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The present study is focused on the synthesis of zero-valent iron/cellulose acetate (Fe0-x/CA) membranes by phase inversion route for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The generated •OH and SO4•− effectively degraded methylene blue (MB) dye in water to give comparatively non-toxic byproducts. The SEM investigations revealed that Fe0 nanoparticles are evenly dispersed into the CA membrane resulting in decline of agglomeration and enhancing the roughness of the composite surface. Moreover, the catalytic degradation of MB demonstrated that M5-alone showed 85% and was further boosted to 97% when coupled with PMS (M5/HSO5−). The catalytic degradation of degradation of MB by M5/HSO5− membrane system in acidic, neutral, and basic media indicated that the degradation was 99.5%, 98.0%, 97.0%, 86.0% and 70.0% when the pH of the medium was 3, 5, 7, and 11, respectively. Furthermore, the degradation performance of M5/HSO5− membrane system was evaluated in de-ionized water (DIW), tape water (TPW) and industrial wastewater (IWW) and the results indicated that MB catalytic degradation was in the order of DIW (97%) > TPW (84%) > IWW (68%). Besides, various parameters like water flux permeability, contact angle, porosity, and fouling performance were also investigated. In addition, the degradation products were evaluated, and the degradation pathways were proposed accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, surface-modified nano zerovalent copper (nZVC) was prepared using a simple borohydride reduction method. The spectroscopic and crystallographic results revealed the successful synthesis of surface-modified nano zerovalent copper (nZVC) using solvents such as ethanol (ETOH), ethylene glycol (EG) and tween80 (T80). The as-synthesized material was fully characterized for morphological surface and crystal structural properties. The results indicated that EG provides an excellent synthesis environment to nZVC compared to ETOH and T80 in terms of good dispersion, high surface area and excellent catalytic properties. The catalytic efficiency of nZVC/EG was investigated alone and with peroxymonosulphate (PMS) in the absence of light. The degradation results demonstrated that the involvement of PMS synergistically boosted the catalytic efficiency of synthesized nZVC/EG material. Furthermore, the degradation products (DPs) of CBZ were determined by GC−MS and subsequently, the degradation pathways were proposed. The ecotoxicity analysis of the DPs was also explored. The proposed (nZVC/EG/PMS) system is economical and efficient and thus could be applied for the degradation of CBZ from an aquatic system after altering the degradation pathways in such a way that results in harmless products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industries generate hazardous dye wastewater, posing significant threats to public health and the environment. Removing dyes before discharge is crucial. The ongoing study primarily focused on synthesizing, applying, and understanding the mechanism of green nano-biochar composites. These composites, including zinc oxide/biochar, copper oxide/biochar, magnesium oxide/biochar, and manganese oxide/biochar, are designed to effectively remove Actas Pink-2B (Direct Red-31) in conjunction with constructed wetlands. Constructed wetland maintained pH 6.0–7.9. At the 10th week, the copper oxide/biochar treatment demonstrated the highest removal efficiency of total suspended solids (72%), dissolved oxygen (7.2 mg/L), and total dissolved solids (79.90%), followed by other biochar composites. The maximum removal efficiency for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color was observed at a retention time of 60 days. The electrical conductivity also followed the same order, with a decrease observed up to the 8th week before becoming constant. A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted, encompassing various techniques including variance analysis, regression analysis, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis. The rate of color and COD removal followed a second-order and first-order kinetics, respectively. A significant negative relationship was observed between dissolved oxygen and COD. The study indicates that employing biochar composites in constructed wetlands improves textile dye removal efficiency. The novelty of this study is the selection of Cymbopogon as a proper plant for phytoremediation of dye along with green metal oxide coated biochar. These were selected due to their good ability to remove organic pollutant. This study demonstrates the uptake and degradation processes of persistent dye in constructed wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid Layered Double Hydroxides (HLDH) are promising adsorption materials for water treatment due to their excellent anion exchange capacities, abundance of active sites, and eco-friendliness. HLDH was synthesized utilizing the co-precipitation technique in this work to demonstrate its applicability for the removal of direct sky-blue dye via an adsorption procedure. The effects of pH, dose, contact time, initial dye concentration, and temperature on the direct sky-blue dye adsorption efficiency were thoroughly investigated. The adsorbents were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). Under the best conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity has been achieved for Mg–Cr–Cl (42.95 mg/g) > Zn–Al–CO3 (39.76 mg/g) > Mg–Fe–Cl (38.08 mg/g). The adsorption of dyes on Mg–Cr–Cl, Zn–Al–CO3, and Mg–Fe–Cl followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and exhibited Langmuir-type monolayer adsorption. The influence of temperature was studied to determine the thermodynamic parameters. The estimated results showed spontaneous and exothermic adsorption processes. Electrolyte enhances the adsorption capacity to some extent, while surfactants block the sites, thus reducing the adsorption capacity. The maximum desorption of dye was influenced by the sodium hydroxide solution. The research described here might be utilized to create novel adsorbents with improved adsorption capacities for preserving the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the major causes of death worldwide. It is the most common cause of death before the age of 70 years. The incidence and mortality of BC are rapidly increasing, posing great challenges to the health system and economy of every nation. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratory of the French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children (FMIC) to demonstrate the association of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2/Neu) and estrogen receptor (ER)/ progesterone receptor (PR) with clinical as well as pathological parameters among women with BC. A consecutive nonprobability sampling method was used for this study over a span of one and a half years. Results: One hundred twenty participants diagnosed with breast cancer were included in the study. The mean age at diagnosis was 44.58 ± 11.16 years. Out of the total patients, 68 (56.7%) were above 40 years old, 108 (90%) were married, 94 (78.3%) were multiparous, and 88 (73.3%) had a history of breastfeeding. 33.3% of cases were within the age range of menopause (40–50 years). The positive expression rates of ER, PR, and Her2/neu were found to be 48.8%, 44.6%, and 44.6%, respectively, and Her2/neu overexpression was found to be higher among ER/PR-negative cases. Conclusion: In our study, we demonstrated that among Afghan women, grade II invasive ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified, was the most common type of BC and frequently affected women above the age of 40. We also revealed that the percentage of negative ER (50.4%), negative PR (54.4%), and concordant ER/PR-negative cases were high compared to other possibilities. Additionally, the study revealed that expression of Her2/neu was in contrast with the expression of ER and PR receptors. The findings of our study still support the importance of performing immunohistochemical stains for hormonal receptor classification in terms of better clinical outcomes and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced oxidation/reduction processes (AO/RPs) are considered as effective water treatment technologies and thus could be used to solve the problem of water pollution. These technologies of wastewater treatment involve the production of highly reactive species such as •OH, H•, e−aq, SO4•−, and SO3•−. These radicals can attack the targeted contaminants present in aqueous media and result in their destruction. The efficiency of AO/RPs is highly affected by various operational parameters such as initial concentration of contaminant, solution pH, catalyst amount, intensity of light source, nature of oxidant and reductant used, and the presence of various ionic species in aquatic media. Among AO/RPs, the solar light-based AO/RPs are most widely used nowadays for contaminant removal from aqueous media because of their high environmental friendliness and cost effectiveness. By using these techniques, almost all types of pollutants can be easily removed from aquatic media within short intervals of time, and hence, the problem of water pollution can be solved effectively. This review focuses on various AO/RPs used for wastewater treatment. The effects of different operational parameters that affect the efficiency of these processes toward contaminant removal have been discussed. Besides, challenges and future recommendations are also briefly provided for the researchers in order to improve the efficiency of these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study focused on the green nanocomposites synthetization to treat textile wastewater and its reusability for agriculture crops. Punica granatum (leaves and peels) and biomass (almond shells, sugar cane bagasse, eggshells) are used for synthesis of zinc oxide nanocomposites (PGL-ZnO), copper nanocomposites (PGP-Cu) and iron nanocomposites (PGL-Fe). It is characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. The highest adsorption efficiency of all synthesized nanocomposites was accomplished at pH 2 which is acidic, 0.01 g dose, 50 mg/L initial dye concentration and 90 min contact time at 40 °C temperature. The highest adsorption proficiency Punica granatum = 18 < Zinc Oxide nanocomposites = 78 < Iron nanocomposites = 65 < Copper nanocomposites = 85 mg/g of all synthesized nanocomposites was obtained. The model Freundlich showed good fitness results which indicate complex nanocomposites nature. The 1st order showed best results on fitness of isotherm on kinetic data and rate constants determined the best fitness of model. The negative value of ΔHo and ΔSo of nanocomposites exhibited the exothermic nature and decrease in disorderness of adsorption process for dye exclusion. When values of Δ G o is positive then the reaction is spontaneous. Desorption of acidic dye from maximum efficient nanocomposites was 99 mg/g using eluent. Hence, it was determined that these nanocomposites serve as the novel, feasible, cost-effective, ecofriendly, and bio recyclability for treating acid dye-containing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on synthesis of highly efficient Titania/reduced Graphene Oxide (TiO2/rGO) nanocomposites by means of simple hydrothermal technique. The TiO2/rGO were synthesized in different ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3% by varying the concentration of rGO while the concentration of TiO2 was kept constant and the obtained samples were designated as TrG0.5, TrG1, TrG2, and TrG3 respectively. Different characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XRD, EDX, TGA, UV-DRS, PL, EIS, and BET) showed high crystallinity, small crystallite size (18.4 nm), high thermal stability, high purity, low band gap energy (Eg = 3.12 eV), and high surface area (65.989 m2/g) for the as-synthesized TiO2/rGO nanocomposite. The efficiencies of TiO2/rGO were determined in terms of brilliant green (BG) dye degradation in aqueous media under UV light. The results revealed that 2% TiO2/rGO (TrG2) showed high efficiency for BG degradation with the kapp of 0.023 min−1 compared to TiO2 alone (kapp of 0.006 min−1). The rate of BG degradation was further synergised by the addition of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to the system. The degradation of BG was improved to 99.4% by the incorporation of PMS in aqueous media compared to TrG2 