Non-marine vertebrates, including many crocodyliform clades, remain poorly documented from uppermost Cretaceous deposits of Africa. Recent exploratory fieldwork in the Upper Cretaceous (middle Campanian) Quseir Formation exposed around Dakhla Oasis (Western Desert of Egypt) has revealed new fossils from continental and marginal marine settings that include abundant crocodyliform remains. In particular, materials of an enigmatic crocodyliform, represented by both cranial and postcranial remains, suggest the presence of a novel southern Tethyan crocodyliform fauna from northern Africa during the Late Cretaceous. Materials recovered of this taxon thus far include fragmentary portions of the skull and mandible, amphicoelous dorsal vertebrae, and fragmentary appendicular remains. This form is distinguished by a number of unique features including a domed platyrostral skull; a strongly festooned lateral margin of the maxilla with two waves of tooth enlargement; a deep sculptured fossa at the base of the postorbital bar; a jugal with an anterior process that is at least three times broader than the posterior process than the posterior process; an orbital margin dorsally overlapping the lateral temporal fenestra; a supraoccipital with a distinct medial tuber and associated ventral fossa; and a robust straight dentary with contribution of the splenial to the symphysis. This new form suggests a potentially unique Late Cretaceous assemblage from northern Africa, markedly different from better-known Late Cretaceous crocodyliform assemblages of South America and Madagascar, or from earlier (pre-Turonian) deposits in Africa. This pattern may reveal a distinct regional fauna along the southern Tethys, or potential Cretaceous relationships with Eurasian neosuchian-dominated assemblages.

Additive Weibull distribution combining two Weibull distributions was proposed by Xie and Lai [1]. In this paper, we propose a generalization of this distribution which is called exponentiated additive Weibull distribution. It includes a set of exponentiated distributions such as modified generalized linear failure rate, exponentiated Weibull and exponentiated exponential distributions in addition to some widely well known distributions such as additive Weibull, modified Weibull distributions, among others. It represents a flexible model for reliability analysis such as reliability engineering, firmware reliability, decision-making reliability, and cost analysis. Some statistical properties of the new distribution are presented. The estimation of five parameters by maximum likelihood is studied and the observed information matrix is computed. Finally, three real data sets are used to compare the proposed distribution to five of its sub-models. The results showed that the new distribution provides a better fit than its sub-models.

Introduction: Retinoic Acid (RA) are compounds derived from retinol or vitamin A. RA signaling has a central role during both embryonic and adult growth, activating gene transcription via interacting with nuclear RA receptors bound to RA response elements near target genes. RA levels require precise regulation by controlled synthesis and catabolism. Citral is a natural product of the essential oils of plants. It has been reported to inhibit the formation of RA. Aim of the work: This research aims to find out which concentration 0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm of retinoic acid is most efficient in rescuing the chick embryo treated with citral. Methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus were divided into six groups, control group, DMSO group (RA solvent), citral group (50 µM) and three groups received a combination of the citral dose and one of three different doses of RA (0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm), respectively. After hatching, hatchability and mortality rates were reported. Embryos were morphologically examined and weighed. Morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters and were statistically analyzed. Results: the present study showed highly deformed embryos in the citral group, while co-treatment with citral and the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) showed partial mitigation than the higher doses (0.5 and 1 µgm). Co-treatments of citral and RA (0.25, 0.5 and 1 µgm) showed mortality rates 40%, 74% and 75% respectively compared to 62.5% in the case of citral treatment alone. Different abnormalities were observed in citral treated embryos such as high growth retardation, brain deformation. The eye was either invaginated, exophthalmic or completely absent in some embryos. Long and wry neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity and limb deformation were also observed. Weight, crown rump, head length, head circumference, head height, wing and all parts of hind limb lengths in all treated groups were significantly lower than control. Also, co-treatment with the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) and citral significantly elevated the all morphometric parameters compared to higher doses of RA (0.5 and 1 µgm), but non- significantly compared to citral treated group alone. Conclusion: This study shows that treatment with citral decreases the level of endogenous RA than the level needed to maintain the normal embryonic development and that leads to severe malformation. Treatment with exogenous RA might rescue the embryo from teratogenic effects of citral and that leads to the partial mitigation in some embryos. It suggested that the response of embryos to RA is very sensitive. The lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) could partially mitigate the effect of citral while higher doses of RA (0.5 and 1 µgm) exerted teratogenic properties of RA rather than mitigative effects.

