La alquería de Pereila, un poblamiento andalusí en la Algarbía malagueña

El poblamiento rural de origen andalusí en la antigua Algarbía malagueña es un gran desconocido para la historiografía medieval. Las excavaciones y prospecciones con metodología arqueológica son prácticamente inexistentes y el recurso a la documentación escrita, en concreto la de origen castellana, ha dado un resultado muy limitado. Como excepción tenemos la información correspondiente al antiguo espacio residencial de Pereila y su territorio. La alquería estaba situada dentro del actual término municipal de Coín (Málaga) y un pleito en el 1537 entre el cabildo Catedralicio de Málaga y los beneficiados de Coín por el cobro del diezmo de dicho lugar, nos ha aportado una información valiosa sobre los límites territoriales del poblamiento, y en menor medida, de sus espacios de trabajo. También utilizaremos la metodología propia de la arqueología extensiva y los principios de la arqueología hidráulica que nos servirán para complementar la información aportada por la documentación escrita.

Diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients: a cross sectional study from Pakistan

Background: The co-occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) is largely associated with high frequency of morbidity. Objective: To determine the prevalence of DM among TB patients and describe the socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with TB-DM co-occurrence . Methods: We enrolled 500 TB patients from September, 2014 to August 2015 at four major public sector hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. A questionnaire was used to collect information regarding associated socio-demographic and behavioral factors of the patients. We monitored the fasting blood sugar of each patient by using a semi automated clinical chemistry analyzer followed by an HbA1c level check of all hyperglycemic patients. Results: The prevalence of TB-DM co-occurrence was 14.8%. The prevalence of TB-DM was higher (62.2%) among males. The >57 year age group had the highest proportion of patients (35.1%), with co-existent TB-DM. Most were illiterate (73.0%) and unemployed (48%). Moreover, among the 74 patients positive for TB-DM had a history of smoking. Age and education level were significantly associated with DM-TB while gender, occupation and smoking were not associated. Conclusion: The study revealed a 14.8% prevalence of DM among TB patients. This was associated with several socio-demographic factors, including age, unemployment, literacy and polluted environment. Thus, poor and unhealthy lifestyles were the factors associated with DM among immunologically compromised individuals due to TB.

S-Alkylated/aralkylated 2-(1H-indol-3-yl-methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazole-5-thiol derivatives. 2. Anti-bacterial, enzymeinhibitory and hemolytic activities

Purpose: To evaluate the antibacterial, enzyme-inhibitory and hemolytic activities of Salkylated/ aralkylated 2-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-5-thiol derivatives. Methods: Antibacterial activities of the compounds were evaluated using broth dilution method in 96 well plates. Enzyme inhibitory activities assays were investigated against α-glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase (BchE) and lipoxygenase (LOX) using acarbose, eserine and baicalien as reference standards, respectively. A mixture of enzyme, test compound and the substrate was incubated and variation in absorbance noted before and after incubation. In tests for hemolytic activities, the compounds were incubated with red blood cells and variations in absorbance were used as indices their hemolytic activities. Results: The compounds were potent antibacterial agents. Five of them exhibited very good antibacterial potential similar to ciprofloxacin, and had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of at least 9.00 ± 4.12 μM against S. aureus, E.coli, and B. subtilis. One of the compounds had strong enzyme inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase, with IC50 of 17.11 ± 0.02 μg/mL which was better than that of standard acarbose (IC50 38.25 ± 0.12 μg/mL). Another compound had 1.5 % hemolytic activity. Conclusion: S-Alkylated/aralkylated 2-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-5-thiol deviratives with valuable antibacterial, anti-enzymatic and hemolytic activities have been successfully synthesized. These compounds may be useful in the development of pharmaceutical products.

The application of Lob in the UAE: a case study of a housing project

Line of Balance (LOB) scheduling technique is a significant technique that plays a vital role in repetitive construction projects. It became more demanding in the construction industry due to the construction of mega repetitive projects e.g. housing schemes, high rise buildings, railways and highways, etc. This paper aims to evaluate the real application of LOB in repetitive housing projects in the UAE which could fill the gap as there is lack of similar empirical studies in the Middle East. The paper firstly presents a concise literature review on the application and limitation of LOB comparing to CPM in repetitive projects. Then, a case study of 275 villas housing project in the UAE is demonstrated and analysed, where LOB technique was used and monitored throughout the lifecycle of the project. The findings point out significant controlling benefits of using LOB comparing with CPM in the project and address some limitations hindering the efficient use of LOB in the UAE.

Characterization and identification of phenol degrading bacteria isolated from industrial waste

Phenol is a toxic organic pollutant to living cells and its biodegradation is considered the best method due to its environment friendly nature and cost effectiveness. In this study, eight bacterial strains were isolated through enrichment on mineral salt media supplemented with 300 mgL -1 phenol. The isolated strains were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and belonged to genera: Rhodococcus, Stenotrophomonas, Lysinibacillus, Comamonas, Microbacterium, Pseudomonas and Halomonas. The results of phenol biodegradation experiments (conducted at pH 7 and 30°C temperature) showed that the strains could degrade 750 mg L -1 phenol within 40 to 96 hours. The average phenol degradation rate by the strains was 12.5 to 34.8 mgL -1 h-1. The most rapid phenol degradation was observed for Rhodococcus sp. NCCP-309 and Rhodococcus sp. NCCP-312, whereas, Stenotrophomonas sp. NCCP-311, Lysinibacillus sp. NCCP-313, Comamonas sp. NCCP-314 and Microbacterium sp. NCCP-351 took longer time in phenol degradation. The results of our study suggested that these strains are efficient in phenol biodegradation and can be used for the bioremediation of waste water containing phenol.