alone. Furthermore, the degradation of BG was also examined in various media (neutral, acidic, and basic). The results revealed that by increasing pH of the medium from 3.85 to 8.2 the degradation of BG was enhanced from 99.4 to 99.9% with the corresponding kapp of 0.0602 min−1. Moreover, the photocatalytic degradation of BG followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics. Radical scavenging experiments showed that ●OH and SO4●– were the main species responsible for the degradation of BG under UV light. Besides, for determining the efficiency of as-synthesized TrG2/PMS system, the degradation of BG was also performed in various water types (distilled water, tape water, synthetic wastewater, and industrial wastewater). The degradation products (DPs) of BG and their corresponding pathways were proposed, accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binary composite of zerovalent iron and titanium dioxide (Fe0/TiO2) was synthesized for the catalytic removal of dichlorophene (DCP) in the presence of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The as-prepared composite (Fe0/TiO2) exhibits synergistic effect and enhanced properties like improved catalytic activity of catalyst and greater magnetic property for facile recycling of catalyst. The results showed that without addition of PMS at reaction time of 50 min, the percent degradation of DCP by TiO2, Fe0, and Fe0/TiO2 was just 5%, 11%, and 12%, respectively. However, with the addition of 0.8 mM PMS, at 10 min of reaction time, the catalytic degradation performance of Fe0, TiO2, and Fe0/TiO2 was significantly improved to 82%, 18%, and 88%, respectively. The as-prepared catalyst was fully characterized to evaluate its structure, chemical states, and morphology. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that in composite TiO2 causes dispersion of agglomerated iron particles which enhances porosity and surface area of the composites and X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) results revealed successful incorporation of Fe0, and oxides of Fe and TiO2 in the composite. The adsorption–desorption analysis verifies that the surface area of Fe0/TiO2 is significantly larger than bare Fe0 and TiO2. Moreover, the surface area, particle size, and crystal size of Fe0/TiO2 was surface area = 85 m2 g−1, particle size = 0.35 μm, and crystal size = 0.16 nm as compared to TiO2 alone (surface area = 22 m2 g−1, particle size = 4.25 μm, and crystal size = 25.4 nm) and Fe0 alone (surface area = 65 m2 g−1, particle size = 0.9 μm, and crystal size = 7.87 nm). The as-synthesized material showed excellent degradation performance in synthesized wastewater as well. The degradation products and their toxicities were evaluated and the resulted degradation mechanism was proposed accordingly. The toxicity values decreased in order of DP1 > DP5 > DP2 > DP3 > DP4 and the LC50 values toward fish for 96-h duration decreased from 0.531 to 67.2. This suggests that the proposed technology is an excellent option for the treatment of antibiotic containing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, and therefore, tremendous research work is continuously being done around the world with consideration of etiopathogenesis as well as identification of therapeutic targets. Decades of continuous war in Afghanistan has left the medical infrastructure of the country in a miserable situation. There is a serious deficiency in research work in the fields of pathology and oncology at the moment with minimal data available to elaborate about the demographic characteristics of various malignant disorders in the country, which would be indispensable to pave the way for further research and development. Patients and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the prevalence, distribution, and important histopathological features of malignant tumors reported at tertiary level in Afghanistan. Results: Out of 2328 consecutive cases of solid malignant tumors included in our study, 93.8% were primary and 6.2% were metastatic. Breast was the most common site of origin for primary malignancy (29.5%) in females; however, in males, esophagus was the leading site for primary malignant tumors (16.3%). Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common histologic type of malignancy in females (87.9%). However, in both genders, squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus and skin, osteosarcoma of bone and soft tissue, and glioblastoma of central nervous system were the most common histologic types of malignancies diagnosed. Small intestine was a frequently involved site affected by extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Overall, the majority of the cancers were diagnosed in stage-II. Conclusion: Findings in our study were somewhat similar to data presented elsewhere in the world, with some significant differences that could be related to the local factors. Our study revealed that most of the malignant tumors were diagnosed in later stages of the disease, attributable to scarcity of specialized oncology institutions and public awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the comparative removal of an emerging contaminant diclofenac sodium (DCF) by UV-254 nm-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), i.e. UV/S2O82−/Fe2+, UV/HSO5−/Fe2+ and UV/H2O2/Fe2+ processes. The results demonstrated that by applying [DCF]0 = 0.30 mM and [H2O2]0 = [S2O82−]0 = [HSO5−]0 = 3 mM, kapp values were 0.082, 0.166, 0.221, 0.485 and 2.014 min−1 for UV-only, UV/Fe2+, UV/H2O2/Fe2+, UV/S2O82−/Fe2+ and UV/HSO5−/Fe2+ processes, respectively. At different [DCF]0 from 0.30 to 0.90 mM, the degradation rate was increased from 0.01 mM min−1 to 0.12 mM min−1, while the corresponding kapp values were decreased from 2.01 min−1 to 1.04 min−1. The removal performance of the applied AOP was significantly influenced by the presence of natural water contaminants (NO3−, Cl−, HCO3−, SO42− and humic acid (HA)) and [pH]0. The inhibition of these natural water contaminants on the removal of DCF by UV/HSO5−/Fe2+ process was in the order of HA > NO2− > SO42− > HCO3− ≈ Cl− > NO3−. Furthermore, seven (07) degradation products (DPs) of DCF were explored by UPLC-MS/MS and accordingly degradation pathways of DCF