Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) and Bauhinia variegata L. are used in the Egyptian folk medicine for their hypoglycemic effects. The standardized ethanolic extracts of both plants caused a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose level at two different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats' model. Further, in vitro antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition assays were conducted as well as measurement of insulin levels and biomarkers for both liver and kidney functions in the treated animals. Beneficiary effects of BMLE and BVLE in the treatment of diabetes were found not to be limited to hypoglycemic effect but include preventing liver and kidney tissue damage that is associated with diabetes. A strong inhibition of the α-glucosidase enzyme by both extracts may be a contributing mechanism in the overall anti-diabetic effect that was observed. Further detailed study is needed in the future to explore the mechanism of action of both plants.

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One of the major advantages of using glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars as a replacement to the traditional steel-reinforced bars is its lightweight and high-resistant to corrosion. This research focuses on the performance of concrete beams partially/fully reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars with 50% of GFRP bars were used to reinforce partially concrete beams at flexural zone. While 100% of GFRP bars were used to reinforce fully concrete beams at flexural and compression zones with different concrete compressive strength.This study reported the test results of 6 reinforced concrete beams with dimensions 150 × 200mm and a 1700-mm clear span length subjected to a four-point loading system. The tested beams were divided into three groups; the first one refers to the glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar effect. The second group is referring to the effect of concrete compressive strength, while the third group is referring to the effect of the GFRP bar volume ratio.Using longitudinal GFRP bars as a full or partial replacement of longitudinal steel bar reinforcement led to an increase in the failure load capacity and the average crack width, while a decrease in ductility was reported with a lower number of cracks. Increasing the concrete compressive strength is more compatible with GFRP bar reinforcement and enhanced the failure performance of beams compared with normal compressive strength concrete.

Prestressed concrete is widely used in the construction industry in buildings. And corrosion of reinforcing steel is one of the most important and prevalent mechanisms of deterioration for concrete structures. Consequently the capacity of post-tension elements decreased after exposure to corrosion. This study presents results of the experimental investigation of the performance and the behavior of partially prestressed beams, with 40 and 80 MPa compressive strength exposed to corrosion. The experimental program of this study consisted of six partially prestressed beams with overall dimensions equal to 150 Â 400 Â 4500 mm. The variables were considered in terms of concrete compressive strength, and corrosion location effect. The mode of failure, and strain of steel reinforcement, cracking, yield, ultimate load and the corresponding deflection of each beam, and crack width and distribution were recorded. The results showed that the partially prestressed beam with 80 MPa compressive strength has higher resistance to corrosion exposure than that of partially prestressed concrete beam with 40 MPa compressive strength. Not big difference in deterioration against fully/partially corrosion exposure found between partially prestressed beams at the same compressive strength. The most of deterioration incident in partially prestressed beam acts on non prestressed steel reinforcement. Because the bonded tendons are less likely to corrode, cement grout and duct act as a barrier to moisture and chloride penetration, especially plastic duct without splices and connections. The theoretical analysis based on strain compatibility and force equilibrium gave a good prediction of the deformational behavior for high/normal partially prestressed beams.

Prestressed concrete is widely used in the construction buildings. And corrosion of steel is one of the most important and prevalent mechanisms of deterioration for concrete structures. Consequently the capacity of post-tension elements decreased after exposure to corrosion. This study presents results of the experimental investigation of the performance/behavior of bonded fully prestressed and conventional concrete beams, with 40 MPa compressive strength exposed to corrosion. The experimental program of this study consisted of three fully prestressed and two conventional concrete beams with overall dimensions equal to 150 Â 400 Â 4500 mm. The variables were considered in terms of corrosion exposure effect, prestressed level, and corrosion location effect for fully prestressed beams. Mode of failure, cracking width/distribution, ultimate load and the corresponding deflection of each beam were recorded. The results showed that the fully prestressed beam in comparison with conventional beam was considered to be even more resistance to corrosion because it was perceived to be crack-free as a result of prestressing. Also the mention deterioration incident in fully prestressed beams fully corrosion exposure level unnoticed that deterioration incident in partially corrosion exposure level. The most of deterioration incident in fully prestressed beam acts on compression of non-prestressed steel reinforcement. Because the bonded tendons are less likely to corrode. Cement grout/duct is a barrier to moisture and chloride penetration,