série de alterações morfológicas, fisiológicas e endócrinas que se sucedem no aparelho reprodutor feminino e mais concretamente no ovário e nos folículos ováricos e cujo objetivo é a liberação, após a descarga ovulante de LH, de um ou mais ovócitos férteis, de acordo com as espécies. Da mesma forma, a ovulação se caracteriza pela retomada da meiose e a liberação do primeiro corpúsculo polar, bem como a iniciação da luteinização das células da granulosa e a reestruturação da parede do folículo. Isto ocorre tanto em espécies de ovulação espontânea como induzida. Todas estas alterações são condicionadas pela variação da concentração sanguínea das hormonas gonadotropinas devido ao feedback positivo ou negativo que os esteroides ováricos exercem sobre o hipotálamo em cada uma das fases do ciclo estral. Por este motivo, se num momento preciso do ciclo estral estimula-se a secreção, por parte da hipófise, de hormonas gonadotropinas mediante a injeção de fatores de liberação hipotalâmicos (GnRH) ou a aplicação de algumas técnicas de manejo (efeito macho e Flushing) ou mediante a incrementação da sua concentração no sangue através de injeções de preparações hormonais, será obtido um controle, sincronização e indução da ovulação. Os diferentes tratamentos de sincronização e indução da ovulação, embora apresentem algumas limitações, permitem regular o momento da ovulação e o número de folículos que chegarão a ovular, alcançando em alguns casos uma superovulação, objetivo pretendido na técnica de transplante de embriões. -/- 8. REFERÊNCIAS BIBLIOGRÁFICAS -/- BARUSELLI, Pietro Sampaio; GIMENES, Lindsay Unno; SALES, José Nélio de Sousa. Fisiologia reprodutiva de fêmeas taurinas e zebuínas. Revista Brasileira de Reprodução Animal, v. 31, n. 2, p. 205-211, 2007. -/- BINELLI, Mario; IBIAPINA, Bruna Trentinaro; BISINOTTO, Rafael Siscôneto. Bases fisiológicas, farmacológicas e endócrinas dos tratamentos de sincronização do crescimento folicular e da ovulação. Acta Scientiae Veterinariae, v. 34, n. Supl 1, p. 1-7, 2006.p -/- BRACKETT, B. G.; JÚNIOR, G. E. A.; SEIDEL, S. M. Avances en zootecnia. Nuevas técnicas de reproducción animal. 1ª ed. Zaragoza: Editorial Acribia, 1988. -/- COLE, H. H.; CUPPS, P. T. Reproduction in domestic animals. 1ª ed. Londres: Academic Press, 1977. -/- CORTEZ, A. A.; TONIOLLI, R. Aspectos fisiológicos e hormonais da foliculogênese e ovulação em suínos. Revista Brasileira de Reprodução Animal, v. 36, p. 163-173, 2012. -/- CUNNINGHAM, James. Tratado de fisiologia veterinária. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2011. -/- DA SILVA, Emanuel Isaque Cordeiro. Características Gerais dos Bovinos/General Characteristics of Cattle Bovine. Disponível em: philpeople. Acesso em: Fevereiro de 2020. -/- DERUSSI, A. A. P.; LOPES, M. D. Fisiologia da ovulação, da fertilização e do desenvolvimento embrionário inicial na cadela. Revista Brasileira de Reprodução Animal, v. 33, n. 4, p. 231-237, 2009. -/- DRIANCOURT, M. A. et al. The ovarian function. Paris: INRA, 1991. -/- DUKES, Henry Hugh; SWENSON, Melvin J.; REECE, William O. Dukes fisiologia dos animais domésticos. Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Koogan, 1996. -/- DURÁN DEL CAMPO, A. Anatomia, fisiologia de la reproduccion e inseminación artificial en ovinos. Montevideo, Editorial Hemisferio Sur, 1980. 245p. -/- HAFEZ, E. S. E.; HAFEZ, B. Reprodução animal. São Paulo: Manole, 2004. -/- HUNTER, R. H. F. Reproducción de los animales de granja. Zaragoza: Acribia, 1987. -/- ILLERA, M. Endocrinología Veterinaria y Fisiología de la Reproducción. Zaragoza: Fareso, 1994. -/- MARTIN, Ian; FERREIRA, João Carlos Pinheiro. Fisiologia da ovulação e da formação do corpo lúteo bovino. Veterinária e Zootecnia, v. 16, n. 2, p. 270-279, 2009. -/- RASWEILER IV, John J.; BADWAIK, Nilima K. Anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive tract. In: Reproductive biology of bats. Academic Press, 2000. p. 157-219. (shrink)

Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Spreading rate of mutated corona virus (delta variant) during second wave was very fast. Most of the people infected with the COVID-19 virus experienced mild to moderate to severe respiratory illness. Although patients in the second wave were younger but the duration of hospitalization and case fatality rate were lower than those in the first wave. During first wave of Covid-19 it was observed that persons above 55 years (...) of age and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer were more susceptible to develop serious illness but in second it was observed that person between 30 to 55 years along with old age and younger people suffering from hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases were more susceptible to this covid-19 virus. The most frequent signs and symptoms in both waves were fever, dyspnea, pneumonia, and cough, and the most relevant comorbidities were cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic neurological diseases. Every country has lost its human resources due to covid-19 virus which not only disturb the social life but economic conditions are also very badly affected. Now we use the resources so rapidly that may create economic imbalance in future. The psychological effect is an essential component of disaster management of infectious pandemics. (shrink)

Abstract: This study was aiming to determine the effect of the Vitamin A on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Fifteen rats were randomly divided into five groups; (three rats each) control group, paracetamol (1000 mg/kg body weight) was used to induce hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Vitamin A (Retinyl palmtate) administered at the dose levels of 100, 500 and1000 IU/kg body weights orally for 7 days prior to paracetamol dose. Hepatic toxicity was observed in paracetamol group; aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) level was high (...) as compared with control group (p = 0.003). The significant hepatoprotective effect of Vitamin A was observed at doses 500 and 1000 IU/kg body weight, as there was significant reduction of serum AST when compared to paracetamol group (p = 0.01 and 0.003 respectivly), where 100 IU/Kg vitamin A not significantly decrease AST. Liver trace element determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) (K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Rb) in paracetamol-treated group were found to be higher than that of the control group, although the only significant increase was observed with Cu. Br shows slight decrease compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between Vitamin A groups (100 mg/kg 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg) and PCM-treated group in the liver tissue content of Ca, K, Zn, Cu, Rb and Br where Fe concentrations were significantly decrease at doses 500 and 1000IU/l (P value 0.05 and 0.045 respectively). Vitamin A shows protective effect by regulating liver tissue Fe. We recommend to perform further investigation on the mechanisms of Vitamin A hepatoprotective mechanisms of action. (shrink)

A teacher controls the release of materials in attempt to get students to appreciate the appeal of a popular yet wrongheaded argument before exposing them to its shortcomings. An instructor uses body language, tone of voice, and images in a Power-Point presentation that appeal to non-deliberative mechanisms in order to influence the students to pay more attention, maintain their focus, or to remember the content better. How do we draw the line between such innocuous educational practices and problematic manipulation, such (...) as deterring students from questioning certain views by instilling fear or shame? I help answering this question by illuminating one significant danger, which hasn’t been accurately identified in the relevant literature: the danger that manipulations in education—even when they’re non-deceptive and aim for the good of the students—will hinder the development or fulfillment of the students’ deliberative projects. (shrink)

Throughout the history of mankind, energy security has been always seen as a means of protection from disruptions of essential energy systems. The idea of protection from disorders emerged from the process of securing political and military control over energy resources to set up policies and measures on managing risks that affect all elements of energy systems. The various systems placed in a place to achieve energy security are the driving force towards the energy innovations or emerging trends in the (...) energy sector. Our paper discusses energy security status and innovations in the energy sector in European Union (EU). We analyze the recent up-to-date developments of the energy policy and exploitation of energy sources, as well as scrutinize the channels of energy streaming to the EU countries and the risks associated with this energy import. Moreover, we argue that the shift to the low-carbon production of energy and the massive deployment of renewable energy sources (RES) might become the key issue in ensuring the energy security and independency of the EU from its external energy supplies. Both RES, distributed energy resources (DER) and “green energy” that will be based on the energy efficiency and the shift to the alternative energy supply might change the energy security status quo for the EU. (shrink)

Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem world-wide, it is contagious disease caused by organism mycobacterium tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to assess the level of zinc and albumin in newly diagnosed patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Khartoum state. Methods: Fifty blood samples were collected from newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients during the period between April to May 2017, chosen randomly from Abu Anga Teaching Hospital and fifty blood samples from apparently healthy individuals serve as control (...) group. Estimation of serum albumin level was performed using spectrophotometer and estimation of serum zinc by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results were analyzed by using (SPSS) computer program. Results: The study showed that, serum level of zinc and albumin were significantly decrease in patients compared to control group (mean± SD for cases versus control). For zinc :( 0.16±0.05 versus 0.58± 0.13 mg/l, P. value= 0.000). For albumin: (2.5±0.58 versus 4.1±0.31g/dl, P. value= 0.000). The result of this study showed that, there was statically significant decrease in the mean of BMI in patients compared to control group. Mean ±SD for case versus control (18.7±0.17 versus 21.5±1.7). The result of this study showed that, pulmonary tuberculosis most common among age between (20-39) years (52%) and (48%) of patients between age (40-58) years and this disease most abundant in males (78%) than females (22%). Persons correlation showed that there was no correlation between serum zinc level and age (r =-0.128, p. value=0.374) also there was no correlation between the level of serum albumin and age (r=0.137, p. value =0.344). Conclusion: The serum levels of zinc and albumin were significantly decreased in newly diagnosed patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Khartoum state. (shrink)

This paper aims to identify computerized management information systems resources and their relationship to the development of performance in the Electricity Distribution Company in Gaza. This research used two dimensions. The first dimension is computerized management information systems and the second dimension the Development of Performance. The control sample was (063). (360) questioners were distributed and (306) were retrieved back with a percentage of (85%). Several statistical tools were used for data analysis and hypotheses testing, including reliability correlation using Cronbach’s (...) alpha, “ANOVA”, Simple Linear Regression and Step Wise Regression. The overall findings of the current study suggested the presence of a statistically significant relationship between resources (physical, software, and human and organizational) for the computerized management information systems and the development of performance in the Electricity Distribution Company in Gaza. The study recommended the following: The need to strengthen the company's management interest in the potential of computerized management information systems and using them in the computerization of all the company's activities. And the need to involve workers and users in the design of computerized management information systems and assessment and development process. And strengthen the relationship between users and information systems personnel in the department responsible for the system. And it is essential that the company is developing the infrastructure for information technology in general, and computerized management information systems, in particular for the development of performance. And increase interest in providing resources (physical, software, and human and organizational) for the computerized management information systems. The current study is unique by the virtue of its nature, scope and way of implied investigation, as it is the first study at Electricity Distribution Company in Gaza resources explores the status of Computerized management information systems and their relationship to the development of performance in the Electricity Distribution Company in Gaza increasing interest in Computerized management information systems through continuity, keeping pace with technological means and modern techniques. (shrink)

Abstract: Rice is one of the most important staple crops in the world and serves as a staple food for more than half of the global population. It is a critical source of nutrition, providing carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to millions of people, particularly in Asia and Africa. This paper presents a study on using deep learning for the classification of different types of rice. The study focuses on five specific types of rice: Arborio, Basmati, Ipsala, Jasmine, and Karacadag. A (...) dataset of 75,000 images was collected and annotated, consisting of 15,000 images for each of the five types of rice. The deep learning system uses convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify images of rice grains based on their physical characteristics. The performance of the deep learning system was evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The results show that the proposed deep learning system was able to achieve high accuracy in classifying the different types of rice, outperforming traditional image processing techniques. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of deep learning for classifying different types of rice and can be useful for applications such as quality control in rice processing industries and research in crop science. The large size of the dataset, 15,000 images for each type of rice, helped the deep learning system to learn the features of each type of rice, and increase the performance of the classifier. The attained overall accuracy of the proposed model (99.96%), Precision (99.96%), Recall (99.96%) and F1-score (99.96%). Thus, the proposed model proved that it leaned the five categories of rice and it can generalize these categories and it is effective. (shrink)