were suggested. The practical applications of the proposed AOPs towards the removal of DCF were further strengthened by calculating total organic carbon removal and toxicity assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kisspeptin has an important role in the stimulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in term of pubertal development, release of reproductive and metabolic hormones and ultimately affecting the fertility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum kisspeptin level and its correlation with semen quality and selected hormones in buffalo bulls during the summer and spring seasons. Semen and blood samples from eight Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls (age: 9.21 ± 1.02 years) were collected. Semen was analysed using computer-assisted semen analysis. Serum concentrations of kisspeptin, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4) and insulin like growth factor (IGF-1) were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Kisspeptin was neither affected by seasons and nor correlated with semen parameters and hormones. Higher levels of GnRH, LH, cortisol, IGF-1, total motility (TM), average path velocity (VAP), straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and linearity (LIN) were recorded in summer compared to spring. Correlations of GnRH versusIGF-1 and LH, LH versus IGF-1 and cortisol, FSH versus T4 and testosterone, testosterone versus T3 and T4 and T3 versus T4 were observed. The GnRH and IGF-1 were positively associated with TM, VAP, VSL, VCL and LIN. The LH was correlated with VSL, straightness and LIN. In conclusion, GnRH, LH, and IGF-1 correlations with semen parameters can be used to indicate semen quality. The buffalo bulls are well-adapted and can give quality semen in the summer season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, bismuth-doped titania (BixTiO2) with improved oxygen vacancies was synthesized by sol-gel protocol as a novel peroxymonosulfate (PMS, HSO5−) activator. HSO5− and adsorbed oxygen molecules could efficiently be transformed into their respective radicals through defect ionization to attain charge balance after their trapping on oxygen vacancies of the catalyst. XRD study of BixTiO2 with 5 wt% Bi (5BiT) revealed anatase, crystalline nature, and successful doping of Bi into TiO2 crystal lattice. The particle size obtained from BET data and SEM observations was in good agreement. PL spectra showed the formation rates of •OH by 3BiT, 7BiT, 5BiTC, and 5BiT as 0.720, 1.200, 1.489, and 2.153 μmol/h, respectively. 5BiT catalyst with high surface area (216.87 m2 g−1) and high porosity (29.81%) was observed the excellent HSO5− activator. The catalytic performance of 0BiT, 3BiT, 5BiT, and 7BiT when coupled with 2 mM HSO5− for recalcitrant flumequine (FLU) removal under dark was 10, 27, 55, and 37%, respectively. Only 5.4% decrease in catalytic efficiency was observed at the end of seventh cyclic run. Radical scavenging studies indicate that SO4•− is the dominant species that caused 62.0% degradation. Moreover, strong interaction between Bi and TiO2 through Bi-O-Ti bonds prevents Bi leaching (0.081 mg L−1) as shown by AAS. The kinetics, degradation pathways, ecotoxicity, and catalytic mechanism for recalcitrant FLU were also elucidated. Cost-efficient, environment-friendly, and high mineralization recommends this design strategy; BixTiO2/HSO5− system is a promising advanced oxidation process for the aquatic environment remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dichlorophene (DCP), a widely detected contaminant in the aquatic environment, was removed under the UV-254 nm irradiations based on advanced oxidation processes. The removal efficiency of DCP from water was enhanced by coupling UV with oxidant (H2O2) and/or catalyst (Fe2+), that is, UV/H2O2 and UV/H2O2/Fe2+ owing to the •OH radical generation in the system, which is chiefly responsible for degradation of DCP. Removal of DCP was maximum, that is, 96% degradation after 50 min UV irradiation by UV/H2O2/Fe2+ at pH 3, with apparent rate constant (kapp) of 0.058 min-1. The degradation rate of DCP increased with the increasing initial concentrations of DCP, represented by 0.011, 0.018 and 0.023 ppm min-1 at using 3, 4 and 5 ppm initial concentrations of DCP, respectively. The presence of NO3- and HCO3- deteriorated the degradation proficiency of DCP from 96% to 86% and 74%, respectively, attributed to scavenging of •OH radical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, for the first-time, aqueous solution of Acid Fuchsin (AF) was spectrophotometrically evaluated as a possible chemical dosimeter for food irradiation dosimetry at low dose ranges. A 50 µM solution of AF at natural pH was gamma irradiated and absorbance of the solution was measured at λmax (i.e., 543 nm) in addition to other wavelengths (490, 510, 549 and 564 nm). The response of AF dosimeter was investigated by plotting various variables, i.e., absorbance (A), − log A, change in absorbance (∆A), log Ao/Ai and absorbance % (A %) against absorbed dose. The response plots suggested that the beneficial dose range of AF solution in water was up to 0.82 kGy when absorbance (A), change in absorbance (ΔA) and absorbance % (A %) were extrapolated against absorbed dose. Though, the response was linear and beneficial absorbed dose range was extended up to 1.65 kGy, when − log A and log Ao/Ai were plotted against absorbed dose. It was concluded from pre- and post-irradiation stability studies of AF dosimeter that it should be protected from light and heat during handling and storage. For detection of the reactive specie involved in the bleaching of AF dye the AF dye solution was saturated with O2, N2 and N2O gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study pertains to theoretical aspect of membrane and surfactant supported ultrafiltration technique followed by experimental evaluation of rejection percentage (R%) and permeate flux (J). The organic dye malachite green (MG) was removed from water samples with help of micellar solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant on account of effective surfactant-dye interaction. The MG removal from water was result of electrostatic force of attraction between Stern