Search

Heavy metals associated with oil production sites are the main contamination source for surrounding environments and groundwater. Groundwater contamination with such heavy metals consist a real health concern due to its possibility to reach drinking water and irrigation water. In this study, the active chemicals in Picovit, Clara, Drill, Endocer Givescon, Hydral, Laxofin, Maxlase, Motilium, Orapen, Scopinal, Maltvitamin, and Xilone drugs have been used as chelating agents for heavy metals remediation, they are common medicines that are widely used after their expiration. The expired drugs were used to precipitate heavy metals present in the water found in the soil around petroleum production sites. Gravimetrically, different precipitation efficiencies have been recorded due to coagulation and/or chelating with the targeted heavy metals i.e., chromium, iron, nickel, cobalt, copper, zinc, silver, cadmium, mercury, and lead. Factors of pH, Concentration of heavy metals, and the ratio of coagulant to targeted wastewater have been studied regarding the precipitation efficiency using the expired drugs (as coagulants). Results revealed that the optimum precipitation efficiencies have been recorded at applied pH, and the weight of metals precipitates were recorded. The obtained results can be considered as a preliminary study towards subsequent advanced investigations in the treatment of heavy metals from different pollution sites.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have exciting properties and promising applications in different fields. In this work, novel zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have been synthesized by encapsulating N-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CDs) with a blue FL into the zeolitic imidazolate framework materials core-shell structure (ZIF-8@ZIF-67). The functionalized core-shell MOFs maintained their crystal structure, morphology, and enhanced UV-vis absorbance. The properties of these new composites exhibit excellent potential for different applications including sensing, photo-catalysis, and selective adsorption.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles and polyaniline (PANI) are widely used in many potential applications. This work establishes a new formulation that functionalizes the surface of mesoporous silica MCM-41 nanoparticles with a brush polymer of polyaniline to synergistically combine their properties. The new formulation is designed to fit in many applications due to its high surface area and good electrical conductivity. Results showed the successful preparation of MCM-41 with a spherical porous structure. The polyaniline functionalization on MCM-41 was confirmed by FTIR.

Nanocomposite of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) have been in situ synthesized. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) have been prepared via using the laser ablation technique. Nanoparticles were added to the blend. The properties of the blend were studied before and after adding CuONPs. These properties were characterized by different techniques. Antimicrobial activity of the prepared nanocomposite film was investigated. FTIR data show vibrational spectral bands and the shift of the bands is related to the interaction and the complexation that occurs between blend and nanoparticles. Structural properties and crystallinity of the samples were investigated using XRD diffraction. XRD results illustrated the effect of CuONPs at two new peaks 2θ = 26.25º and 38.41º. These results confirmed the interaction CuO NPs and PVDF/PVC matrix. UV–Visible analyses confirmed the existing of copper oxide nanoparticles and were also used for determining the optical absorption edge. The absorption edges have been obtained at 430–520 nm for all of the doping films. The obtained values for indirect and direct bandgaps were reduced by raising the nanoparticles because of the presence of charge transfer between PVC/PVDF and CuONPs. SEM images illustrateed the presence of CuONPs on the surface of the blend and the morphology changes which occurred to the blend. The antibacterial activity for the nanocomposite proved the antimicrobial effect of copper oxide nanoparticles. The prepared PVC/PVDF/CuONPs are potentially suggesting to be applied for biomedical applications.

For the corrosion of iron, copper and carbon steel in 1.0 M HCl and 1.0 M of HNO3 solution. The materials extracted from the berry and mango leaves when added in different concentrations to solutions of 1 molar of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid have shown remarkable and effective resistance to corrosion of iron, copper and carbon steel, as well as to the samples that we brought from the oil companies in Galo to study the extent of resistance of these materials to their corrosion and the use of these natural and extracted products of berry leaves and mango leaves for use as corrosion inhibitors for oil pipelines These natural products, which are available in the environment, have shown a great deal of effective resistance to corrosion of oil pipelines. The effect of both the temperature and the concentration of these substances on the corrosion of these minerals has been studied and the study has shown that they inhibit corrosion even at low concentrations of reach to 50 ppm.

