• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.325-336
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• 2021

The occurrence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is a formidable challenge for infants, parents, and healthcare professionals. Although data from the Middle East are scarce, experts consider FGIDs a prevalent condition in everyday clinical practice. The new Rome IV criteria revisited the definitions from a clinical perspective to provide a practical and consistent diagnostic protocol for FGIDs. However, the treatment practices for functional disorders vary considerably among Middle Eastern countries, often resulting in mismanagement with unnecessary investigations and treatments. In addition, the role of various treatment modalities, including probiotics such as Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, in FGIDs requires further discussion and evaluation. During a consensus meeting, a locally relevant approach for treating common FGIDs such as infant regurgitation, infant colic, and functional constipation was discussed and approved by regional experts. The participants suggested a simplified treatment plan and protocol for general pediatricians and other primary care physicians managing FGIDs. This easy-to-follow standardized protocol will help streamline the initial management of this complex disorder in the Middle East region and even globally.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.111-135
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• 2011

The purpose of this article is to understand the present situation of energy maritime logistics and to suggest a safe way for maritime transportation. In addition, this study is going to assess the risk of maritime transport of energy and propose alternatives in terms of strategy and policy. We examine the security of the Strait of Hormuz, near the east coast of Somalia, the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Malacca where the Korean tankers pass through and discuss countermeasures responding to a variety of dangerous situations. This article also provides plans for stable supply of energy in case of Korea peninsula crisis and emphasizes the need of establishing cooperation with neighbor countries.

• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2016

An experimental study was performed to investigate the behavior of green water on a structure with a rectangular cross section under wave conditions, along with the flow characteristics in bubbly water flow. An experiment was conducted in a two-dimensional wave flume using an acrylic model (1/125) of FPSO BW Pioneer operating in the Gulf of Mexico under its design wave condition. The occurrence of green water, including its development, in front of the model was captured using a high-speed Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera with the shadowgraph technique. Using consecutive images, the generation procedure for green water on the model was divided into five phases: flip through, air entrapment, wave run-up, wave overturning, and water shipping. In addition, the distinct water elevations of the green water were defined as the height of flip through, height of splashing jet, and height of freeboard exceedance, and showed a linear relationship with the incoming wave height.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.2097-2100
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• 2013

Background: To estimate the numbers and trends in cervix cancer cases visiting the Radiotherapy Department at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal, statistical modelling from retrospective data was applied. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on data for a total of 159 patients treated for cervix cancer at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal, between $28^{th}$ September 2000 and $31^{st}$ December 2008. Theoretical statistics were used for statistical modelling and forecasting. Results: Using curve fitting method, Linear, Logarithmic, Inverse, Quadratic, Cubic, Compound, Power and Exponential growth models were validated. Including the constant term, none of the models fit the data well. Excluding the constant term, the cubic model demonstrated the best fit, with $R^2$=0.871 (p=0.004). In 2008, the observed and estimated numbers of cases were same (12). According to our model, 273 patients with cervical cancer are expected to visit the hospital in 2015. Conclusions: Our data predict a significant increase in cervical cancer cases in this region in the near future. This observation suggests the need for more focus and resource allocation on cervical cancer screening and treatment.

• Structural Monitoring and Maintenance
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.35-48
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• 2015

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term performance of various concrete composites in natural marine environment prevailing in the Gulf region. Durability assessment studies of such nature are usually carried out under aggressive environments that constitute seawater, chloride and sulfate laden soils and wind, and groundwater conditions. These studies are very vital for sustainable development of marine and off shore reinforced concrete structures of industrial design such as petroleum installations. First round of testing and evaluation, which is presented in this paper, were performed by standard tests under laboratory conditions. Laboratory results presented in this paper will be corroborated with test outcome of ongoing three years field exposure conditions. The field study will include different parameters of investigation for high performance concrete including corrosion inhibitors, type of reinforcement, natural and industrial pozzolanic additives, water to cement ratio, water type, cover thickness, curing conditions, and concrete coatings. Like the laboratory specimens, samples in the field will be monitored for corrosion induced deterioration signs and for any signs of failureover initial period ofthree years. In this paper, laboratory results pertaining to microsilica (SF), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), epoxy coated rebars and calcium nitrite corrosion inhibitor are very conclusive. Results affirmed that the supplementary cementing materials such as GGBS and SF significantly impacted and enhanced concrete resistivity to chloride ions penetration and hence decrease the corrosion activities on steel bars protected by such concretes. As for epoxy coated rebars applications under high chloride laden conditions, results showed great concern to integrity of the epoxy coating layer on the bar and its stability. On the other hand corrosion inhibiting admixtures such as calcium nitrite proved to be more effective when used in combination with the pozzolanic additives such as GGBS and microsilica.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.803-813
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• 2021