layer of SDS micelles and cationic MG in addition to hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction. The regenerated cellulose membrane was used to retain enhanced MG-SDS micellar complex from polluted water in stirred ultrafiltration cell. R% of MG increases from 79.3%, 77%, 76% to 97.5%, 95%, 90% for 0.01, 0.1 and 0.2 mM concentrations, respectively. "J" decreases throughout the experiment on account of membrane plugging or concentration polarization. Hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of SDS surfactant was also determined at its post micellar concentrations by dynamic laser light scattering (DLLS) that shows high rejection percentage with increased Rh values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stillbirth rates in Afghanistan have declined little in the past decade with no data available on key risk factors. Health care utilisation and maternal complications are important factors influencing pregnancy outcomes but rarely captured for stillbirth in national surveys from low- and middle-income countries. The 2010 Afghanistan Mortality Survey (AMS) is one of few surveys with this information.Methods: We used data from the 2010 AMS that included a full pregnancy history and verbal autopsy. Our sample included the most recent live birth or stillbirth of 13 834 women aged 12-49 years in the three years preceding the survey. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to identify sociodemographic, maternal, and health care utilisation risk factors for stillbirth.Results: The risk of stillbirth was increased among women in the Central Highlands (aRR: 3.01, 95% CI 1.35, 6.70) and of Nuristani ethnicity (aRR: 9.15, 95% CI 2.95, 28.74). Women who did not receive antenatal care had three times increased risk of stillbirth (aRR: 3.03, 95% CI 1.73, 5.30), while high-quality antenatal care was important for reducing the risk of intrapartum stillbirth. Bleeding, infection, headache, and reduced fetal movements were antenatal complications strongly associated with stillbirth. Reduced fetal movements in the delivery period increased stillbirth risk by almost seven (aRR: 6.82, 95% CI 4.20, 11.10). Facility births had a higher risk of stillbirths overall (aRR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.12, 2.16), but not for intrapartum stillbirths.Conclusions: Targeted interventions are needed to improve access and utilisation of services for high-risk groups. Early detection of complications through improved quality of antenatal and obstetric care is imperative. We demonstrate the potential of household surveys to provide country-specific evidence on stillbirth risk factors for LMICs where data are lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidative degradation of CV dye in aqueous media has been evaluated using Fenton (Fe2+/H2O2) and photo-Fenton (Fe2+/H2O2/UV) processes. Various operational parameters like H2O2 dosages, Fe2+ dosages and [CV]0 were optimized of both Fenton and photo-Fenton processes for the removal of CV dye from aqueous media. Kinetic results indicated that photo-Fenton process (kobs=0.0097 min−1, t1/2=71.45 min) is more effective than Fenton process (kobs=0.0074 min−1, t1/2=93.66 min). Second order rate constant of ˙OH radical with CV dye was calculated to be 3.96×109 M−1s−1. De-methylated organic intermediates of CV dye detected by LC-MS and some other intermediates like CH3COO−, HCOO−, NH4+ and Cl− were identified by ion-chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidative degradation of CV dye in aqueous media has been evaluated using Fenton (Fe2+/H2O2) and photo-Fenton (Fe2+/H2O2/UV) processes. Various operational parameters like H2O2 dosages, Fe2+ dosages and [CV]0 were optimized of both Fenton and photo-Fenton processes for the removal of CV dye from aqueous media. Kinetic results indicated that photo-Fenton process (kobs=0.0097 min−1, t1/2=71.45 min) is more effective than Fenton process (kobs=0.0074 min−1, t1/2=93.66 min). Second order rate constant of ˙OH radical with CV dye was calculated to be 3.96×109 M−1s−1. De-methylated organic intermediates of CV dye detected by LC-MS and some other intermediates like CH3COO−, HCOO−, NH4+ and Cl− were identified by ion-chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The pyrolysis behavior of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the presence of commercially available oxides catalysts was investigated using thermogravimetry. The pyrolysis proceeded under a heating rate of 5°C/min in the temperature range of 200–650°C. The thermogravimetric properties in terms of reduction in maximum degradation temperature and percent conversion were studied. The silica gel mesoporous catalyst, with a greater pore size and surface area, was found to be the most active materials in terms of reduction in maximum degradation temperature and increase in percent conversion. The alumina acidic, silica ppt, and alumina neutral catalysts also showed good results; however, their effects were less pronounced as compared to silica gel. The effects of these different catalysts show that surface area, pore size, and number of acidic sites are found to be the major factors for the energy efficient degradation of polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, chloroform and 2-butanol were used as solvent systems for the preparation of ZrO2-PANI and CeO2-PANI composites. Solubility of the synthesized composites was studied in chloroform, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP), and in mixture of toluene + 2-propanol (2:1). XRD and cyclic voltammetry data showed that the ZrO2-PANI and CeO2-PANI composites possess both crystalline and amorphous domains indicating some sort of conductivity. TGA results showed that ZrO2-PANI composite have a better thermal stability than pure PANI; however, CeO2-PANI composite has lower thermal stability than pure PANI. The conjugated unsaturated structure of PANI is responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic properties of ZrO2-PANI and CeO2-PANI. Photocatalytic results showed that, at photolysis time of 60 min, rhodamine B (RhB) dye was degraded up to 34 and 35% by ZrO2-PANI and CeO2-PANI, respectively. The degradation products of RhB were quantified by LC-MS and GC-MS, and