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Soybean oil was epoxidized in situ under established conditions. The produced epoxidized soybean oil was subjected to a sulfur containing compound of the formula (5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐(3H)‐thiones) and four of its derivatives (p‐chloro‐, p‐iodo‐, p‐methyl‐ and p‐methoxy‐) in sealed ampoules under inert atmosphere at 180‐2308C (according to the melting point of each sulfur compound). The produced adducts were added to three varnishes based on alkyd resin, chlorinated rubber and a vinyl chloride copolymer to evaluate them as corrosion inhibitors for steel surfaces. It was found that these adducts can act as good corrosion inhibitors and their efficiencies depend principally on the substituted functional group.

Najib Mahfuz is the first Arab‐language author to win the Nobel Prize in literature. Born in 1911 the son of a middle‐class Jamaliyah merchant, he became the most popular novelist in Egypt and the Arab countries.

Healthcare environments are highly complex and full of variation and inefficiency. However, variation and inefficiency can be measured and improved, providing better quality care at a lower cost. This study aims to report the application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a haematology laboratory in a university hospital in Egypt.

The authors used case study research. Applying the define, measure, analyse, improve and control phases of the DMAIC methodology together with lean tools, the problem was identified, the process mapped, the causes analysed and improvements implemented.

Results show that LSS can be successfully implemented in challenging public sector healthcare settings. Management commitment, generating and implementing ideas from frontline staff, using a variety of quality tools and previous LSS training were all key to success. This is evidence that the LSS methodology is adaptable to any process, people or place.

There are no publications on LSS implementation in health care in Egypt. This study demonstrates the successful use of LSS in a university hospital (public sector) in a developing country, sharing insight into the facilitators and barriers in a real context with others in the healthcare field.