Introduction: Retinoic Acid (RA) are compounds derived from retinol or vitamin A. RA signaling has a central role during both embryonic and adult growth, activating gene transcription via interacting with nuclear RA receptors bound to RA response elements near target genes. RA levels require precise regulation by controlled synthesis and catabolism. Citral is a natural product of the essential oils of plants. It has been reported to inhibit the formation of RA. Aim of the work: This research aims to find out which concentration 0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm of retinoic acid is most efficient in rescuing the chick embryo treated with citral. Methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus were divided into six groups, control group, DMSO group (RA solvent), citral group (50 µM) and three groups received a combination of the citral dose and one of three different doses of RA (0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm), respectively. After hatching, hatchability and mortality rates were reported. Embryos were morphologically examined and weighed. Morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters and were statistically analyzed. Results: the present study showed highly deformed embryos in the citral group, while co-treatment with citral and the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) showed partial mitigation than the higher doses (0.5 and 1 µgm). Co-treatments of citral and RA (0.25, 0.5 and 1 µgm) showed mortality rates 40%, 74% and 75% respectively compared to 62.5% in the case of citral treatment alone. Different abnormalities were observed in citral treated embryos such as high growth retardation, brain deformation. The eye was either invaginated, exophthalmic or completely absent in some embryos. Long and wry neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity and limb deformation were also observed. Weight, crown rump, head length, head circumference, head height, wing and all parts of hind limb lengths in all treated groups were significantly lower than control. Also, co-treatment with the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) and citral significantly elevated the all morphometric parameters compared to higher doses of RA (0.5 and 1 µgm), but non- significantly compared to citral treated group alone. Conclusion: This study shows that treatment with citral decreases the level of endogenous RA than the level needed to maintain the normal embryonic development and that leads to severe malformation. Treatment with exogenous RA might rescue the embryo from teratogenic effects of citral and that leads to the partial mitigation in some embryos. It suggested that the response of embryos to RA is very sensitive. The lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) could partially mitigate the effect of citral while higher doses of RA (0.5 and 1 µgm) exerted teratogenic properties of RA rather than mitigative effects.

Introduction: Retinoic Acid (RA) are compounds derived from retinol or vitamin A. RA signaling has a central role during both embryonic and adult growth, activating gene transcription via interacting with nuclear RA receptors bound to RA response elements near target genes. RA levels require precise regulation by controlled synthesis and catabolism. Citral is a natural product of the essential oils of plants. It has been reported to inhibit the formation of RA. Aim of the work: This research aims to find out which concentration 0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm of retinoic acid is most efficient in rescuing the chick embryo treated with citral. Methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus were divided into six groups, control group, DMSO group (RA solvent), citral group (50 µM) and three groups received a combination of the citral dose and one of three different doses of RA (0.25, 0.5 or 1 µgm), respectively. After hatching, hatchability and mortality rates were reported. Embryos were morphologically examined and weighed. Morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters and were statistically analyzed. Results: the present study showed highly deformed embryos in the citral group, while co-treatment with citral and the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) showed partial mitigation than the higher doses (0.5 and 1 µgm). Co-treatments of citral and RA (0.25, 0.5 and 1 µgm) showed mortality rates 40%, 74% and 75% respectively compared to 62.5% in the case of citral treatment alone. Different abnormalities were observed in citral treated embryos such as high growth retardation, brain deformation. The eye was either invaginated, exophthalmic or completely absent in some embryos. Long and wry neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity and limb deformation were also observed. Weight, crown rump, head length, head circumference, head height, wing and all parts of hind limb lengths in all treated groups were significantly lower than control. Also, co-treatment with the lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) and citral significantly elevated the all morphometric parameters compared to higher doses of RA (0.5 and 1 µgm), but non- significantly compared to citral treated group alone. Conclusion: This study shows that treatment with citral decreases the level of endogenous RA than the level needed to maintain the normal embryonic development and that leads to severe malformation. Treatment with exogenous RA might rescue the embryo from teratogenic effects of citral and that leads to the partial mitigation in some embryos. It suggested that the response of embryos to RA is very sensitive. The lowest dose of RA (0.25 µgm) could partially mitigate the effect of citral while higher doses of RA (0.5 and 1 µgm) exerted teratogenic properties of RA rather than mitigative effects.