Due to the change of some drugs and natural products in the chemical components or chemical structure by exposing them to a laser beam or light, and the effect of heavy metals that may be present in them as a component in them, or as impurities in some medicines, colored dyes, and natural products. The presence of light and laser beam has been studied at time 40 minutes. There are chemical reactions or chemical bonds that may form between the metal ions of medicines such as ibuprofen, folic acid, librex, ranitidine, albendazole and the iron drug, except for Ca 2+ and Ni 2+ because they have the same λ max, and, the pigments found in carrots, red cabbage, beets, turmeric, and maringa , sage, excluding Ca 2+ and Ni 2+ due to having the same λ max, beet, folic acid, iporphine, and, turmeric had the most changes with metal ions, Cu, Ca, Ag, Ni, Fe, Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn and Mn ions after inducing the laser beam. The Ca 2+, and Ni 2+ ions are the most stable ions with all drugs, and pigments extracted from natural products than the rest of the other ions. Previous studies focused on studying the effect of the laser beam on chemical compounds, both separately. In this study, they focused on the effect of the laser beam on medicines and natural dyes, as well as what they may contain of heavy metals or impurities and the chemical changes that occur with them.

There has been a dearth of research on the gastroprotective effect of Conocarpus erectus in the literature so the current study was designed to estimate the ability of Conocarpus erectus (C. erectus) leaves extract alone and in combination with omega-3 regarding gastroprotective effects. A total of 30 male rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). All animals induced gastric ulcer by 80 mg/kg of naproxen orally twice a day for three consecutive days. At the same time, the animals treated orally with 175 mg/kg omega-3, 250 mg/kg C. erectus, 80 mg omega-3 + 150 mg C. erectus, 10 mg/kg of lansoprazole, and 2 ml/kg of DMSO were named T1, T2, T3, T4, and TC, respectively. The obtained results of the present study indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponin, and tannin as active ingredients in C. erectus leaves extract. Consequently, C. erectus seemed to have the potential of chelating metals in a concentration-dependent manner. Gross and histopathology findings showed the highly protective capability of C. erectus and omega-3 against ulcerative lesion, compared to the time each was used alone. The outcomes of the current study indicated that using C. erectus alone or plus omega-3 can protect the gastric mucosa from the ulceration induced by naproxen, and the chelating properties of C. erectus.

Altering films structures to be utilized in wound healing applications is crucially needed to enhance quality of life. Different contributions of silver nanoparticles fabricated via laser ablation have been incorporated in (30% PVC/70% PVDF) blend. Changes in the structural, optical, and antibacterial property of the PVC/PVDF mixture prior to and after the incorporation of Ag were investigated using various techniques. FTIR shows vibrational spectral bands established a link between polymers and nanoparticles. XRD results approved the clear observation of the high concentration of silver nanoparticles in the last sample according to the peak at 38.42̊. UV-Visible analysis confirms the construction of AgNPs at 234 nm and the optical absorption edges were noticed for all of the obtained samples. SEM is employed to prove the generation of silver nanoparticles inside the solution utilizing laser ablation besides its dispersion in PVC/PVDF blend. The bacterial activity of AgNPs shows high activity index values at higher concentration of AgNPs. Blended PVC/PVDF/AgNPs could be suggested for wound healing applications. The values of the cell viability and antibacterial activity of the fabricated PVC/PVDF/AgNPs NPs films suggest these samples for utilization for biomedical applications as wound healing application.

We report on a development of the structural, optical and electrical properties of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) conducting polymer thin films. The PEDOT:PSS thin films were deposited by a controlled thin film applicator and their physical properties were found to be effectively modified by isopropanol. The deposited films were investigated by several techniques including XRD, UV–Vis, SPM and Hall-effect. Interestingly, by optimizing the PEDOTS:PSS/ISO volume ratio (v:v), we find that the film charge carriers type can be switched from p to n-type with a high bulk carriers concentration reaching 6×1017 cm-3. Moreover, the film surface roughness becomes smoother and reaching a small value of only 1.9 nm. Such development of the PEDOT:PSS film properties makes it very promising to act as an electron transport layer for different energy applications.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized by using a facile one–step hydrothermal treatment of purslane leaves in a green and economical approach. The optical and structural properties of the CQDs have been studied by using many analytical techniques. The research interest in studying the sensing properties of CQDs is based on their good properties in addition to the combination of the developed graphitic carbon and the active functional groups that present in CQDs, which collectively can lead to the detection of some analytes with good sensitivity. The results of the CQDs–based sensor, using the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique, show a good detection sensitivity toward volatile hazardous formaldehyde. The QCM sensor shows the high impact of the oxygen functionalities of CQDs as sensing antennae on the good sensitivity of volatile formaldehyde via enhanced chemisorption as compared to alcohols. Based on calibration graphs of frequency shift against the vapor concentration, the linear increase of CQDs sensor responses with the increased injection of chemical vapor concentration with a high sensitivity allows CQDs to be used for the detection of formaldehyde vapors. The fabricated QCM sensor exhibits a good reproducibility and reversibility. The kinetics of formaldehyde sensing compared to other analytes vapors were discussed.

