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1

Settlement Risk Zone Recognition Using High Resolution Satellite Data in Jharia Coal Field, Dhanbad, India

Pavan Kumar¹, Dushyant Kumar², V. P. Mandal³, P.C. Pandey⁴, Meenu Rani³ & Vandana Tomar^1,*

¹ Department of Remote Sensing, Banasthali University, Tonk, Rajasthan, India

² Department of Geography, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India

³ Project Directorate for Farming System Research, Merut, Utter Pradesh, India

⁴ Department of Geography, University of Leicester, Leicester ,United Kingdom

^*Correspondence Author: vandana7232@gmx.com

Abstract: Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel resource present in Jharia. This is the most exploited coal field because of available metallurgical grade coal reserves. Mining in this coal field was initially in the hands of private entrepreneurs, who had limited resources and lack of desire for scientific mining. The mining method comprised of both open cast as well as underground. The open cast mining areas were not back filled, so large void is present in the form of abandoned mining. Extraction of  thick seam by caving in past at shallow depth has damaged the ground surface in the form of subsidence and formation of pot holes or cracks reaching up to surface, enhancing the chances of spontaneous heating of coal seams and mine  fire. This coal field is engulfed with about 70 mine fires, spread over an area of 17.32 sq. km., blocking 636 million tonnes of coking coal and 1238 million tonnes of non-coking coal. Around 34.97 sq. km. area of the Jharia Coal Field (JCF) is under subsidence. It is mentioned in JCF reconstruction program that 70% of the underground production of coal would come by caving and balance 30% by stowing and thus about 101 sq. km. underground mining area would be affected by subsidence. The other factor, which damages the land in JCF, is opencast mining and overburden dumps. Most of the built-up area is under risk zone because of mine fires activities. Mine fire and surface subsidence is the major problem in the JCF. The present study shows the settlement under risk zone using the high resolution merged data.

[Kumar P, Kumar D, Mandal VP, Pandey PC,Rani M, Tomar V. Settlement Risk Zone Recognition Using High Resolution Satellite Data in Jharia Coal Field, Dhanbad, India. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):1-6] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 1

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.01

Keywords: Coal mining, JCF, Merged data

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2

Convergence Development of Middle East Countries in Agricultural Sector

Mehri Firoozbakht

No194, Shahid beheshti street, Karaj, Alborz Proviance, Iran

Abstract: In recent years, there has been a wide of studies on regional convergence. Agriculture has rarely received attention as testing grounds for the hypothesis of economic convergence. The aim of this paper is testing convergence development of Middle East countries in agricultural sector. The data cover the period 1995 to 2010, a sample period that might be considered as somehow short. However, Islam (1995) points out equation (1) is valid for shorter time periods as well, since is based on an approximation around the ‘steady-state’ and supposed to capture the dynamics to- ward the ‘steady-state’. The obtained results are consistent with the presence of a sub-group of regions demonstrating convergence in Middle East. 

[Mehri Firoozbakht. Convergence Development of Middle East Countries in Agricultural Sector. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):7-10] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 2

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.02

Keywords: Convergence Development, Middle East Countries, Agricultural Sector

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3

The impact of globalization on the main factors affecting States’ foreign policies (sovereignty, national interests and national power)

Mohammad kazem Kaveh pishghadam¹, Zahra Ghasemi², Mohammad hossein Behzadi², Ali Shojaeifard³

¹ Islamic Azad University, Shiraz branch, Department of Political Science, Shiraz, Iran (Assistant Professor)

²Islamic Azad University, Shiraz branch, Department of Political Science, Shiraz, Iran, Student of Master

³Payame Noor University, Department of human Science, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract: Comparison and verification of foreign policy within conventional approach and the era of globalization, are used in are used in measuring the impact of globalization on foreign policy. In traditional approach, some consider foreign policy as an introvert phenomenon, and others know it as the outcome of systematic factors. However both groups emphasize the separation and segregation of policy to domestic and foreign policy. In globalization era, domestic environment (local, national) becomes global and global environment becomes local. In globalization era, both cooperation methods and domestic and foreign conflicts of the states affect the foreign policy, because interwoven interests and common goals have affected countries survival. This article aims to analyze the foreign policy of different states in terms of sovereignty, national interests, national government, national power and etc. It also tries to show how these affective factors are before and after globalization and how they are influenced by it.

[Mohammad kazem Kaveh pishghadam, Zahra Ghasemi, Mohammad hossein Behzadi, Ali Shojaeifard. The impact of globalization on the main factors affecting States’ foreign policies (sovereignty, national interests and national power). Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):11-14] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 3

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.03

Keywords: Globalization, foreign policy, sovereignty, national interests, security

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4

The relationship between social capital and job satisfaction in employees of Social Security Organization of Rasht

Ali Reza Sargolzaei

Email: sargolzaei@ymail.com

Abstract: Today, social capital and its components have been regarded by many scholars and thinkers and they have studied its role in various sectors of the community and various organizations. The present study also aims to review the relationship between social capital and job satisfaction of employees. This study is an descriptive and analytical research which has investigated the relationship between variables using survey (field) method. Statistical population of the study included 150 employees of Social Security Organization of Rasht. Correlation Coefficient, and mean comparison were used to test the research hypotheses. The results indicated that, among the individual variables, only gender had a significant relationship with social capital (R= 0.165). The results also showed that there is positive and significant relationship between all components of social capital and job satisfaction and according to a significance level of 0.001 and a regression of 0.597, there is a significant relationship between social capital and job satisfaction in employees of Social Security Organization of Rasht.

[Ali Reza Sargolzaei. The relationship between social capital and job satisfaction in employees of Social Security Organization of Rasht. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):15-20] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 4

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.04

Keywords: Job satisfaction; Social capital; Social Security Organization

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5

Iranian Zurvanism, Origin of Worshipping Evil

ELIKA  BAGHAIE

PHD candidate at the Tajikistan Academy of science

Abstract: In this article it is attempted to study the philosophy of the emergence of evil forces in the history of human life from the perspective of the East ancient texts, particularly those of ancient Iran and middle Persian language and then Zurvan, its emergence and status beyond a creator and as a neutral element and an evil force, and its logical concept is studied. “Above is not bright. Below is not dark. It’s invisible, and it can’t be called by any name.