This paper aims to measure Knowledge Management Maturity (KMM) in the universities to determine the impact of knowledge management on high performance. This study was applied on Al-Quds Open University in Gaza strip, Palestine. Asian productivity organization model was applied to measure KMM. Second dimension which assess high performance was developed by the authors. The controlled sample was (306). Several statistical tools were used for data analysis and hypotheses testing, including reliability Correlation using Cronbach’s alpha, “ANOVA”, Simple Linear Regression and (...) Step Wise Regression.The overall findings of the current study suggest that KMM is suitable for measuring high performance. KMM assessment shows that maturity level is in level three. Findings also support the main hypothesis and it is sub- hypotheses. The most important factors effecting high performance are: Processes, KM leadership, People, KM Outcomes and Learning and Innovation. Furthermore the current study is unique by the virtue of its nature, scope and way of implied investigation, as it is the first comparative study in the universities of Palestine explores the status of KMM using the Asian productivity Model. (shrink)

Abstract: This research employs a Random Forest classification model to predict and assess obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk based on a comprehensive dataset collected from individuals in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. The dataset comprises 17 attributes, including information on eating habits, physical condition, gender, age, height, and weight. The study focuses on classifying individuals into different health risk categories using machine learning algorithms. Our Random Forest model achieved remarkable performance with an accuracy, F1-score, recall, and precision all reaching 97.23%. (...) The model's success is attributed to its ability to effectively leverage attributes related to eating habits, physical condition, and demographic factors. Feature importance analysis reveals key factors contributing to accurate predictions. This paper contributes to the field of health analytics by demonstrating the effectiveness of Random Forest in predicting and categorizing health risks. The insights gained from this research have the potential to inform personalized health interventions and contribute to the advancement of precision health strategies. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of leveraging machine learning techniques for health risk assessment in diverse populations. (shrink)

Taiwan and Vietnam have taken successful measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 at the early stages. Many authors attributed the successful policies to the lessons learned by these countries during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic in 2002.(Ohara, 2004) This manuscript provides a summary of recent early-stage policies that were successful in mitigating the spread and creating resilience against the negative consequences of COVID-19 in Taiwan and Vietnam. Crucially, these policies go beyond and complement social isolation. As social (...) isolation is expected to have a negative socio-economic impact on the population and adherence is likely to decrease with time(Armitage and Nellums, 2020; Weems et al., 2020), it is important to consider a broad range of policies to promote a steady control of the COVID-19 spread. Initially, we provide a brief introduction to some general concepts related to COVID-19. Thereafter, we introduce a concise review of policies and their dates relative to the first detection case in Taiwan and Vietnam as well as doing a comparative analysis. (shrink)

Abstract: This research aims at the design and implementation of an automatic high-performance voltage stabilizer which helps to detect inappropriate voltage levels and correct them to produce a reasonably stable output. The system consists of five dependent architectural designs which involve the power supply, delay switching circuit, monitoring circuit and load changeover circuit using 555 ic which produces the required signal when switched on by a relay to activate the alarm. The system uses a relay to charge the batteries and (...) automatically switches on this supply to supply the loads. It is composed of switching transistors and relay to control the power provided to ac loads, and it has LEDs for indicating the state of the system, 240-220vac/120-110vac switch, voltmeter displaying load voltage, heatsink, and fans for cooling the system. The system protects electrical equipment and machine against voltage surge. (shrink)

An interesting aspect of Ernest Sosa’s (2017) recent thinking is that enhanced performances (e.g., the performance of an athlete under the influence of a performance-enhancing drug) fall short of aptness, and this is because such enhanced performances do not issue from genuine competences on the part of the agent. In this paper, I explore in some detail the implications of such thinking in Sosa’s wider virtue epistemology, with a focus on cases of cognitive enhancement. A certain puzzle is then highlighted, (...) and the solution proposed draws from both the recent moral responsibility literature on guidance control (e.g., Fischer and Ravizza 1998; Fischer 2012) as well as from work on cognitive integration in the philosophy of mind and cognitive science (e.g., Clark and Chalmers 1998; Clark 2008; Pritchard 2010; Palermos 2014; Carter 2017). (shrink)

The COVID-19 crisis has forced a difficult trade-off between limiting the health impacts of the virus and maintaining economic activity. Welfare economics offers tools to conceptualize this trade-off so that policy-makers and the public can see clearly what is at stake. We review four such tools: the Value of Statistical Life (VSL); the Value of Statistical Life Years (VSLYs); Quality-Adjusted Life-Years (QALYs); and social welfare analysis, and argue that the latter are superior. We also discuss how to choose policies that (...) differentially affect people’s wellbeing. We argue in favor of evaluating policies using a Social Welfare Function (SWF), which evaluates the possible distributions of wellbeing across individuals that may result from a policy. Such a function, we argue, should regard increases in the wellbeing of the less well-off as especially valuable. We then use a model to illustrate how such a framework can help evaluate two broad policy types in response to the pandemic: eradication of the virus, and more lenient control of the spread. Our model reveals how such evaluations depend on many empirical facts but also on key value judgments about the relative importance of health and on the extent of special concern for the worse off. The purpose of this brief is not to make precise recommendations, as conditions vary widely across countries and over time, but to provide a methodology. (shrink)