Background: Angina occurs when there is regional myocardial ischemia causedby inadequate coronary perfusion and is usually but not alwaysinduced by increases in myocardial oxygen requirements. Objective: The aim of this work was to study the significance of ST changes in aVR, V5, V1 during exercise ECG for diagnosis of single -or multi-vessel coronary artery disease. Patients and methods: This study had been carried out in the cardiology department, Zagazig University and National Hear Institute during the period from January 2005 to January 2007. This study included 56 patients (40 male +16 female) with chronic stable angina. Results: Comparison was done among groups regarding demographic data, resting ECG data, echocardiographic findings and there were no statistical significant difference among groups. Single vessel disease: LAD: - the ability of the test to detect left anterior descending (LAD) lesion as a single vessel disease has high specificity 87.5%, high +ve predictive value 96%, but low sensitivity 50%. Left circumflex (LCx): the sensitivity of the test to detect LCx lesion as a single vessel disease was 53.4%, specificity 60%, but with low +ve predictive value 44%. RCA: as regard RCA lesion the test has low sensitivity, specificity positive and negative predictive values. Conclusion: The concomitant appearance of exercise-induced ST-segment elevation in lead V1 and in lead aVR with simultaneous ST-segment depression in lead V5, or the isolated appearance of ST-segment elevation in lead V1 mostly detects single-vessel disease and correlates strongly with significant narrowing of the LAD coronary artery as single-vessel disease, or with significant stenosis of the LAD and LCx coronary arteries as double-vessel disease.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the most hepatotropic. This virus is responsible for the most forms of acute and benign hepatitis although fulminant hepatic failure can occur in 1% more often in adults. It is a member of Picornaviridae famil, it is a heat stable and has limited host range. The incidence of infection by Hepatitis A virus shows regional variation being highest in developing countries. Determination of age specific Hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence and the associated risk factors would help better plan for national preventive strategies including vaccination. We carried out a cross-sectional study on 315 children from Tripoli and Gharian cities in Libya during the years 2018-2020. The age range of the patients was 1-18 years and were from different socioeconomic status (SES) families.....attending teaching hospitals casualty seeking medical help and checkup. The indicators of SES included employment status, residence, number of family members, source of drinking water and social status. Serum samples were collected and investigated for HAV antibodies. The data were statistically analyzed. HAV antibodies were positive in 113 patients (36%) Males were 161(53%) while Females were 154 (49%). HAV antibodies was significantly higher among children of low SES,60 % by the age of 18 years compared to children of high SES, 35% by the same age. Crowded household and parental education were significantly associated with high seropositivity and seronegativity respectively. There is significant rate of seronegativity amongst the studied population especially those from richer backgrounds making them more susceptible to severe infection in future with concomitant complications. We propose that revision of national vaccination program should be considered to include Hepatitis A vaccination

In today's world, most cities face physical threats posed by climate change. These threats create environmental hazards, along with urban problems resulting from rapid urbanization and fast growth of cities. Unplanned urbanization causes the formulation of marginalized urban communities. According to a Un-Habitat report (2014), those groups are most vulnerable and most likely to suffer from disasters. The vulnerability of such population is an alarming problem with major social, environmental, and economic consequences. This issue has received significant consideration in climate change and disaster management research. The social vulnerability of communities is attributable to multiple indicators such as high levels of poverty, inequality, and problems relating to unemployment, housing, and access to basic civic amenities like safe drinking water and sanitation. This research aims at analysing the social vulnerability of Alexandria city. It reviews and implements several methods for selecting and aggregating vulnerability indicators. This aggregation process that captures multiple aspects of socio-spatial vulnerability in a single index or a small number of variables can produce thematic maps that act as powerful visual tools to identify those areas most susceptible to suffer from environmental changes. This study follows a structured framework to firstly describe the process of developing a social vulnerability index (SoVI), from 14 variables using two different methods. Secondly, it analyses the spatial patterns of the developed composite SoVI at the neighbourhood “Shyakha” level using ArcMap geographic information systems (GIS). The results demonstrate that the distribution of social vulnerability is not equal along Alexandria city. Most of the city is categorized to have relatively medium vulnerability level, while few areas are regarded as highly vulnerable “hot spots” and other areas are regarded as low vulnerable “cold spots”. Finally, based on the interpretation of the developed index and the deep examination of the characteristics of those vulnerable areas, the study offers guidelines to promote resilient development of most vulnerable areas.