[ELIKA  BAGHAIE. Iranian Zurvanism, Origin of Worshipping Evil. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):21-26] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 5

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.05

Keywords: creation, evil, duality, Zurvan, man, Go

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6

Feasibility assessment of the Velvet Revolution in Iran

Morteza Ashrafi

PHD student in political science, Tajikistan Academy of Sciences

Abstract: A minimum degree of conflicts is natural in any community, especially in human communities due to variation in opinions, preferences, and perceptions. These conflicts are more in the Third World countries that their persistence will lead to the outbreak of crises and social gaps. In today's Iran, we are facing with the explosion of economic, political, and social expectations of the Islamic Revolution, modernization, and globalization process. In analyzing whether there is the possibility of occurrence of a velvet revolution in Iran or not, in addition to differences in the political-social atmosphere of Iran and distinction between the actors of this atmosphere with the actors present in the velvet revolutions, limitations and obstacles to the realization of such a movement in Iran should be mentioned on the one hand and also tools and methods of using soft power by the Islamic Republic of Iran should be identified on the other hand. Hence, despite there have been plans to establish a velvet revolution in Iran in order to realize the idea of soft overthrow of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

[Morteza Ashrafi. Feasibility assessment of the Velvet Revolution in Iran. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):27-29] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 6

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.06

Keywords: Revolution; The velvet revolution; Islamic Republic of Iran; Election; Political Sciences

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Determinants of Capital Structure; a Study of Manufacturing Companies in Iran

*Ali NEMATI¹, Joriah Muhammad²

¹Department of Accounting, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch,Tehran, Iran

²School of management University Sains Malaysia

Abstract: The aim of this paper is determine capital structure of manufacturing companies in Iran. Generally our results are consistent with the predictions of theoretical studies and the results of previous empirical studies. Profitability is strongly negatively related with TL. A one percent increase in ROA could bring more than 1.5-2.0 percent drop in TL. Non-debt tax shields are also highly negatively related with TL. Volatility, size and ownership of institutes are positively related with TL. As expected, tax and management shareholding have no significant effect on TL.

[Ali NEMATI, Joriah Muhammad. Determinants of Capital Structure; a Study of Manufacturing Companies in Iran. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):30-36] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 7

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.07

Keywords: Capital Structure, Manufacturing Companies, Iran

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8

Comparison of two approaches of strategic management and supply chain management

Abbas Abbasi Azar

Email: Abbasiazar@ymail.com

Abstract: Organizations, in the broadest sense, are the key pillar of the current communities and management is the most important factor in survival, growth, and development or death of organizations. A manager directs the movement from the current situation to the desired situation and is always trying to make a better future. Today, organizations are facing with difficult future, loss of resources, increased accountability, and challenging opportunities and due to the significant reduction in financial resources and therefore reduced staff, many of them have been subjected to more careful surveillance. Hence, strategic management is the most important issue that should be taken into account for cultural, economic, and political growth and excellence of society. On the other hand, intensified global competitive environment that is constantly changing has doubled the necessity of proper reactions by organizations and manufacturing-industrial companies and insists on their flexibility and adaptability with uncertain external environment. To gain and maintain a proper position in the national and global arena, today's organizations need to utilize an appropriate pattern such as supply chain management in order to achieve competitive advantage and customer expectations. This paper aims to explain the concept strategic management and supply chain management and their basic principles and also compare their advantages and limitations.

[Abbas Abbasi Azar. Comparison of two approaches of strategic management and supply chain management. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):37-40] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 8

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.08

Keywords: Management; Strategic management; Supply chain management; Organizations

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9

Study the causes of educational achievement of girls in Iran; the case study of three Provinces

Zahra Firoozbakht

No194, Shahid beheshti street, Karaj, Alborz Proviance, Iran

Abstract: This study is emphasis on the fact which educational achievement of girls when compared to boys are great and with the goal of research that factors affecting of them. The objective of this research is causal comparison. the statistical community are intermediate and secondary school students in the provinces of Razavi, North and South Khorasan, which includes 753,466 of whom 385,612 boys and 367,852 girls. Sample statistical was on the basis of the sample size Krejcie & Morgan equation with Alpha 0.05 includes 853 people from students (421 girls and 432 boy) and which have been selected by cluster sampling. Research tools include three questionnaires: Cooper smith Self-esteem Inventory that is a standard tool and validation it through Split - half method 0.87. Educational incentive and motivation to education by noted researchers and considered by Cronbach's alpha 0.86 and 0.92 and content has been supported by Reliability and Validity. Data analysis with the help of t-test and coefficient of correlation shows an incentive to education of girls is more and thinking in relation to education at high while there was no difference between the two groups on the self-confidence. The results also show that the best of self-confidence, best of incentive and most positive of think education at intermediate school students. Also, there is a significant correlation between educational achievement and the three variables; scientific motivation, education thinking and self-confidence.

[Zahra Firoozbakht. Study the causes of educational achievement of girls in Iran; the case study of three Provinces. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):41-51] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 9

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.09

Keywords: educational achievement, scientific motivation, thinking to education, self-confidence

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Revenue Malmquist Index with Variable Relative Importance as a Function of Time in Different PERIOD and FDH Models of DEA

Mohammad Ehsanifar, Golnaz Mohammadi

Department of Industrial Management and Engineering (Operational Research), Islamic Azad University, Tafresh, Iran. Ehsanifar_m@yahoo.com

Abstract: Revenue Malmquist Index explains change of Revenue productivity of Decision Making Units (DMUs) in two periods. The Trade Offs approach is an advanced tool for the improvement of the discrimination of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models. They used CRS models in DEA for computing this index, since the convexity assumption is strong condition for computing, so for solving this problem in this paper we use Free Disposal Hull (FDH) models in DEA for computing Meta Revenue Malmquist Index. Also In this paper Revenue Malmquist Index is evaluated considering in fact that relative importance of inputs and outputs in different periods are different. In the papers concerning Revenue Malmquist Index this fact is not considered, which is very important from managerial point of you. 

[Mohammad Ehsanifar, Golnaz Mohammadi. Revenue Malmquist Index with Variable Relative Importance as a Function of Time in Different PERIOD and FDH Models of DEA. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):52-56] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 10

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.10

Keywords: Revenue Efficiency, Trade Offs, Revenue Malmquist Index, Variable Relative, Function Of Time. Free Disposal Hull (FDH) Model.