Introduction: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known as a carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and growth inhibitory mycotoxin. Aim: the current study aims to demonstrate the adverse morphological effects of AB1 on the developing chick embryo. Materials and methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus were divided into five groups: control group, positive control group treated with aflatoxin's solvent (10% Ethanol), and three experimental groups treated with a single doses of 5ng, 10ng or 20ng of AFB1 extract. The hatchability and mortality rates were recorded, specimens were weighed, morphologically examined, and morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters: Crown rump, head length, head circumference, head height, fore limb and all parts of hind limb lengths of the embryos after 21 days of incubation. Results: Current data showed a decrease in hatchability rate (4.76%, 5.48%, 6.9% ) in treated groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (97%), weight and all morphometric parameters were significantly decreased in treated groups compared to control ones and insignificantly changed among the three treated groups. Mortality rate was increased (13%, 24%, 13%) in treated groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (0%). Different congenital malformations were observed in treated embryos such as: growth retardation, brain deformation, invagination of eyes, anophthalmia, beak deformities, wry and twisted neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity, limb deformities such as bud limbs or absence of limbs and poor ossification. Discussion: The present study demonstrated that AFB1 causes developmental anomalies to the embryo such as decreasing the hatchability rate, increasing mortality rate and also causes severe congenital anomalies to the embryo, according to earlier literatures, AFB1 alters DNA and RNA and causes cell death which may explain the severe malformations during the dvelopment of chick embryo.

Introduction: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known as a carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and growth inhibitory mycotoxin. Aim: the current study aims to demonstrate the adverse morphological effects of AB1 on the developing chick embryo. Materials and methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus were divided into five groups: control group, positive control group treated with aflatoxin's solvent (10% Ethanol), and three experimental groups treated with a single doses of 5ng, 10ng or 20ng of AFB1 extract. The hatchability and mortality rates were recorded, specimens were weighed, morphologically examined, and morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters: Crown rump, head length, head circumference, head height, fore limb and all parts of hind limb lengths of the embryos after 21 days of incubation. Results: Current data showed a decrease in hatchability rate (4.76%, 5.48%, 6.9% ) in treated groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (97%), weight and all morphometric parameters were significantly decreased in treated groups compared to control ones and insignificantly changed among the three treated groups. Mortality rate was increased (13%, 24%, 13%) in treated groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (0%). Different congenital malformations were observed in treated embryos such as: growth retardation, brain deformation, invagination of eyes, anophthalmia, beak deformities, wry and twisted neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity, limb deformities such as bud limbs or absence of limbs and poor ossification. Discussion: The present study demonstrated that AFB1 causes developmental anomalies to the embryo such as decreasing the hatchability rate, increasing mortality rate and also causes severe congenital anomalies to the embryo, according to earlier literatures, AFB1 alters DNA and RNA and causes cell death which may explain the severe malformations during the dvelopment of chick embryo.