It is widely known that poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is only a p-type material, and thus there is a challenge to fabricating all PEDOT:PSS based p–n device. Here, and for the first time, we introduce a new homojunction p–n diode device based solely on PEDOT:PSS thin films. The diode shows a nonlinear I–V behavior with a rectification ratio of 3 and a turn-on voltage ~ 1.4 V.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels over a prolonged period of time, requiring continuous medical care and ongoing patient. Self-management education and support, to prevent acute complications and to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Aim of Study: The main purpose of this study was to investigate and compare between the effect of pulsed electro-magnetic field and aerobic exercises in treatment of athero-sclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients. Subjects and Methods: Forty atherosclerotic diabetic patients, with ages ranged from 45 to 55 years old, were recruited from Out Clinic of Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. They were assigned randomly to two equal groups; group A, which included 20 diabetic atherosclerotic patientswho received PEMF for with 15Hz frequency and 20 gauss intensity for 20min., while group B included 20 diabetic atherosclerotic patients who received aerobic exercise with 65-80% pf predicted max. heart rate. For both groups treatment conducted for 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week. Measurement of arterial blood flow and intimal thickness by Doppler ultra-sonography were reported before and after 8 weeks of the treatment. Results: Within group comparison showed significant increase of arterial blood flow and significant reduction of intimal thickness in both groups in both groups (p < 0.05). Comparison between post-treatment values between both groups showed non-significant difference. Conclusion: It could be concluded that, PEMF and aerobic exercises are effective methods in treatment of arterial problems in type 2 diabetic patients.

Thiocyanate anions represent serious environmental hazards and the ways for their extraction from ecosystem are sought. In the testing of new adsorbents, polyaniline nanotubes have been utilized as a host polymer in which silver nanoparticles were distributed to produce polyaniline nanotubes/silver nanocomposite. The interaction of thiocyanate anions in aqueous medium with the nanocomposite deposited on the quartz-crystal microbalance was studied. The results indicated that polyaniline nanotubes adsorb thiocyanate anions, and silver nanoparticles are suspected in addition to catalyze the transformation of thiocyanate. The extraction of thiocyanate anions using nanocomposites from the aqueous solution was then monitored with the UV–visible spectroscopy. The effect of different parameters including concentration, adsorbent dose, and pH has been mentioned. The pH effect demonstrated that ion exchange and electrostatic interaction as well as chemisorption mechanisms are involved in the adsorption. The results were fitted into various kinetic models. It was concluded that pseudo-second-order kinetic model best matched the adsorption and the extraction capacity of thiocyanate anions, 112 mg g−1, exceeds the results reported so far in the literature. In addition, the results showed that the separation of SCN− depends on a synergetic effect of interaction and reduction of SCN− with polyaniline nanotubes/silver nanocomposite.

In the last few years, the use of surfactants as mobile phase additives in reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) has been steadily developing and improving. Surfactants modify the polarity of the stationary phase which in turn decreases the amount of organic solvent required for elution of the analytes rendering the methodologies linked to them greener and more eco-friendly. Brij-35 is a fatty alcohol ethoxylates non ionic surfactant, which is less widely used as mobile phase additive. Brij-35 can decrease stationary phase polarity while remaining neutral. In this research, Brij-35 was studied in the separation and determination of marketed antihypertensive combination therapy composed of triamterene (TRM) and xipamide (XIP). TRM and XIP are diuretics used for treatment of essential hypertension and associated edema conditions. Chromatographic separation was achieved on RP-C18 column (Kinetix®, 5 µm, 15 cm × 4.6 mm) at flow rate 1 mL min−1 and UV-detection at 254 nm. Isocratic elution was performed using mobile phase composed of 0.1 M Brij-35: methanol (MeOH) (60:40, v/v). The analytes were well separated and quantified within linearity ranges of 5–50 µg mL−1 for both drugs in short retention time (2.6 and 5.3 min. for TRM and XIP, respectively). Since claiming greenness is not enough, Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) was used to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over the previously reported methods. GAPI is a new metric for evaluation of the ecological impact of analytical procedures. The proposed method was validated according to ICH guidelines and applied successfully for simultaneous determination of the drugs in their co-formulated tablets.