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are reported to have caused significant deaths for more than a decade. Consequently, NCDs have posed as a threat to the socio-economic well-being of individuals and families, contributed to a rise in healthcare costs and largely undermined the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of NCDs have compounded the problem of already ill equipped healthcare systems in (...) these countries as they are faced with constraints to deal with the burden of both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Informed largely by the rapid increase in NCDs and their subsequent threat to public health, we aimed to ascertain the various healthcare interventions that Ghana has fashioned out in her bid to prevent and control the incidence of NCDs, how these interventions were rolled out and examined past and present barriers to their implementation since 1990. We culled the data gathered for this paper from both primary and secondary sources to construct a coherent synthesis and to facilitate discussions on Ghana’s NCDs interventions from 1990 to 2018. A systematic analysis of the data gathered, revealed that Ghana’s healthcare system has by far tackled the NCDs burden in two folds; the clinical care aspect and the health promotion aspect. While certain healthcare interventions were purposively directed toward addressing NCDs, others were directed at promoting healthy lifestyles but had a bearing on the prevention and control of NCDs. Present challenges concerning shortfalls in interventions are a reflection of unresolved challenges in the past. We argue that despite the significant strides made for more than two decades, the interventions have addressed the burden of NCDs with limited success given the trends in NCDs mortality and morbidity. (shrink)

The incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, cancers and cardiovascular diseases in Ghana has created a new mix of healthcare challenge for the country.

The study sought to investigate the effects of using cooperative learning on female teacher trainees of the Colleges of Education in learning some selected topics in Integrated Science. The investigation also sought to determine whether the Cooperative Learning Approach enhances the attitude and motivation of the trainees towards learning of Integrated Science. The study was carried out at the St. Monica’s College of Education in the Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region. In all, 80 teacher trainees consisting of 40 each (...) from control and experimental groups were purposively sampled to participate in the study. The teacher trainees in the experimental group were exposed to the Cooperative Learning Approach and the trainees in the control group were lectured during the period of the study. The results of the study showed that the cooperative learning strategy was very relevant and beneficial in helping the teacher trainees of the St. Monica’s College of Education to improve on their performance in, and attitudes towards, the teaching and learning of Integrated Science. It was therefore recommended among other things that the science teachers should endeavour to integrate cooperative learning into their routine methods of instruction in the teaching and learning of Integrated Science. (shrink)

Respect for autonomy is a central moral principle in bioethics. The concept of autonomy can be construed in various ways. Under the non-ideal conceptualization proposed by Beauchamp and Childress, everyday choices of generally competent persons are autonomous to the extent that they are intentional and are made with understanding and without controlling influences. It is sometimes suggested that authenticity is important to personal autonomy, so that inauthenticity prevents otherwise autonomous persons from making autonomous decisions. Building from Beauchamp and Childress’s theory, (...) this article develops a non-ideal authenticity-based conceptualization of personal autonomy. Factors that indicate inauthentic decision-making are explicated, and the full concept is defended from three expected objections. The theory is then tested on a paradigm case which has concerned theorists and practitioners for some time, namely the possible inauthenticity of anorexia nervosa patients’ decision-making. It is concluded that the theory seems to be fruitful in analyses of the degree of autonomy of patients’ decision-making, and that it succeeds in providing reliable action-guidance in practical contexts. (shrink)

Lately in the past couple of years, there are an increasing in the normal rate of playing computer games or video games compared to the E-learning content that are introduced for the safety of our children, and the impact of the video game addictiveness that ranges from (Musculoskeletal issues, Vision problems and Obesity). Furthermore, this paper introduce an intelligent tutoring system for both parent and their children for enhancement the experience of gaming and tell us about the health problems and (...) how we can solve them, with an easy user interface that way can our children be happy and excited about the information and their health. (shrink)