Introduction: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known as a carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and growth inhibitory mycotoxin. Aim: the current study aims to demonstrate the adverse morphological effects of AB1 on the developing chick embryo. Materials and methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus were divided into five groups: control group, positive control group treated with aflatoxin's solvent (10% Ethanol), and three experimental groups treated with a single doses of 5ng, 10ng or 20ng of AFB1 extract. The hatchability and mortality rates were recorded, specimens were weighed, morphologically examined, and morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters: Crown rump, head length, head circumference, head height, fore limb and all parts of hind limb lengths of the embryos after 21 days of incubation. Results: Current data showed a decrease in hatchability rate (4.76%, 5.48%, 6.9% ) in treated groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (97%), weight and all morphometric parameters were significantly decreased in treated groups compared to control ones and insignificantly changed among the three treated groups. Mortality rate was increased (13%, 24%, 13%) in treated groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (0%). Different congenital malformations were observed in treated embryos such as: growth retardation, brain deformation, invagination of eyes, anophthalmia, beak deformities, wry and twisted neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity, limb deformities such as bud limbs or absence of limbs and poor ossification. Discussion: The present study demonstrated that AFB1 causes developmental anomalies to the embryo such as decreasing the hatchability rate, increasing mortality rate and also causes severe congenital anomalies to the embryo, according to earlier literatures, AFB1 alters DNA and RNA and causes cell death which may explain the severe malformations during the dvelopment of chick embryo.

Introduction: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known as a carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and growth inhibitory mycotoxin. Aim: the current study aims to demonstrate the adverse morphological effects of AB1 on the developing chick embryo. Materials and methods: Fertilized eggs of the chick Gallus domesticus were divided into five groups: control group, positive control group treated with aflatoxin's solvent (10% Ethanol), and three experimental groups treated with a single doses of 5ng, 10ng or 20ng of AFB1 extract. The hatchability and mortality rates were recorded, specimens were weighed, morphologically examined, and morphometric measurements were carried out for some parameters: Crown rump, head length, head circumference, head height, fore limb and all parts of hind limb lengths of the embryos after 21 days of incubation. Results: Current data showed a decrease in hatchability rate (4.76%, 5.48%, 6.9% ) in treated groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (97%), weight and all morphometric parameters were significantly decreased in treated groups compared to control ones and insignificantly changed among the three treated groups. Mortality rate was increased (13%, 24%, 13%) in treated groups (5ng, 10ng and 20ng) respectively compared to control (0%). Different congenital malformations were observed in treated embryos such as: growth retardation, brain deformation, invagination of eyes, anophthalmia, beak deformities, wry and twisted neck, absence of feathers, open body cavity, limb deformities such as bud limbs or absence of limbs and poor ossification. Discussion: The present study demonstrated that AFB1 causes developmental anomalies to the embryo such as decreasing the hatchability rate, increasing mortality rate and also causes severe congenital anomalies to the embryo, according to earlier literatures, AFB1 alters DNA and RNA and causes cell death which may explain the severe malformations during the dvelopment of chick embryo.

We are developing, the first of its type, a portable active interrogation system for special nuclear materials (SNMs) detection such as U-235 and Pu-239. The system is based on the recently developed technique, threshold energy neutron analysis (TENA) method. Mandatory aspects for the neutron generator to be used for on-site inspection as well as for container screening at ports of entry is intense neutron as 5×107 n/s neutron yield in a very compact configuration such as ~25 cm diameter, 60 cm height, and lightweight ~30 kg. The criteria mentioned above are matching the neutron generator based on the D-D fusion reaction from Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion device. Two prototypes of the DD-IEC fusion device, with 17 cm anode diameter, have been designed, fabricated and tested. The anode of the first device was made from stainless steel, while titanium was chosen to build the second version. The cathode for both versions was made from molybdenum with 6 cm diameter. High voltage and current are required to achieve the target neutron yield from the compact configuration. To cope with that, we used a developed technique called a multistage feedthrough method to enable applying higher voltage and current, up to 120 kV and 300 mA, in a compact configuration. The neutron production rate (NPR) achieved from the 1st prototype was ~2.8×107 n/s by applying 70 kV and 150 mA, and from the 2nd prototype was 8.9×107 n/s, by applying 75 kV and 70 mA current, which exceeds the target NPR designed for the SNMs interrogation system. The technical developments and challenges to construct and operate the prototypes of the DD-IEC fusion device are discussed together with the experimental results for the NPR measurements.