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11

Prevelence And Characterization Of Antibiotic Resistance Enterococci From Human With Dental Plague

Ogunbanwo ST,¹* Uzokwe F,² Emikpe BO,³ Oni LO,⁴ and Adegoke CO.^.5

^1&2 Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

³ Department of Vetenary, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

⁴ Dental Center Dugbe Ibadan, Nigeria

⁵ Ogun State College Of Health Technology Ilese Ijebu department of Medical Laboratory Science

Corresponding Author*: Name of Corresponding Author: Ogunbanwo S.T.

Complete Postal Address: Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science,   P.O. Box 22346, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Tel:+2-8110-11004; Fax: +2-8103-043/8103-118

E-mail: topzybanwo@yahoo.com; st.ogunbanwo@mail.ui.edu.ng

Abstract: Two hundred and fifty patients with dental plague aged 8 to 80 years were screened for Enterococcus species. Susceptibility of the isolates to various antibiotics and antimicrobial agents including enzymatic and haemolytic reactions were determined. 44 patients were positive for Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), out of which 23 (9.2%) of them were positive for Enterococcus species, mostly from men between 21 to 40 years of age. The Enterococcus species isolated includes; E. munditti, E. faecium, E. facealis, E. gallinarum, E. dispar, E. avium, E. hirae, E. porcinus, E. cecorum and E. ratti. E. faecalis had the highest occurrence of 21.74% while E. ratti had percentage occurrence of 4.34%. All the isolates exhibited multiple antibiotics resistance and were sensitive to 30mg calcium hydroxide, 22%v/v ethanol, 35%w/v sodium chloride, 85%w/v sucrose and 6%v/v hydrogen peroxide. None of the isolates have lipolytic activity but some have amylolytic and proteolytic activity, produced gelatinase and haemolysed red blood cell. There is need to investigate the pathogenicity and adhesion mechanisms of these isolates in human with dental caries.

[Ogunbanwo ST, Uzokwe F, Emikpe BO, Oni LO, Adegoke CO. Prevelence and characterization of antibiotic resistance Enterococci from human with dental plague. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):57-67] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 11

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.11

Keywords: Enterococcus species, Dental plague, Antibiotic susceptibility, enzymes production, lethal treatments.

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Assessment on effective factors of maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women

Elieh Abasi1, M.Sc, Homaira Tahmasebi2 *, M.Sc, Mandana Zafari1, MSc, Gholamreza, Nasiri Takami MSc3

1 –Midwifery Department, Islamic Azad University, Sari branch, Sari, Iran

2- Nursing Department, Islamic Azad university, Sari branch, Sari, Iran

3- Ministry of Education, Psychology Department, Sari, Iran

Corresponding author *E-mail address: sam_tahmasb@yahoo.com

Abstract: Knowing about prenatal attachment is very important, because it plays an important role in the health of pregnant women, their babies and positive adaptation to motherhood. The purpose of the present study is to define the effective variables influence on maternal fetal attachment (MFA). This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 386 pregnant women in 9 Health Center. The instrument used for data collection are: Cranley MFA scale, Beck depression scale, Spielberger state anxiety inventory, Rosenberg self-esteem scale and social support form. The data was analyzed statistically using SPSS version 14. Effective factors were, planning of pregnancy, marital satisfaction and interest in the partner. Mothers with lower depression and anxiety, had higher MFA scores. This information will guide the midwives and obstetrics to identify MFA during pregnancy and help promote MFA by engaging mothers in positive health practice.

[Elieh Abasi, Homaira Tahmasebi, Mandana Zafari, Gholamreza, Nasiri Takami. Assessment on effective factors of maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):68-75] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 12

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.12

Key words: Attachment; Maternal-fetal attachment; Pregnant women

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Review Importance Rate of some Effective Factors on Job Stress (Case Study: Damghan City High Schools Teachers )

¹Dr. Golnar Shojaei, ²Mahnaz Nazemian

¹Department of Management, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad Univarsity, Shahrood, Iran

² Public Administration Human Resource Management Student Orientation, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad Univarsity, Shahrood, Iran

¹mahnaznazemian@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study aims finding some factors, which affect job stress in teachers. The population is high school teachers in Dameghan city in the academic year of 90-91 and the amount of sample according to Cochran formula is 106 people who were chosen by a random sampling method. The tool for data gathering was the job stress questionnaire by Tomas et al with a 5-scale likert questionnaire. The creditability, according to the cronbach’s alpha, is 0.84. The methodology in this study is descriptive statistics of a surveying type and data analysis were conducted using descriptive statistics (frequency tables, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (tests of the Kolmogorov - Smirnov, Chi - square, ANOVA, t - test for two independent variables Friedman)by spss software. The results show that affecting factors in order of importance are the duty time, the job’s nature, communications, the organizational policy, the organizational situation, environmental factors, and personal factors. Moreover, the job stress is different between different ages and marital status and the duration of employment make difference for job stress.

[Golnar Shojaei, Mahnaz Nazemian. Review Importance Rate of some Effective Factors on Job Stress (Case Study: Damghan City High Schools Teachers). Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):76-82] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 13

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.13

Keywords: job stress, teachers, duty time, job’s nature

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Effect of water stress on agronomic traits of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.)

¹Saeed Sharafi, ²Soraya Ghasemi, ³Zeinolabedin Jouyban and ⁴Somaye Akhlaghi

1- Arak University, 2- Ilam Researches Center, 3- Islamic Azad University, Birjand Branch, Birjand, Iran, and 4- Karaj Payamnoor University

Email:sharafi.saeed@gmail.com; Tell: 09183641420; fax: 0861-2761007

Abstract: Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) is a xerophytic plant whose high moisture content is a very useful characteristic under water deficit conditions in arid regions. Therefore, given the consequences of climate change and global warming in recent years, it can substitute forage crops that have a high water use because of its slight water use. So, the present study was carried out in research station of Agricultural Research Center of Ilam, Iran (located in Mehran city) in two years in order to evaluate the possibility of cultivation of cactus pear under water stress conditions (rain-fed conditions and irrigation intervals of 7, 15 and 30 days starting from May 22, 2010). The studied traits included number of new pad on maternal pad (total pad number), number of pads emerged on each pad, pad length and width, and fresh and dry forage yield. It was found that irrigation treatment resulted in significant differences in most studied traits in the first year, so that the best treatment in terms of all studied traits was normal irrigation, i.e. once seven days, in the first year. But, given that this treatment was not economical, it was removed from the recommended treatments. In the first year, given the small size of the plants they were not harvested for measuring their fresh and dry forage yield since it was not economical. In the second year, following the treatment of normal irrigation, irrigation interval of 15 days resulted in the best fresh and dry yield of 35.15 and 3.67 t ha^-1, respectively. Considering that the soil of the study field was weak and inappropriate, it can be said by sure that irrigation interval of 15 days can result in yield higher than that obtained in the present study.