The integration of Internet Protocol and Embedded Systems can enhance the communication platform. This paper describes the emerging smart technologies based on Internet of Things (IOT) and internet protocols along with embedded systems for monitoring and controlling smart devices with the help of WiFi technology and web applications. The internet protocol (IP) address has been assigned to the things to control and operate the devices via remote network that facilitates the interoperability and end-to-end communication among various devices c,onnected over a (...) network. The HTTP POST and HTTP GET command that supports the RESTful service have been used to ensure the transmission and reception of packets between the IOT Gateway and Cloud Database. The emerging smart technologies based on the Internet of Things (IoT) facilitated features like automation, controllability, interconnectivity, reliability which in turn turn paved the way for a wide range of acceptance amongst the masses. The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought in many new emerging technologies into varoius field like our daily lives, industry, agricultural sector, and many more. The world is experiencing the explosive growth with the advent of Internet of Things (IoT) these years. The potential growth of IoT is enoromous which is evidenced by all the human beings in our day to day life. (shrink)

Actions that are intended to produce harmful consequences can fail to achieve their desired effects in numerous ways. We refer to action sequences in which harmful intentions are thwarted as deviant causal chains. The culpable control model of blame (CCM)is a useful tool for predicting and explaining the attributions that observers make of the actors whose harmful intentions go awry. In this paper, we describe six types of deviant causal chains; those in which: an actor’s attempt is obviated by the (...) intervention of another person or the environment; the intended effects could not have been produced regardless of the actor’s behavior; other causes diminish the actor’s causal role; the actor brings about foreseen but undesired consequences as a result of pursuing his or her focal goal; the focal action produces a chain of increasingly remote causal events; and the actor derives unforeseen benefits from his or her nefarious actions. A basic assumption of the CCM in these cases is that attributions for the participants’ actions will depend on positive and negative evaluations of their intentions and behaviors. We describe empirical findings that are consistent with this assumption, and predict other findings for causal deviance phenomena that have not yet been investigated empirically. (shrink)

Causation is one of philosophy's most venerable and thoroughly-analyzed concepts. However, the study of how ordinary people make causal judgments is a much more recent addition to the philosophical arsenal. One of the most prominent views of causal explanation, especially in the realm of harmful or potentially harmful behavior, is that unusual or counternormative events are accorded privileged status in ordinary causal explanations. This is a fundamental assumption in psychological theories of counterfactual reasoning, and has been transported to philosophy by (...) Hitchcock and Knobe (2009). A different view--the basis of the culpable control model of blame (CCM)--is that primary causal status is accorded to behaviors that arouse negative evaluative reactions, including behaviors that stem from nefarious motives, negligence or recklessness, a faulty character, or behaviors that lead to harmful or potentially harmful consequences. This paper describes four empirical studies that show consistent support for the CCM. (shrink)

Susan Wolf’s compatibilism is unique for being ‘asymmetrical.' While holding that blameworthiness entails being able to avoid acting wrongly, she maintains that our freedom consists in single-mindedly pursuing Truth and Goodness. Comparing and contrasting her position to Saint Anselm’s seminal, libertarian approach to the same subject elicits serious questions, highlighting its drawbacks. How could freedom entail the inability to do certain things? In what sense are reasons causes? What sense can be made of a double standard for assignments of responsibility? (...) Is not self-control inconsistent with being caused to act by things independent of oneself? Does not virtue require struggling against falsehoods and evils by which one could be overcome? Wolf’s compatibilism must be rejected, I shall argue, in light of Anselm’s intuitively satisfying response to these concerns: we should prefer a philosophy that entails more of what we want from freedom without begging unanswerable questions of its own. (shrink)

E.J. Lowe attempts to meld elements of volitionalism and agent causalism in his recent essay on philosophy of action, Personal Agency. United in the belief that our mental states are inefficacious when it comes to producing volitions, agent causalists disagree over just how to formulate an alternative understanding of mental agency. We exercise self-control so as to become appropriate objects of reactive attitudes, by being the ultimate sources of our behavior- here they concur. But the precise nature of the relation (...) between agents and the volitions that ensue upon exercises of our will is disputed. Volitionalists, for their part, refuse to countenance talk of substances as causal relata. Only events are effective, they see our mental lives and attendant behavior proceeding without us being in any way involved except, perhaps, as spectators with a rooting interest in their having favorable outcomes, the threat such a nullification would pose to our belief in free will apparently being of less concern to them than the imperative of subsuming all occurrences under natural laws. (shrink)

