Background: Surgical mortality data are collected routinely in high-income countries, yet virtually no low-or middle-income countries have outcome surveillance in place. The aim was prospectively to collect worldwide mortality data following emergency abdominal surgery, comparing findings across countries with a low, middle or high Human Development Index (HDI).Methods: This was a prospective, multicentre, cohort study. Self-selected hospitals performing emergency surgery submitted prespecified data for consecutive patients from at least one 2-week interval during July to December 2014. Postoperative mortality was analysed by hierarchical multivariable logistic regression.

Studying physical and mechanical properties of limestone cement pastes blended by TiO2 nanoparticles (i.e., particle size less than 100 nm). Three mixes are prepared for this study (5.00, 10.00 and 25.00 wt. % of limestone) partially replaced cement/clinker by TiO2 nanoparticles. Fillers are carefully selected which reinforcing cement workability or water retention they could be inert or have slightly hydraulic properties. Limestone is most common filler that fills the pores between cement particles due to the formation of monocarboaluminate, while nanoparticles increase the hydration C-S-H gel product and calcium titanium silicate which hardened the cement pastes. Nanoparticles show a great effect in reinforcing the mechanical strength of cement pastes due to the fact that TiO2-nanoparticles act as active nuclei site forming C-S-H gel observed as honeycomb-like plus improving cement to water demined (W/C) ratio. SEM analysis proves that the morphology of cement structure is well arranged and compacted.

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Entomopathogenic baculoviruses have long been recognized as vital environmentally safe alternatives to chemical pesticides. A study for investigating the virulence and susceptibility of Spodoptera littoralis larvae to S. littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV) isolate was carried out. Bioassay experiments on the 1 st and 2 nd larval instars using droplet feeding method revealed that polyhedral for 50% or 90% mortality of the 2 nd larval instar of S. littoralis was significantly lower compared with the 1 st instar. While, the 1 st instar was killed faster than the 2 nd one especially with the higher concentration. The susceptibility of the infected 2 nd instar when feeding on different hosts showed that larvae were more susceptible when feeding on eggplant leaves followed by lettuce leaves, artificial diet and tomato leaves as shown by larval weight and reduction in feeding. The reduction in both larval weight and feeding were significantly higher with 1x10 7 PIB/ml than 1x10 4 PIB/ml in the majority of cases. S. littoralis larvae showed more than 2 times of tolerant to the 3 rd passage of SpliNPV on the level of LC 50 and more than 18 times tolerant on the level of LC 90. The tolerant levels of S. littoralis larvae for the 3 rd passage of virus was associated with more than 20% increase in time taken for kill with no changes in DNA patterns regarding subsequent passages in S. littoralis larvae using a restriction enzyme EcoRI.

This study was carried out in Abu Hamra Area, south Darfur State (Latitude 12˚26ʹ to 13˚10ʹ E and longitude<br />24˚24ʹ to 25˚56ʹ N and), Sudan where the area falls in semi-arid climate. The study aimed to evaluate the<br />land suitability for rainfed agriculture and to scan crop suitability. Through the analysis of satellite image<br />and direct field observations, the study area was divided into non-cracking clay soil (unit A) classified as<br />Sodic Haplocambid, alluvial soil (unit B) classified as Ustic Torrifluvent and loamy sand soil (unit C)<br />classified as Typic Torripsamments. 46 soil samples were collected from 12 auger holes and 3 representative<br />profiles, then analyzed for some physical and chemical properties which were matched with climatic factors<br />and topographic features to define the requirements of rainfed crops, particularly Sorghum, Millet, Maize,<br />Sesame, Groundnuts, Watermelon and Tomato. Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to determine<br />significance of differences in soil properties within and among the three units. Results showed that the soils<br />were non-saline, non-sodic (except unit A), calcareous to slightly calcareous and low in fertility. Results also<br />indicated no significant differences among soil properties except for texture, salinity and sodicity. The soils<br />were found to be marginally suitable (S3) for rainfed agriculture because of presence of fertility, drainage,<br />organic matter, texture and sodicity limitations and unit B proved to be the best soils of the three units. For<br />crop suitability, the soils of the three units had same suitability for some crops and differ for others.