[Saeed Sharafi, Soraya Ghasemi, Zeinolabedin Jouyban and Somaye Akhlaghi. Effect of water stress on agronomic traits of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.). Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):83-87] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 14

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.14

Keywords: cactus pear, water stress, pad, fresh and dry yield.

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Comparison of Full and Fractional Factorial Designs in Some Agricultural Experiments Based on TAGUCHI Method

¹Saeed Sharafi, ²Zeinolabedin Jouyban, ³Somaye Akhlaghi and ⁴Hamid Fateh

1- Arak University Iran, 2- Islamic Azad University, Birjand Branch, Birjand, Iran, 3- Karaj Payamnoor University, and 4- Piranshahr Payamnoor University

Email: sharafi.saeed@gmail.com. Tell: 09183641420; fax: 0861-2761007

Abstract: Taguchi method is consisted of statistical and mathematics methods in experimental studies. In this article, we will examine the relative strengths and weaknesses of Full and Fractional Factorial Designs and develop some guidelines for selecting the best approach for solving our specific problems. Thus, present study aimed to access allelopathic effects of three extracts (Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album and Xanthium strumanium) with varying levels (control, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% on coleorhize and coleoptile length of Cuminum cyminum, Carum copticum, Foeniculum vulgare. What and primarily full and Fractional Factorial Designs have in common, then, is that they deal with multiple inputs and how they interact with each other. Taguchi Parameter Design is a powerful, efficient, time saving and accurate method compare to factorial design. In order to meet this purpose in terms of both efficiency and effectiveness, this study will utilize the Taguchi Parameter Design methodology in agricultural studies.

[Saeed Sharafi, Zeinolabedin Jouyban, Somaye Akhlaghi and Hamid Fateh. Comparison of Full and Fractional Factorial Designs in Some Agricultural Experiments Based on TAGUCHI Method. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):88-93] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 15

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.15

Keywords: TAGUCHI Method, Fractional Factorial Designs, Full Factorial Designs, agricultural experimental design.

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Germination, seed reserve utilization and seedling growth rate of five crop species as affected by salinity and drought stress

¹Saeed Sharafi, ²Hamid Fateh, ³Somaye Akhlaghi and ⁴Zeinolabedin Jouyban

1- Arak University Iran, 2- Piranshahr Payamnoor University, 3- Karaj Payamnoor University, and      4- Islamic Azad University, Birjand Branch, Birjand, Iran

Email:sharafi.saeed@gmail.com; Tell: 09183641420; fax: 0861-2761007

Abstract: This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of salinity (osmotic pressure of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5 MPa) and drought stress levels (osmotic pressure of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 MPa) on percent germination, germination rate, time to 10% germination, germination uniformity, seed reserves depletion, seed reserves utilization rate and seedling growth rate in Hordeum vulgaris, Brassic napus, Zea maize, Medicago sativa and Medicago scutellata. All of the indices were affected by salinity and drought stresses.  In corn, rapeseed and barley, seedling growth rate, percent germination and germination rate increased at lower levels of salinity, however, no significant differences were observed among them at different drought stress levels. Seed reserve depletion percentage (SRDP) and seed reserve utilization rate (SRUR) were higher in corn compared to other seeds in salinity treatments, while barely was the leading crop for the same parameters at drought stress treatments.

[Saeed Sharafi, Hamid Fateh, Somaye Akhlaghi and Zeinolabedin Jouyban. Germination, seed reserve utilization and seedling growth rate of five crop species as affected by salinity and drought stress. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):94-101] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 16

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.16

Key word: Seed, Salinity, Drought, Germination

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The place of thought and thinking in Qur’an

Dr. Sayed Taghi Kabiri

Department of Theology, Khoy Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khoy, Iran

Kabiri_st@yahoo.com

Abstract: One of the specific priorities of man in comparison with other creatures is intellection and thought. Noble Qur’an, as an original and necessary source, confirms this essential point and enforces the importance and necessity of thought. The existence of this special favor of Allah namely thinking, thought and reasoning, is assumed as an important and necessary issue everywhere in individual and social life of human, including practical and theoretical discussions, religious and theological duties even in countering Qur’an verses. This research aims to demonstrate the place and importance of thought and thinking with relying on Qur’anic verses and to discuss its extension in all levels of human life.

[Sayed Taghi Kabiri. The place of thought and thinking in Qur’an. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):102-106] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 17

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.17

Key words: Qur’an, thought, intellection.

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Investigating the effect of coping strategies on reducing test anxiety in the third grade female high school students of Hamadan city

Nasrolah Erfani ¹, Mahnaz Ahmadkhani ²

1: Ph.D. Department of Psychology, Payame Noor University, I.R. of Iran

2: Department of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch, Hamedan, Iran

Ahmadkhanimahnaz@yahoo.com

Abstract: In this study, our goal is to investigate the effect of coping strategies on reducing test anxiety in third grade female high school students in Hamadan city. In order to do that, we have taught coping strategies to samples in eight sessions. The samples selected via multi-stage cluster sampling so that, using cluster method, two high schools have been selected among all of them followed by selecting one classroom from each and finally, 20 students randomly selected. The results showed that, teaching coping strategies have been reduced test anxiety scores in pre-test conducted on test group. Covariance analysis was used to analyze the data so that, we, initially, tested the pre-assumptions of covariance analysis such as being normal and variance homogeneousness and then, by controlling the impact of pre-test variable, results indicated that, teaching coping strategies have been reduced test anxiety. These findings were significant at α=1%.