accordingly, a detailed pathway was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The thermal degradation kinetics of powder isotactic polypropylene was investigated in a thermobalance system, at non‐isothermal heating conditions with heating rate of 5, 10, 15, and 20°C min−1 in the temperature range of 30–600°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The apparent activation energy (Ea) was determined using Ozawa–Flynn–Wall, Tang Wanjun, and Coats–Redfern (modified) methods. The apparent activation energies range from 61.3 to 110.9 kJ mol−1. Increasing the heating rate shifted the Tmax to a higher level. The lower activation energy observed indicates the breakage of the bonds at weak links. Moreover, the values of activation energy are significantly controlled by the heating rate, level of conversion, and calculation technique. A comparison among the different techniques has been made on the basis of the apparent activation energy from the TG data. The activation energies determined by all the three methods are in good agreement with each other. Furthermore, the pyrolysis of model polypropylene was carried out over the temperature range 350–415°C in a salt bath using Pyrex reaction vessel. The gaseous fraction produced was collected in gas sampling bag and monitored gas chromatographically. The major hydrocarbons detected were methane, propylene, propane, 2‐methylpentane, 2,4 dimethylpentane, and 2,4 dimethylheptane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protonation plays an important role in the redox reactions. We observed this leading role during the reduction of [FeIII(phen)2(CN)2]+ by FcCOMe and FcCHOHMe. The kinetic data showed that the reaction(s) followed a complex kinetics due to the formation of protonated acetylferrocene (FcC+OHMe), and or, protonated α-methylferrocenemethanol (FcCHO+H2Me) in aqueous dioxane (80% v/v). Our results helped us to conclude that the reactions were completed in three phases. An overall zeroth order was observed in the first phase of the reactions. In the second phase, the kinetic data showed an overall second order reaction. The third phase was a complex phase where the rate of redox reactions and the insolubility of the neutral product ([FeII(phen)2(CN)2]) competed with each other. We studied the effect of different factors to identify the reacting entities, which take part in the rate-determining step of each reaction in the second phase. Consequently, we determined the effects of selected factors upon the observed pseudo-first order rate constant(s) (k′ obs) of each reaction. The value of k′ obs increased upon addition of protons in the reaction mixture in case of FcCOMe, and it decreased during the oxidation of FcCHOHMe. Meanwhile, upon enhancing the ionic strength, we observed an increase in k′ obs for FcCOMe, and no change in the value of k′ obs during the reaction of FcCHOHMe. However, a decrease in k′ obs was noticed upon increasing the dielectric constant of the reaction mixture when the reductant was FcCOMe, and no effect was observed in case of FcCHOHMe. Together, these results suggested oxidation of FcC+OHMe and FcCHOHMe in the slow-step, and FcCOMe and FcCHO+H2Me during the fast-step. We refined our results by estimating the thermodynamic parameters of activation. The low values of activation energy and enthalpy of activation confirmed that the reduction of [FeIII(phen)2(CN)2]+ hardly depends upon temperature when the reducing agent is FcCOMe. The outcomes justified that the rate of reaction depends upon the unsaturated FcC+OHMe. This intermediate species contain a ‘carbonium ion’, which is very reactive and energetic. We obtained comparatively high values of the activation energy and enthalpy of activation for the reaction between [FeIII(phen)2(CN)2]+ and FcCHOHMe. The results show that FcCHOHMe is a saturated and stable compound that leads the slow-step and controls the rate of reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research work the degradation of acid yellow 17 (AY 17) by H2O2/Fe2+ was investigated. The effect of various conditions such as pH value, temperature, conc. of H2O2, Fe2+, conc. of AY 17 were studied. Additionally the scavenging effects of various anions such as Cl−, SO42−, CO32− and HCO3−, on percent degradation of AY 17 were examined. It was found that these anions decrease percent degradation as well as rate of degradation reaction. The optimum conditions were determined as [AY 17]=[Fe2+]=0.06 mM [H2O2]=0.9 mM, and pH 3.0 for 60 min of reaction time. It was found that at optimum conditions 89% degradation of AY17 was achieved. The degradation kinetics of AY17 followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. Thermodynamic studies under natural conditions showed positive value of ∆H (enthalpy) which indicates the degradation process is endothermic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three dimensional cross-linked polymer microgels with temperature responsive N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) and pH sensitive methacrylic acid (MAA) were successfully synthesized by free radical emulsion polymerization with different amounts of MAA. Silver and gold nanoparticles with the size of 6.5 nm and 3.5 nm (±0.5 nm), respectively were homogeneously reduced inside these materials by chemical reduction method at pH 2.78 and 8.36 for the preparation of hybrid materials. The samples were characterized by FT-IR, DLS and TEM techniques. The catalytic activity of the hybrid materials was investigated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) using NaBH4 as reducing agent by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The hybrid polymer network synthesized at pH 8.36 showed enhanced catalytic efficiency compared to the catalysts synthesized at pH 2.78. In this study, it has been stated that the catalyst activity strongly depends on the amount of MAA, pH value during synthesis and the type of entrapped metal nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work different compositions of smart poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-vinylacetic acid-acrylamide) poly(NIPAM-VAA-AAm) microgels with different vinyl acetic acid (VAA) contents have been synthesized successfully by conventional free