Examining the significance of the General’s enlightenment in the Platform Sutra, this article clarifies the fundamental role that emotions play in the development of one’s spiritual understanding. In order to do so, this article emphasizes that the way to enlightenment implicit in the story of the General and the Master involves first granting negative emotions a means for productive expression. By acting as a preparatory measure for calming the mind and surrendering control over it, human passions become a necessary, antecedent (...) condition to wisdom—a conclusion that this article argues is a major, and sometimes underappreciated, lesson embedded in the teachings of the Sixth Patriarch. (shrink)

Despite the importance of human blood to clinical practice and research, hematology and blood transfusion data remain scattered throughout a range of disparate sources. This lack of systematization concerning the use and definition of terms poses problems for physicians and biomedical professionals. We are introducing here the Blood Ontology, an ongoing initiative designed to serve as a controlled vocabulary for use in organizing information about blood. The paper describes the scope of the Blood Ontology, its stage of development and some (...) of its anticipated uses. (shrink)

Este artículo analiza los fundamentos doctrinales del derecho penal eclesiástico calviniano, asentado teóricamente en la teología del pecado original y cuyo ejercicio toma forma en la práctica del Consistorio ginebrino. Asimismo, explora las razones de la diferencia entre derecho penal eclesial y civil. Y es que, aunque en el calvinismo la Iglesia y el Estado son titulares de un ius gladii, sólo uno de estos sistemas penales puede reivindicar el ejercicio de la pena corporal, el otro tan sólo puede reclamar (...) un castigo espiritual: en esto haremos radicar la diferencia entre derecho y disciplina. El derecho de coacción propiamente dicho pertenece en exclusiva al Estado como tal y ni el individuo ni la Iglesia pueden reclamarlos para sí. Estamos ante una aportación fundamental de la Reforma a la historia del derecho. (shrink)

Abstract: Networking is one of the most important areas currently used for data transfer and enterprise management. It also includes the security aspect that enables us to protect our network to prevent hackers from accessing the organization's data. In this paper, we would like to learn what the network is and how it works. And what are the basics of the network since its emergence and know the mechanism of action components. After reading this paper - even if you do (...) not have a general background on networking - you will be able to manage your own network and be able to distribute and control your ip. (shrink)

William Alston’s argument against epistemological deontologism rests upon two key premises: first, that we lack a suitable amount of voluntary control with respect to our beliefs, and, second, the principle that “ought” implies “can.” While several responses to Alston have concerned rejecting either of these two premises, I argue that even on the assumption that both premises are true, there is room to be made for deontologism in epistemology. I begin by offering a criticism of Richard Feldman’s invaluable work on (...) ‘role-oughts’, whereupon I development my own positive view in light of Feldman’s shortcomings. The upshot is that while we as epistemic agents are not responsible for the beliefs we form, we are nonetheless responsible for the various bodily or mental activities that typically bear a causal influence on belief formation. (shrink)

The philosophical debate on the freedom of movement focuses almost exclusively on long-term migration, what I call, migration as settlement. The normative justifications defending border controls assume that the movement of people across political borders, independent of its purpose and the length of stay, refers to migration as settlement. “Global mobility,” “international movement,” and “immigration” are oftenused interchangeably. However, global mobility also refers to the movements of people across international borders for a short length of time such as travel, short-term (...) and circular migration. While most scholarly attention has focused on long-term migration, the vast majority of cross-border movement of people (approximately 85% of all cross-border movements in 2019) is short-term. The existing literature offers normative arguments for border controls, which are grounded on states’ right to self-determination, the freedom of (dis)association, the welfare state, the duty to compatriots, and brain drain. In this paper, I argue that these arguments do not justify excluding travelers, short-term and circular migrants from the territory. (shrink)