[Nasrolah Erfani, Mahnaz Ahmadkhani. Investigating the effect of coping strategies on reducing test anxiety in the third grade female high school students of Hamadan city. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):107-111] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 18

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.18

Keywords: Test Anxiety, Coping Strategies, Pre-Test, Multi-Stage Cluster

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Performance Analysis of PMSM Drive Using Intelligent Hybrid Fuzzy Controller

Ananthamoorthy. N.P¹ and Baskaran. K²

¹Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Hindusthan College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore-641032, India.  npaeee16@gmail.com

²Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore-641013, India

Abstract: The Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors are used in many applications that require rapid speed and torque response and high performance operations. The performance of the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) using PI Controllers and general fuzzy controllers are poor under load disturbances and transient conditions. To improve the dynamic performance of the PMSM drive, a novel implementation of speed controller based on modified fuzzy logic control is presented in this paper. A complete simulation of closed loop PMSM drive using Fuzzy logic control is implemented using MATLAB/Simulink. To enhance the performance of the system, a new control method, Intelligent Hybrid Fuzzy control and Accelerated fuzzy PI control is proposed. In this system, PI controller is used in inner current loop and modified fuzzy controller is used in speed loop instead of traditional PI controller. The effectiveness of proposed method is verified by simulation based on MATLAB. The Intelligent Hybrid Fuzzy controller has better performance than Accelerated fuzzy PI controller and fuzzy PID controller in PMSM drive system.

[Ananthamoorthy.N.P, Baskaran. K. Performance Analysis of PMSM Drive Using Intelligent Hybrid Fuzzy Controller. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):112-120] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 19

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.19

Keywords: Fuzzy PID, Accelerated fuzzy PI, Intelligent Hybrid Fuzzy, PMSM, PWM.

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The Role of Auditor’s Cooperation Duration with Client Organizations and its Impact on Auditor Independence by evaluating the Quality of Financial Statements

Mojtaba Afsordeh^1*, Ayyub Ahmadi²

1*: Department of Accounting, Sciences and Researches Branch, Ahvaz, Iran (Corresponding Author)

2: Department of Accounting, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran

Afsordehmojtaba@yahoo.com

Abstract: Quality of the financial statements provided by the companies has a special important. Users of financial statements should rely on correct and real financial reports. Therefore, audit of financial statements is of special importance. In this study, the role of the auditor's work with client organizations and its impact on auditor independence through evaluating quality of financial statements for the period of 1999 to 2008 will be investigated. The results of testing variables showed that, there is not a significant relationship between auditor’s work duration with customer and the quality of financial statements that measured by abnormal accruals. In addition, the impact of other variables influencing the level of abnormal accruals including firm size, profit or loss, financial leverage, debt, operating cash flow, and type of audit suggest that, variables of financial leverage, operating cash flow, audit type, and firm size have no significant relationship with of abnormal profit accruals. In addition, there was no significant relationship between the duration of audit work and accruals.

[Mojtaba Afsordeh, Ayyub Ahmadi. The Role of Auditor’s Cooperation Duration with Client Organizations and its Impact on Auditor Independence by evaluating the Quality of Financial Statements. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):121-126] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 20

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.20

Keywords: cooperation duration, auditing, auditor independence, financial statements

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Iron Deficiency among Anemic Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Aber H. Baki, Nevine I. Musa and Cherry R. Kamel

Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University

Aberhalim@hotmail.com, nevine_musa@yahoo.com

Abstract: Introduction: Anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with poor outcome, including higher death risk in both maintenance dialysis patients and individuals who have CKD stages 3 to 5 and are not yet on dialysis. The cause of anemia in CKD is multi-factorial and includes erythropoietin deficiency, decreased responsiveness to erythropoietin, shortened red blood cell survival, iron deficiency, and chronic inflammation. The identification, evaluation and optimal treatment of anemia of CKD have been detailed in some guidelines and other studies. Essentially these involve determining complete blood count, absolute reticulocyte count, determining serum ferritin to assess iron store and serum transferrin saturation (TSAT) to assess adequacy of iron for erythropoiesis. Aim of Study: Studying the prevalence and predisposing factors of iron deficiency anemia among anemic pre-dialysis CKD patients. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 anemic pre-dialysis CKD patients (stages IV & V) attended  at outpatient clinics of Ain Shams University Hospital . Every patient was subjected to full history taking, full clinical examination, laboratory investigations; kidney function tests (KFT), complete blood count (CBC), and Iron profile. Statistical analysis of data was performed using the SPSS software version 15.0. Results: The study included 38 females and 62 males, their mean age was 50.42±11.5. The most common causes of renal failure were hypertensive kidney disease (HKD) (34%) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) (22%). According to the mean corpuscular volume (MCV); patients were divided into those having normocytic and microcytic anemia (58% and 42% respectively). The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among the studied patients was 54%. Iron deficiency anemic patients included 20 females and 34 males, their mean age was 49.92±11.13. By Comparison between iron deficiency patients and non iron deficiency patients there were significant differences as regards their serum Iron, Transferrin Saturation (TSAT), serum ferritin and MCV (p≤0.05); being lower among Iron deficiency patients. Among Iron deficiency patients, there were positive correlations between MCV and each of TSAT and serum ferritin (r=0.88, p= 0.00 and r=0.62, p=0.001). Also a positive correlation between hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin was found (r=0.65, p=0.00). Positive correlations were found between TSAT and each of serum iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) (r=0.84, p=0.00 and r=0.52, p=0.005 respectively). Also positive correlations were found between serum ferritin and each of serum iron and TIBC (r=0.59, p=0.001 and r=0.39, p= 0.04). Conclusion: Age, sex, duration of CKD & KFT were insignificant factors affecting the prevalence of Iron deficiency in pre-dialysis patients. MCV was a strong indicator of Iron deficiency anemia when iron study is unavailable or impose economic burden in our developing country.