Coastal erosion has been a threat to coastal communities and emerged as an urgent problem. Among the coastal communities that are under perceived threat, Cotonou located in Benin, West Africa, is considered as one of the most dangerous area due to its high vulnerability. To address this problem, in 2013, the Benin authorities established seven groynes at east of Cotonou port, and two additional intermediate groynes have recently been integrated in April 2018. However, there is no quantitative analysis of groynes so far, so it is hard to know how effective they have been. To analyze effectiveness, we used optical satellite images from different time periods, especially 2004 and 2020, and then compared changes in length, width and area of shoreline in Cotonou. The study area is divided into two sectors based on the location of Cotonou port. The difference of two areas is that Sector 2 has groynes installed while Sector 1 hasn't. As result of this study, shoreline in Sector 1 showed accretion by recovering 1.20 km² of area. In contrast, 3.67 km² of Sector 2 disappeared due to coastal erosion, although it has groynes. This may imply that groynes helped to lessen the rate of average erosion, however, still could not perfectly stop the coastal erosion in the area. Therefore, for the next step, we assume it is recommended to study how to maximize effectiveness of groynes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.2069-2072
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• 2015

Background: Lymphoma is one of the most common malignancies affecting the young Saudi population. This disease has diversified pathologies and clinical stages that necessitate well optimized clinical management. Regular updates of epidemiological behavior of lymphoma from various parts of the world are available but studies from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in this field are not consistent. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the current trends in presentation and distribution of lymphoma with special reference to incidence and mortality, gender, age, histopathological subtypes, and clinical stages at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC). Materials and Methods: Our study included lymphoma data from Saudi Cancer Registry, and relative comparison against KFSH&RC tumor registry data, Gulf country data and International Agency for Research on Cancer data. Results: Common tumors in the West (lung, colon, and prostate) were found to be much less frequent in KSA while leukemia, lymphoma and thyroid cancers were more common. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) ranked 3rd most common cancer with age-adjusted incidence of 6/100,000. Estimated age adjusted mortality was 4/100,000 in KSA. There was a peak rise in incidence of lymphoma in 1997-2007. Most common NHL was diffuse large B cell lymphoma at KFSH&RC. A total of 434 cases were diagnosed in 5 years with 55% of them at advanced stage and 35% demonstrating bulky disease and high risk. KFSH&RC registered 35% of Hodgkins and 21% of total NHL identified in entire Saudi Cancer Registry, 2009. Conclusions: Results of this study are very unique, and reveal diverse trends. The findings provide valuable insights in the understanding of current epidemiological features of lymphoma in this part of the world.

• KIISE Transactions on Computing Practices
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.247-256
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• 2015

Since the Gulf War, air power has played a key role. However, the effect of high-tech weapons, such as laser-guided bombs and electronic optical equipment, drops significantly if they do not match the weather conditions. So, aircraft that are assigned to carry laser-guided bombs must replace these munitions during bad weather conditions. But, there are no objective criteria for when weapons should be replaced. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an algorithm to predict the hit rate of laser-guided bombs using cloud image processing. In order to verify the accuracy of the algorithm, we applied the weather conditions that may affect laser-guided bombs to simulated flight equipment and executed simulated weapon release, then collected and analyzed data. Cloud images appropriate to the weather conditions were developed, and applied to the algorithm. We confirmed that the algorithm can accurately predict the hit rate of laser-guided bombs in most weather conditions.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.221-228
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• 2021

Objective: This study investigated the effect of crocin in methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced diabetic male mice. Methods: Seventy 1-month-old male NMRI mice weighing 20-25 g were divided into seven groups (n=10): sham, MGO (600 mg/kg/day), MGO+crocin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day), MGO+metformin (150 mg/kg/day), and crocin (60 mg/kg/day). MGO was administered orally for 30 days. Starting on day 14, after confirming hyperglycemia, metformin and crocin were administered orally. On day 31, plasma and tissue samples were prepared for experimental assessments. Results: Blood glucose and insulin levels in the MGO group were higher than those in the sham group (p<0.001), and decreased in response to metformin (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (not at all doses). Testis width and volume decreased in the MGO mice and improved in the crocin-treated mice (p<0.05), but not in the metformin group. Superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice (p<0.05) and malondialdehyde levels increased (p<0.001). Crocin and metformin improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. Testosterone (p<0.001) and sperm count (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic mice, and treatment with metformin and crocin recovered these variables. Luteinizing hormone levels increased in diabetic mice (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (but not metformin) attenuated this increase. Seminiferous diameter and height decreased in the diabetic mice and increased in the treatment groups. Vacuoles and ruptures were seen in diabetic testicular tissue, and crocin improved testicular morphology (p<0.01). Conclusion: MGO increased oxidative stress, reduced sex hormones, and induced histological problems in male reproductive organs. Crocin and metformin improved the reproductive damage caused by MGO-induced diabetes.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2019

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of concha bullosa (CB) and nasal septal deviation (NSD) and their impact on maxillary sinus volume (MSV). Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images of 106 Emirati people were used in this study. The direction and angle of septal deviation were calculated. The presence of CB, which could be unilateral, contralateral, or bilateral in relation to the direction of NSD, was also recorded. MSV was measured using reconstructed Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine images on Dolphin 3D imaging software version 11.8 premium (Dolphin Imaging, Chatsworth, CA, USA). P values<0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: CB was detected in 37.7% of the sample; 20.7% of the sample showed single unilateral CB and 16.6% had single bilateral CB. NSD was seen in 74.5% of the sample. In the participants with CB, 45.5% showed mild deviation, 34.4% showed moderate deviation, and only 12.5% showed severe septal deviation. CB, but not NSD, was associated with significantly higher MSV on the affected side (P=0.001). Conclusion: Although NSD was observed in more than two-thirds of the sample and CB was present in more than one-third of the sample, only CB had a significant impact on MSV.