The word Despot is derived from the Greek word Despotes, meaning father of the family, or master of slaves. After that, this meaning changed from the meaning of the family to the style of absolute monarchy, in which the power of the king is like the authority of the father in the family. The authority of the father is moral, and respect for him is a duty in his family, but transferring this power to politics and considering the ruler as (...) a father and the citizens as children is unjustified, and then it is called political authority, not parental authority. The origin of term despot goes back to Aristotle, who compared it to tyranny and said that they are two types of governments that treat citizens as slaves. The term tyrant of Aristotle takes the following dimensions: 1.Father of the family. 2.Master of slaves. 3.The king of the barbarians who ruled the citizens like slaves. Aristotle's idea of the despot dominated most of the European philosophers Machiavelli, Montesquieu, Hegel and Marx. This research deals with: First: the history of despotism. Second: Models of despotism. Third: Despotism in theological and philosophical thought. Fourth: The forms of despotism in the contemporary Arab cultural . The results of the research show that despotism in Arab culture has forms, including: 1.The dead have control over the living, the heritage power. 2.The authority of the father, the policeman, the employee, and the teacher. 3.The authority of sadness and fear. 4.The power of poverty or low income level. 5.The power of political parties and their control of the citizens, curbing freedoms, discrimination on the basis of gender, color, and religion. (shrink)

Since the beginning of humanity and up till now, education is a cornerstone in building human communities. No real social development will take place unless there are scientific and specific education principles. Pursuing the human march is the best example. During the Greek times, the philosophers focused their attention on education. Plato's Academy and Lyceum Aristotle's are educational institutes which produced designs for educational curricula delineated by Plato in his Republic and Aristotle in Nichomachean Ethics. Within Islamic heritage, Prophet Mohamed (...) (Peace Be Upon Him) freed the prisoner of war when he taught ten Muslims literacy. Muslim thinkers focused on education .Al- Farabi was a cultural adviser for organizing educational affairs at the court of Sayf ad-Daulah Ibn Hamdan in Damascus, and during the rule of sultan Abo Yakub Youssef ,Ibn Tufail organized the educational affairs in Al Andalus. Dar Al Hekma in Baghdad is a model for the standard educational institute in Arab Muslim civilization. The curriculum is the practical translation of educational objectives, plans and orientations. Curricula makers seek to make better live in human societies. Most contemporary societies departed the traditional curriculum which based on students theoretical knowledge. Accordingly their perception is confirmed through tests. This transformation took place as a result of the industrial revolution which focused on vocational education in addition to what the two great philosophers Francis Beckon, Jean Jack Roseau and the fruits of the psychological though which connects between cognitive education and physical, mental and emotional preparation. For all these reasons as well as other reasons, the curriculum with its modern concept that contradicts with the classical concept, is the result of the interaction between the student, the teacher, the environment, and the culture of the society. The affecting factors are human, social, natural and intellectual . Countries differ in the design of curricula. Some develop them according to the needs of work market while other countries consider the opposite. It is not the market which controls science and culture. Rather, culture drives the market but slow reading affirms that curricula should be developed according to the needs of their societies. Thus, we witness variations taking place in our educational curricula from time to time. We always call upon the most progressive and tend to the most preferable. In this paper, I discussed a number of issues to answer the research main question: why do we develop curricula in human and social sciences? (shrink)

In a recent commentary, Kim and colleagues argued that minimal-risk research should be deregulated so that such studies do not require review by an institutional review board. They claim that regulation of minimal-risk studies provides no adequate counterbalancing good and instead leads to a costly human subjects oversight system. We argue that the counterbalancing good of regulating minimal-risk studies is that oversight exists to ensure that respect for persons and justice requirements are satisfied when they otherwise might not be.

A crucial objection to the doctrine of original sin is that it conflicts with a common intuition that agents are morally responsible only for factors under their control. Here, I present an account of moral responsibility by Michael Zimmerman that accommodates that intuition, and I consider it as a model of original sin, noting both attractions and difficulties with the view.

Whiteness theorists argue that whiteness has two essential features. First, whiteness colonizes, appropriates and controls the Other. Whiteness is, then, racist.Second, whiteness is constructed unwittingly. Whites are, it is claimed, unaware of the harms they inflict on a genocidal scale because whiteness, like the air we breathe, is “invisible” to those who construct it and are constructed by it. Whiteness is, then, innocent. I think defining whiteness as innocent racism is troubling for two reasons. First, it leaves whites unaccountable for (...) the acts of racism they perpetuate. Second, I think that the claim that whiteness is invisible “like the air we breathe,” while a powerful and fascinating metaphor, is mistaken. I will argue that whiteness is closeted; and while the closet makes the acknowledgement of whiteness difficult, it does not make it impossible. Thus, though closeted, whites are morally accountable for the acts of racism they commit. (shrink)