[Aber H. Baki, Nevine I. Musa and Cherry R. Kamel Iron Deficiency among Anemic Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):127-132] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 21

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.21

Keywords: Keywords: Iron deficiency, anemia, pre-dialysis, CKD

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Epidemiology and Molecular Detection of Zoonotic Toxoplasma gondii in Cat Feces and Seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Pregnant Women and Sheep

Amany, M. Abd El-Ghany¹ and Merwad, A. M. Amin²

 ¹Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

²Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

abdallamerwad@yahoo.com; mamino_vet2003@yahoo.com

Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most prevalent zoonotic parasites being responsible for major economic losses in sheep and abortion in pregnant women. One hundred samples of cat feces were examined for T. gondii oocysts using sheather's sugar flotation. The prevalence of T. gondii oocysts was 2% at Sharkia Province, Egypt. For experimental infection, twelve kittens were randomly fed on the diaphragm meat (100 gm/ each kitten), collected from freshly slaughtered sheep at EL-Bassatein abattoir, Cairo, while other two kittens were left as a control group. Eleven out of twelve kittens shed unsporulated oocyst with an infection rate of 91.7%. The prepatent period was ranged from 4-7 days, while the patent period was within the range of 7- 11 days. After DNA extraction of T. gondii oocyst from feces of four experimentally infected kittens and two naturally infected cats, the B1 gene was amplified in all samples with a PCR product of 115bp. Also, one hundred blood samples of pregnant sheep, with a history of previous abortions, were collected from three flocks in Sharkia Province. While, one hundred sera of pregnant women in their first trimester were collected from private labs after obtaining a comprehensive questionnaire that investigates the risk factors associated with prevalence of toxoplasmosis.The collected sera of sheep and pregnant women were serologically investigated for T. gondii antibodies by indirect hemagglutination test using Toxo-HAI Fumouze Kits. The seroprevalence rate of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies was 85% in pregnant sheep, while IgM antibodies of Toxoplasma infection were negative. The anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies in seropositive sheep were evaluated with titers ranging from 1:160 to 1:2560 Moreover, the seroprevalence rates of anti-T.gonii IgG and IgM antibodies in pregnant women were 30 and 10%, respectively, but only 10% revealed a mixed seroprevalence for Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. The titers of anti-T.gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in seropositive women were ranged from1:160 to1: 2560 and 1:160 to 1:320, respectively. There were significant correlations between the seropositivity of T. gondii specific IgG antibodies in pregnant women and the most investigated risk factors including; knowledge about transmission modes, contact with cats, luncheon and sausage consumption, gardening or contact with soil, washing hands before meals and unwashed raw vegetables or fruits consumption. Mean while, no significant association between T. gondii seropositivity and ingestion of undercooked meat and viscera. This study emphasized that cats and sheep play a great role in epidemiology of T. gondii that having a public health hazard in pregnant women. Thereby it is recommended a further genotyping for T. gondii strains from different hosts to predict a recent strategy for prevention and control of such zoonotic parasite.

[Amany, M. Abd El-Ghany and Merwad, A. M. Amin. Epidemiology and Molecular Detection of Zoonotic Toxoplasma gondii in Cat Feces and Seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Pregnant Women and Sheep. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):133-146] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 22

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.22

Keywords: Epidemiology, Zoonosis, Toxoplasma gondii, IgG & IgM Antibodies, PCR, B1 gene.

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An Information Entropy Weighting Method Combined to TOPSIS Approach for Ranking Consulting Firms

Mohamed F. El-Santawy^1,* and A. N. Ahmed²

¹Department of Operation Research, Institute of Statistical Studies and Research (ISSR), Cairo University, Egypt

*Corresponding author: lost_zola@yahoo.com

²Department of Mathematical Statistics, Institute of Statistical Studies and Research (ISSR), Cairo University, Egypt

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to select and rank consulting firms by suggesting new multi-criteria decision making approach. The new technique employs an Information Entropy Weighting (IEW) method to allocate weights when no preference exists among criteria involved. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) technique is combined to the new weighting method to rank the consulting firm.  A MCDM problem of consulting firms found in real-life international company is presented. The new approach so-called SDV-MOORA is employed to solve the MCDM problem.

[Mohamed F. El-Santawy and A. N. Ahmed. An Information Entropy Weighting Method Combined to TOPSIS Approach for Ranking Consulting Firms. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):147-150] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 23

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.23

Keywords: Consulting Firms; Information Entropy; Multi-Criteria Decision Making; TOPSIS.

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Clinical Survey and Selection of Therapeutic Approach for Emergent Feline Urological Syndrome

Wael, M. Kelany

Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Vet. Med., Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

wael6kelany@yahoo.com

Abstract: The management of cases of the emergent feline urological syndrome (FUS) is described with particular reference to urethral obstruction in the tomcat. Treatment of the obstructive episode, medical therapy in the post–obstruction period and the prevention of recurrence of blockage in the longer term are discussed. The target of the present investigation was rapid confirmation of diagnosis of feline urological syndrome with epidemiological studies and to choose the suitable life saving therapeutic regimen. Also, the important aim was prevention of recurrence of such cases. The present study was carried out on forty seven tomcats (42 clinically diseased tomcats and 5 apparently healthy tomcats). Clinical manifestations were stranguria (n= 23), bloody urine (n= 23) and frequent licking of the urinary opening (n= 17), frequent attempts to urinate end with failure (n= 17), ishuria (n= 19), excessive salivation (n= 15), increased respiratory and pulse rates and vomiting (n= 13). Clinical examination was revealed severely distended urinary bladder and abdominal tenderness. Ultrasonographic examination revealed severe distension of urinary bladder, turbidity inside urinary bladder (floating debris) and dilation of renal pelvis (Hypoechogenicity). Therapeutic approaches in order were either gentle manual compression of the bladder with milking of penile urethra or catheterization or cytocentesis followed by Perineal urethrostomy. It was concluded that confirmation of emergent feline urological syndrome by rigid urinary bladder during palpation. FUS was aggravated when vomiting was presented and accompanied by dilation of renal pelvis detected by ultrasonography. The most selected therapeutic regimen by the present investigation was catheterization (64.3%).

[Wael, M. Kelany. Clinical Survey and Selection of Therapeutic Approach for Emergent Feline Urological Syndrome. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):151-156] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 24

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.24

Keywords: Feline, urological, syndrome, survey, therapeutic

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Detection of a MAPK-Like Gene in Calotropis procera Plant from the De Novo Assembled Genome Contigs of the High Throughput Sequencing Dataset

A.M. Ramadan^1,2, A.M. Shokry^1,2, N.O. Gadalla^1,3, S.M. Hassan^1,4, S. Edris^1,4, M.A. Al-Kordy^1,3, O.A. Abuzinadah¹, J.S.M. Sabir¹, S.R. Al-Akilli¹, H.S.M. Al-Zahrani¹, R.H. Hassan^1,3, F.M. El-Domyati^1,4 and A. Bahieldin^1,4,*

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), P.O. Box 80141, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia

²Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt

³Genetics and Cytology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Egypt

⁴Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

*Corresponding Author: bahieldin55@gmail.com

Abstract: Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade comprises a class of kinases in eukaryotic systems to link perception of external environmental stimuli with changes in cellular organization or gene expression. The wild plant species Calotropis procera (C. procera) has many potential applications and beneficial uses in medicine, industry and ornamental field and provides an excellent source of genes for drought-resistance and salt-tolerance. However, the biological significance of MAPKs in C. procera has not yet been described. In this study, we uncovered and characterized one MAPK-like gene in this medicinal plant from the de novo assembled genome contigs of the high throughput sequencing dataset. DNA samples were sent to Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Shenzhen, China for deep sequencing and dataset were provided for bioinformatics analysis. A number of GenBank accessions for MAPK protein sequences were utilized in BLAST with the recovered de novo assembled contigs and homology modeling was carried out using Swiss-Model, accessible via the EXPASY. Superimposition of C. procera MMK2-like partial sequence model on other MAPK proteins was also constructed by using RasMol and Deep-View program. The functional domains were identified from the NCBI conserved domain database (CDD) to provide insights into sequence/structure/function relationships, as well as domain models imported from a number of external source databases (Pfam, SMART, COG, PRK, TIGRFAM). Then, protein structure alignment was carried out to build models of several MAPK proteins structures and compared them with the human ERK5 crystal structure to identify conserved and diverse structure domains. The results indicated that the longest assembled sequence was 647 nt length and protein sequence obtained from ORF analysis has a length of 218 deduced amino acids. Domain analysis revealed the presence of a protein kinase domain, whose function has been evolutionarily conserved from Escherichia coli to Homo sapiens. Results at different levels indicated that the PREDICTED mitogen-activated protein kinase homolog MMK2-like of Vitis vinifera is the most closely-related protein to C. procera MAPK-like protein. Theoretical 3D model for C. procera MAPK-like protein indicated the presence of different domains (i.e., for phosphorylation of MAP2K, participation in the interaction of MAPK with its direct upstream activator, etc.). These results support our finding of obtaining a C. procera sequence belonging to MAPK protein family. Also, the results proof the accuracy of our theoretical 3D modeling for C. procera MAPK-like protein.

[A.M. Ramadan, A.M. Shokry, N.O. Gadalla, S.M. Hassan, S. Edris, M.A. Al-Kordy, O.A. Abuzinadah, J.S.M. Sabir, S.R. Al-Akilli, H.S.M. Al-Zahrani, R.H. Hassan, F.M. El-Domyati and A. Bahieldin. Detection of a MAPK-Like Gene in Calotropis procera Plant from the De Novo Assembled Genome Contigs of the High Throughput Sequencing Dataset. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):157-166] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 25

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.25

Keywords: Mitogen-activated protein kinase, C. procera, NCBI, 3D modeling.

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Analysis of Project Selection by Using SDV-MOORA Approach

Mohamed F. El-Santawy^1,* and A. N. Ahmed²

¹Department of Operation Research, Institute of Statistical Studies and Research (ISSR), Cairo University, Egypt

*Corresponding author: lost_zola@yahoo.com

²Department of Mathematical Statistics, Institute of Statistical Studies and Research (ISSR), Cairo University, Egypt

Abstract: Various objectives are usually taken into account when projects are analyzed, including economic desirability, technical issues, and environmental and social factors. As the decision maker tries to maximize or minimize outcomes associated with each objective depending on its nature, so a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problem arises. In this article, a new method is developed to assign weights to criteria when there is no preference among them based on the Standard Deviation (SDV) and Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA) technique. A MCDM project selection problem found in real-life international company is presented.The new approach so-called SDV-MOORA is employed to solve the MCDM problem.

[Mohamed F. El-Santawy and A. N. Ahmed. Analysis of Project Selection by Using SDV-MOORA Approach. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):167-170] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 26

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.26

Keywords: Multi-Criteria Decision Making; MOORA; Project selection; Standard Deviation.

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Selection of a Consulting Firm by Using SDV-MOORA

Mohamed F. El-Santawy* and Ramadan A. Zean El-Dean

Department of Operation Research, Institute of Statistical Studies and Research (ISSR), Cairo University, Egypt

*Corresponding author: lost_zola@yahoo.com

Abstract: Many companies usually ask for consulting firm service to cautiously deal with critical problems, such that introducing new product, pricing, marketing strategies. Thus evaluating and selecting a suitable consulting firm becomes an important issue. Many criteria must be considered when evaluating consulting firms, some of them are qualitative others are quantitative. In This article a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problem of a real-life international company is presented. The MCDM problem of selecting consulting firm existed in the company is tackled by a new proposed method. A modified Technique for Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA) method combined to Standard Deviation weight method is presented to solve the MCDM problem.

[Mohamed F. El-Santawy and Ramadan A. Zean El-Dean. Selection of a Consulting Firm by Using SDV-MOORA. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):171-173] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 27

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.27

Keywords: Consulting Firm; Multi-Criteria Decision Making; MOORA; Standard Deviation.

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The Role of Homocysteine, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 in Primary Unexplained First Trimester Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Mohamed El -Kadi, Sherif Abd El- Hamid and Ahmed  Salah Eldin

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Faculty of Medicine – Ain Shams University

mkadi71@gmail.com

Abstract: Objective: To assess the serum levels of homocysteine (HCY), folic acid and vitamin B12 in cases of primary unexplained first trimester recurrent pregnancy loss. Patients and Methods: The current case control study was conducted at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital during the period between May 2008 and October 2008. Finally, included women were divided into two groups: Group I: (cases) included forty five patients with primary unexplained first trimester repeated pregnancy loss who were admitted for termination of pregnancy due to early pregnancy failure. Group II: (control) included matched apparent healthy pregnant women in the first trimester with no history of bad obstetric outcome and had at least one living newborn. Maternal venous samples were taken for assay of serum levels of HCY, folic acid and vitamin B12. Results: A total of 90 women were included in the study. The mean HCY level was 10.8+4 Umol/L in group I ,while in group II was7.9+4.3 Umol/L with statistical significant difference between the 2 groups( p<0.01).The mean folic acid was 8.7+2.1 ng/ml in group I and 10.8+2.2 ng/ml in group II with statistical significant difference between both groups(p <0.01).There was a statistical significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the  serum level of vitamin B12 (339+296pg/ml in group I versus 374+209pg/ml in group II)  ( p<0.05). The best cut off value for the 3 markers (HCY, folic acid, vitamin B12) is 15 Umol/L, 12 ng/ml, and 360 pg/ml respectively. Conclusion: High level of hyperhomocysteinaemia and low level of folate and vitamin B12 may contribute for the etiology of first trimester unexplained recurrent early pregnancy loss.  