A question mark on iron deficiency in 185 million people of Pakistan: its outcomes and prevention

Micronutrient deficiency especially the iron deficiency is the bane of our lives, affecting all strata of society. Unfortunately, the women during pregnancy, adolescence, and children are under this curse particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. It is one of the biggest reasons of complications during pregnancy and malnourished children under five years of age. Maternal death, still-births, and underweight births are most common consequences of iron deficiency and these outbreaks as iron-deficiency anemia in Pakistan. Disastrous nature of iron deficiency requires an urgent call to eradicate it. Hence, the solution should not be frail comparing with the huge economic loss and other incompatibilities. Flour fortification, supplementation, dietary diversification, and especially maternal education are possible solutions for combating this micronutrient deficiency.

Molecular identification and characterization of Pseudomonas sp. NCCP-407 for phenol degradation isolated from industrial waste

Phenol is a toxic pollutant found in effluent of numerous industries and its elimination is a foremost challenge. The utilization of bacteria plays a crucial role in phenol bioremediation. For isolation of phenol degrading bacteria, sample was collected from industrial waste and enriched in mineral salt medium (MSM) contained 300 mg/L phenol. The strain was identified based on 16S rRNA gene analysis as Pseudomonas species and the phylogenetic analysis affiliated the strain with Pseudomonas monteilii (AF064458) as the most closely related species. Phenol tolerance of the strain in MSM supplemented with various concentrations of phenol indicates that the strain NCCP-407 can grow best at 750 mg L-1 phenol. The strain showed complete degradation of 750 mg L-1 phenol in 56 hours when supplement as a sole source of carbon and energy with the average degradation rate of 28 mg L-1h-1. The doubling time was recorded approximately as 12.49 h-1. The present study suggests that this strain is efficient in phenol degradation and can be used in treatment of wastewater containing phenol.

Mineral composition and health functionality of Zamzam water: a review

This article reviews the mineral composition and potential health benefits of Zamzam water. Zamzam water is different from natural water in terms of minerals and radiological features. The miracle of Zamzam is its continuous flow since 2000 BC. The appearance of the Zamzam well led to the foundation of the settlement of the Makah valley. Zamzam water quenches the thirst and shows potential to cure numerous diseases. Different studies have been conducted to explore the mythical qualities of this water; still there is a need to conduct widespread research and to explore its healthcare benefits, mineral profile, and technological perspectives. Recent animal studies showed that Zamzam was effective against cancer, as it thwarts the development of tumors.

A question mark on zinc deficiency in 185 million people in Pakistan- possible way out

This paper reviews research published in recent years concerning the effects of zinc deficiency, its consequences, and possible solutions. Zinc is an essential trace element necessary for over 300 zinc metalloenzymes and required for normal nucleic acid, protein, and membrane metabolism. Zinc deficiency is one of the ten biggest factors contributing to burden of disease in developing countries. Populations in South Asia, South East Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa are at greatest risk of zinc deficiency. Zinc intakes are inadequate for about a third of the population and stunting affects 40% of preschool children. In Pakistan, zinc deficiency is an emerging health problem as about 20.6% children are found in the levels of zinc, below 60 μg/dL. Signs and symptoms caused by zinc deficiency are poor appetite, weight loss, and poor growth in childhood, delayed healing of wounds, taste abnormalities, and mental lethargy. As body stores of zinc decline, these symptoms worsen and are accompanied by diarrhea, recurrent infection, and dermatitis. Daily zinc requirements for an adult are 12-16 mg/day. Iron, calcium and phytates inhibit the absorption of zinc therefore simultaneous administration should not be prescribed. Zinc deficiency and its effects are well known but the ways it can help in treatment of different diseases is yet to be discovered. Improving zinc intakes through dietary improvements is a complex task that requires considerable time and effort. The use of zinc supplements, dietary modification, and fortifying foods with zinc are the best techniques to combat its deficiency.

Nutritional and functional evaluation of wheat flour cookies supplemented with gram flour

Protein-enriched cookies were prepared by supplementing gram flour into wheat flour at levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% and analysed for physicochemical properties. The protein quality of the cookies was assessed by feeding gram flour-supplemented cookies to albino rats for 10 days. The supplementation resulted in a significant increase in protein, fat, crude fibre and ash contents of the cookies. The thickness and spread factor of cookies differ significantly while non-significant effect was observed in the width of the cookies. The protein efficiency ratio, net protein utilization, biological value and true digestibility differed significantly among diets containing cookies with gram flour fed to rats. Cookies with 30% substitution of straight grade flour and gram flour produced acceptable cookies as compared to control. The cookies containing 40-50% gram flour were best regarded as protein bioavailability for rats.

Effects of hydrocolloids on partial baking and frozen storage of wheat flour chapatti

The use of hydrocolloids in different foods systems has become more commonly applied to improve the texture and quality of baked products. Nevertheless, the effects of these compounds on partially baked frozen chapatti have not been studied. The objective of the present study was to improve the storage stability, quality and shelf life of partially baked chapatti by adding various hydrocolloids, hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxy methylcellulose (CMC) and guar gum, followed by frozen storage for 28 days. Partially baked and fully baked chapattis after frozen storage were analyzed for chemical and sensory attributes at 7-day intervals. Rheological studies showed an increase in water absorption, dough development time and dough stability after the addition of hydrocolloids. In partially baked chapatti with hydrocolloids after frozen storage, an increase in moisture retention and water soluble starch was observed. Sensory characteristics were also improved by combining both techniques. Among the hydrocolloids, HPMC exhibited the best results, followed by CMC and guar gum. These hydrocolloids and partial baking with frozen storage helped to improve the quality, and extend the shelf life of partially baked chapatti.