radical emulsion polymerization. Silver metal nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated inside the microgels network by insitu reduction method using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as reducing agent. The confirmation of polymerization and entrapment of metal NPs were carried out by FT-IR spectroscopy. Dynamic laser light scattering (DLLS) technique was used for calculating average hydrodynamic diameter of microgel particles. The optical properties of silver NPs were studied by UV-Visible spectroscopy at various conditions of pH and temperature. The hybrid microgels show red shift and increase in intensity of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band with the increase in temperature and decrease in pH of the medium. The synthesized materials were used as catalysts in the reduction process and it was found that the catalyst composed of high amount of VAA shows enhanced catalytic activity. The apparent rate constant (k1) for catalyst composed of 12% VAA was doubled (5.6×10-3sec-1) as compared to 4% VAA containing catalyst (2.8×10-3sec-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the decomposition of clofibric acid (CLF) by different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), such as UV (254nm), VUV (185 nm), UV / TiO2 and VUV / TiO2. The removal efficiencies of applied AOPs were compared in the presence and absence of dissolved oxygen. The removal efficiency of the studied AOPs towards degradation of CLF were found in the order of VUV / TiO2 + O2 > VUV/TiO2 + N2 > VUV alone > UV / TiO2 + O2 > UV / TiO2 +N2 > UV alone. The decomposition kinetics of CLF was found to follow pseudo-first order rate law. VUV / TiO2 process was found to be most cheap and effective one for decomposition of CLF as compared to other applied AOPs in terms of electrical energy per order. Degradation products resulting from the degradation processes were also investigated using UPLC-MS /MS, accordingly degradation pathway was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the efficiency of gamma-ray irradiation to degrade quinolone antibiotic, norfloxacin, in aqueous solution. Laboratory batch experiments were conducted to determine the 'pseudo-first' order degradation kinetics of norfloxacin in the concentration ranges of 3.4-16.1 mg L by gamma-ray irradiation. The dose constant was found to be dependent on the initial concentration of norfloxacin and gamma-ray irradiation dose rate ( D). The saturation of norfloxacin sample solutions with N, air or NO, and the presence of tert-butanol and 2-propanol showed that OH played more crucial role in the degradation of norfloxacin. The second order rate constants of OH, e, and H with norfloxacin were calculated to be 8.81 × 10, 9.54 × 10, and 1.10 × 10 M s, respectively. The effects of various additives including CO, HCO, NO, NO, and thiourea and the pH of the medium on the degradation of norfloxacin were also investigated. Norfloxacin degradation was lower in surface water and wastewater than in ultrapure water. Several degradation byproducts of norfloxacin were identified from which the possible degradation pathway was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study elaborates the removal of endosulfan, an emerging water pollutant and potential carcinogenic, in aerated solution. The influence of Cl, NO, NO, CO, HCO, SO, and humic acid was assessed on the radiolytic degradation of endosulfan. A strong inhibition on the radiolytic degradation of endosulfan was observed in the presence of NO, NO, and SO. Instead, a slight increase in the removal efficiency of endosulfan was observed at high concentrations of CO and HCO. The formation of CO in radiolytic degradation of endosulfan in the presence of CO and HCO was demonstrated by adding SO that rapidly react with CO. The results indicate that CO formed from the reactions of CO and HCO and commonly found in natural water can play an important role in the degradation of endosulfan and other sulfur containing electron-rich compounds. The study showed faster degradation of endosulfan at lower concentration compared to high concentration and removal was found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetic. Endosulfan ether was found as the main degradation product and degradation pathway was found to be initiated at the S=O bond of endosulfan. The efficiency of gamma irradiation in the removal of endosulfan was examined in terms of formation of short chain organic acids and chloride ion accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-radiation-induced degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in aqueous solution and the factors affecting the degradation process have been investigated. The results showed that CIP (4.6 mg/L) was almost completely degraded at an absorbed dose of 870 Gy. The kinetic studies of aqueous solutions containing 4.6, 10, 15 and 17.9 mg/L indicated that the decomposition of CIP by gamma irradiation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics and the decay constant (k) decreased from 5.9  ×  10−3to 1.6  ×  10−3 Gy−1with an increase in CIP initial concentration from 4.6 to 17.9 mg/L. The effect of saturation of CIP solution with N2, N2O or air on radiation-induced degradation of CIP was also investigated. The effects of radical scavengers, such ast-BuOH andi-PrOH, showed the role of reactive radicals towards degradation of CIP in the order of. The apparent second-order rate constant ofwith CIP was calculated to be 2.64 × 109 M−1 s−1. The effects of solution pH as well as natural water contaminants, such as,,and, on CIP degradation by gamma-irradiation were also investigated. Major degradation products, including organic acids, were identified using UPLC-MS/MS and IC, and degradation pathways have been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) films with dominant {001} facets coated on a titanium sheet (Ti) were synthesized with the simple hydrothermal method by using Ti as the precursor and substrate. The effect of addition of isopropanol into the hydrothermal solution on the structure, photocatalytic activity, and stability of as-synthesized TiO2 films was investigated. The presence of isopropanol obviously influenced the microstructure of as-synthesized TiO2 films, which was converted from microspheres into irregular close stack of truncated tetrahedrons. And the percentage of exposed {001} facets calculated from the Raman spectra increased from 48.2% to 57%. Accordingly, the TiO2 films prepared with addition of isopropanol showed high and stable photocatalytic activity, which is nearly 2.6 times as that of the conventional P25 TiO2 coated on Ti-substrate. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of as-synthesized TiO2 films was greatly enhanced after calcination treatment at 600°C, which can be attributed to removal of fluoride ions and organic residuals adsorbed on the surface of the catalyst. Photoluminescence (PL) technique was used for the detection of produced hydroxyl radicals COH) on the surface of UV-illuminated TiO2 using terephthalic acid as probe molecule. The photocatalytic degradation intermediates of bezafibrate were analyzed by an ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and accordingly the degradation pathways were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conditions for in vitro maturation (IVM) of primary oocytes without conventionally used fetal calf serum and hormones were optimized in order to reduce the cost of laboratory produced buffalo embryos. Comparisons were made between oocyte recovery methods (aspiration vs. slicing) and IVM in medium 199 (static culture method vs. flux culture method) supplemented with 4-5 × 106 granulosa cells mL-1 that contained either estrus buffalo serum (EBS) or fetal calf serum (FCS). Recovery methods were compared according to yield, i.e. cumulus oocyte complexes per ovary (COCs/ovary), the expansion rate (% of COCs that expanded), and nuclear maturation rate (% of germinal vesicle breakdown [GVBD]), following IVM for 22-24 h. In vitro maturation methods (static culture with EBS or FCS and Flux culture with EBS or FCS) were compared on the basis of the expansion rate and in vitro fertilization rate (cleavage rate). COC recovery with the slicing method (2.2 COCs/ovary) was better (P < 0.05) than with aspiration (0.9 COCs/ovary). However, the IVM rate was better (P < 0.05) based on expansion (86% vs. 63%) and GVBD (85% vs. 62%) with aspiration than with the slicing method. The cleavage rate (37%) was significantly better with the static culture containing EBS than with the static culture with FCS or the flux culture with either EBS or FCS. It was concluded that aspiration of oocytes and subsequent IVM with static culture containing EBS would be a potential method to reduce the cost of laboratory produced buffalo embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a research study on the use of vitrified-warmed oocytes for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in comparing the best combinations of 1,2-propanediol (PROH) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in breeding buffalo bulls. Vitrification procedure used three solutions of 1.5, 3 and 6 M DMSO or PROH while buffalo cumulus-oocyte complexes were aspirated from buffalo ovaries. Results showed that oocytes cleavage rate and index vitrified in PROH at germinal vesicle (GV) stage (PROH-GV) were 70% and 56% respectively. Conclusions indicated that GV stage oocytes vitrification with PROH is more effective than vitrification at stage II with PROH or DMSO.

The study was conducted to evaluate the quality of cryopreserved buffalo and zebu semen thawed and held at low temperature. Progressive motility of frozen semen thawed in a 37 °C water bath for 45 s (control) was compared with that of semen held in ice water (3-5 °C) for 180 min. Semen collected from 3 buffalo and 2 zebu bulls was used for this purpose over 3 weeks (replicates). Fertility was compared after performing 28 inseminations with buffalo semen and 100 inseminations with zebu semen either after control thawing or thawing straws in ice water for 30-60 min. Progressive motility of buffalo and zebu semen thawed and held in ice water for 30 and 90 min, respectively, was not different from that of semen thawed at 37 °C. The conception rate of buffaloes and zebu cows (69.2% and 60.0%) inseminated after control thawing was higher than that of animals inseminated with semen kept in ice water for 30 60 min (53.3% and 47.7%). However, the difference between conception rates after insemination with the 2 thawing methods was not significant in either case. It is concluded that there was a trend for decreased fertility for both buffalo and zebu semen when inseminations were performed after thawing and holding semen for 30-60 min in ice water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organochlorine compounds (OCs) are very toxic, highly persistent, and ubiquitous contaminants in the environment. Degradation of lindane, a selected OC, by simulated solar light-activated TiO2 (SSLA-TiO2) photocatalysis was investigated. The film types of the TiO2 photocatalyst were prepared using a dip-coating method. The physical properties of the films were investigated using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and environmental scanning electron microscopy. The SSLA-TiO2 photocatalysis led to a lindane removal of 23% in 6 h, with 0.042 h−1 of an observed pseudo first-order rate constant (kobs). The SSLA-TiO2 photocatalysis efficiency was greatly enhanced by adding hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), persulfate (S2O82−), or both combined, corresponding to a 64%, 89%, and 99% lindane removal in the presence of 200 µM of H2O2, S2O82−, or equimolar H2O2-S2O82−, respectively. The hydroxyl and sulfate radicals mainly participated in lindane degradation, proven by the results of a radical scavenger study. The degradation kinetics were hindered in the presence of the water constituents, indicated by a 61%, 35%, 50%, 70%, 88%, and 91% degradation of lindane in 6 h, using a SSLA-TiO2/S2O82−/H2O2 photocatalysis system containing 1.0 mg L−1 humic acid (HA), or 1 mM of CO32−, HCO3−, NO3−, SO42−, and Cl−, respectively. The TiO2 film demonstrated high reusability during four runs of lindane decomposition experiments. The SSLA-TiO2/S2O82−/H2O2 photocatalysis is very effective for the elimination of a persistent OC, lindane, from a water environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]