[Mohamed El -Kadi, Sherif Abd El- Hamid and Ahmed  Salah Eldin. The Role of Homocysteine, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 in Primary Unexplained First Trimester Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):174-178] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 28

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.28

Key Words: Homocysteine – folic acid - vitamin B12-recurrent pregnancy loss.

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Comparative Study between Continuous Transversus Abdominis Plane Block and ON- Q Anesthetic Pump for Postoperative Analgesia Following Caesarean Section
 

Hussein M.^1*, Youssef K.² and Hassan M.²

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ain Shams University

²Department of Anaesthesia, Ain Shams University

moh_marwa_omar@hotmail.com; Karimykhakim@hotmail.com; m_hsn33@hotmail.com

Abstract: Background: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block  has been developed for post-operative analgesia after gynecologic and abdominal surgery. The ON-Q Pain Relief System  used for continuous direct local anesthetic infusion into surgical wounds. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and the ON -Q Pain Relief System as a part of multimodal post operative analgesia regimen after caesarean section. Methods: 90 ASA grade I or II patients were admitted   for elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups comprising 30 patients each. In group (A) TAP block was given at the end of surgery on both sides. In group (B) On - Q pump infusion was applied after completion of surgery. Group (C) is the control group. In all patients, paracetamol i.v infusion and PCA morphine started one hour postoperatively and continued for the next 24 hours. Assessment of morphine consumption, sedation, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention and pruritis were done at 30 min., 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after completion of surgery.Results: Groups A and B had less morphine consumption, postoperative sedation,nausea, vomiting, urinary retention and pruritis than group C. Conclusion: Both TAP block and ON-Q Pain Relief System are effective and safe method of analgesia following caesarean section. Both decrease the requirement of opioids and thus associated side effects.

[Hussein M., Youssef K. and Hassan M. Comparative Study between Continuous Transversus Abdominis Plane Block and ON- Q Anesthetic Pump for Postoperative Analgesia Following Caesarean Section. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):179-183] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 29

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.29

Keywords: continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, ON-Q Pain Relief System, cesarean section, morphine.

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Validity of Sonographic Cervical Length Measurement and Cervical Funneling in Prediction of Spontaneous Onset of Labor at Term Pregnancy

Shafik A, Abou-Seeda M and Meligy M

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ain Shams University

Email: shafikadel@hotmail.com

Abstract: Objective: The aim of the current study was to assess the accuracy of sonographic cervical length measurement and cervical funneling in prediction of spontaneous onset of labor in term primigravid women. Methods: The study included primigarvid women pregnant at 37 weeks’ gestation of a singleton pregnancy. All recruited eligible women were subjected to a transvaginal sonographic cervical assessment (for length and funneling) at 37 weeks’ gestation. All recruited women had the transvaginal scan repeated weekly till completed 41 weeks’ gestation. The endpoint was spontaneous onset of labor within 7 days of sonographic cervical assessment at different gestations. Results: A total of 208 primigravid women were recruited in the current study; of them 150 women completed the study and were included in the final analysis. The mean age of included women was 24.3 ± 3.6 years (range: 20 – 32 years). Sonographic cervical length was a significant predictor of spontaneous labor within 7 days at all these gestations. There was a significant agreement between cervical funneling and spontaneous onset of labor within 7 days of recording funneling at different gestations. Conclusion: Sonographic cervical length measurement and cervical funneling seem to be significant predictors of spontaneous onset of labor at term pregnancy in nulliparous women.

[Shafik A, Abou-Seeda M and Meligy M. Validity of Sonographic Cervical Length Measurement and Cervical Funneling in Prediction of Spontaneous Onset of Labor at Term Pregnancy. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):184-190] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 30

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.30

Key Words: sonographic cervical length – cervical funneling – prediction of labor.

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Quantitative Estimation of Interleukin-17 in Patients with Chronic Liver Disorders

Ghazy NA ¹, Okasha HS ¹, El Khouly  EH², AbdelSalam SM¹, Morsi MG¹

¹Medical Microbiology & Immunology, ²Tropical Department, Faculty of Medicine. Alexandria University, Egypt.

morsirg@yahoo.com

Abstract: More than 20 years after the discovery of the HCV, it is now well established that HCV is of global importance affecting all countries, leading to a major global health problem that requires widespread active interventions for its prevention and control. Chronic hepatitis C was linked to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in many areas of the world. WHO reported that Egypt has the highest prevalence (22%) in the world which explained by the past practice of parenteral therapy for schistosomiasis. T cells that produce IL-17 have recently been identified as a third distinct subset of effector T cells, and emerging data implicate Th17 cells as important in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C infection by regulating innate and adaptive immunity, including autoimmunity. So the present study was conducted to determine the role of IL-17, with its potent pro-inflammatory properties, among chronic hepatitis C cases with or without cirrhosis and HCC aimed at future immune-therapy. The study was conducted on 60 subjects with chronic hepatitis C infection before starting antiviral therapy; 20 chronic hepatitis C, 20 cirrhotic patients and 20 HCC HCV positive as well as 10 healthy subjects negative for HCV, HBV and HIV served as controls. IL-17 was quantitated after mitogen stimulated whole peripheral venous blood by commercial enzyme linked immunosorbant assay ( ELISA ).Our results demonstrated a significant increase in serum levels of IL-17 among cirrhotic and HCC patients infected with HCV. While in chronic hepatitis C virus cases, elevated IL-17 values were non significant compared to controls. We can conclude that IL-17 may play an important role in HCV immunopathogenesis. It might be used as an indicator for cirrhosis and HCC as it promotes tumor growth by facilitating angiogenesis in tumor microenvironment. Also, its therapeutic application needs to be furtherly evaluated by in vivo studies in experimental animals aiming at future immunotherapy.

[Ghazy NA, Okasha HS, El Khouly EH, AbdelSalam SM, Morsi MG. Quantitative Estimation of Interleukin-17 in Patients with Chronic Liver Disorders. Life Sci J 2012;9(1s):191-199] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 31

doi:10.7537/marslsj0901s12.31

Keywords: Interleukin (IL)-17, Chronic HCV, Cirrhosis, HCC, ELISA

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