Chitosan/polyaniline nanofibers (CH/PANI) were prepared by an in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of CH solution. An attractive development of nanofibers network provides free volume space for the easy encapsulation of drugs in the three-dimensional network structure. The CH/PANI hybrid was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Ketoprofen (KP), a model drug that contains a carboxylic group and a hydrophobic moiety, was loaded into CH/PANI hybrid. The release of KP from the hybrid was recorded in aqueous buffer solutions of pH 2, 6.7 and 7.4 simulating the case of oral administration. The release rate was found to be changing with the pH of the medium. The kinetics of the drug delivery system have been systematically studied by different models, which are commonly used, such as zero order, first order, Hixson–Crowell, Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas models. The mechanism of release of the drug was found to follow the anomalous non-Fickian diffusion.

The iris has been vastly recognized as one of the powerful biometrics in terms of recognition performance, both theoretically and empirically. However, traditional unprotected iris biometric recognition schemes are highly vulnerable to numerous privacy and security attacks. Several methods have been proposed to generate cancellable iris templates that can be used for recognition; however, these templates achieve lower accuracy of recognition in comparison to traditional unprotected iris templates. In this paper, a novel cancellable iris recognition scheme based on the salting approach is introduced. It depends on mixing the original binary iris code with a synthetic pattern using XOR operation. This scheme guarantees a high degree of privacy/security preservation without affecting the performance accuracy compared to the unprotected traditional iris recognition schemes. Comprehensive experiments on various iris image databases demonstrate similar accuracy to those of the original counterparts. Hence, robustness to several major privacy/security attacks is guaranteed.

A scalable route to encapsulate homogeneously fine Pt and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) inside amine-functionalized KIT-6 mesochannels via two different reduction routes as heterogeneous mesoporous catalysts is demonstrated. The active amine groups functionalized KIT-6 mesochannels act as anchor sites to immobilize the homogeneous Pt and Ag NPs catalysts with small-sized NPs of approximately 6.0 and 3.0 nm, respectively. The catalysts were fully characterized, and the surface areas were relatively decreased after deposition of the metals NPs. Even after metal NPs deposition, the mesochannels are readily accessible for enhancing their catalytic activity. The meso-KIT-6-Pt catalyst synthesized with ascorbic acid (AA) reduction route shows a higher catalytic efficiency for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) with a reaction rate almost 2 times higher than that of the meso-KIT-6-Ag synthesized using formaldehyde. The as-prepared mesoporous catalysts exhibit a good reusability, with a high catalytic efficiency for at least 5 successive cycles without an obvious loss in their catalytic activity. The influences of reaction parameters, such as catalyst dose, reaction temperarture and nature of solvent on the catalytic performance of the mesoporous catalysts are of the main study.

In the current study, poly(vinyl alcohol)/alginate/chitosan (PVA/Alg/CS) composite nanofiber was immobilized with six different ratios of nanomagnetic zinc oxide (M-ZnO) (0 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.8 wt%, and 1 wt%) via the electrospinning technique. The various fabricated composite (M-6) nanofibers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical testing machine, and optical contact angle measurement. The fabricated composite nanofibers were applied for the adsorption of phenol from aqueous solutions. The 1.0 wt% M-ZnO/PVA/Alg/CS composite nanofibers were selected as the best phenol adsorbent with removal percentage of 84.22%. The influence of different processing parameter such as contact time, composite nanofiber dosage, pH, initial pollutant concentration, and temperature were examined. Increasing nanofiber dosage and the solution temperature was found to enhance the phenol adsorption onto the prepared nanocomposites. The maximum percentage of phenol removal was achieved at 84.22% after 90 min. Meanwhile, the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (at pH = 5.0) was estimated to be 10.03 mg g−1 at 25 °C. Kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies were designated to proof the endothermic, spontaneous, and thermodynamically nature of the phenol adsorption process. These outcomes indicate the effectiveness of the fabricated M-ZnO/PVA/Alg/CS nanofibers as adsorbent materials for phenol from aqueous solutions.

The informal settlements of the Global South are the least prepared for the pandemic of COVID-19 since basic needs such as water, toilets, sewers, drainage, waste collection, and secure and adequate housing are already in short supply or non-existent. Further, space constraints, violence, and overcrowding in slums make physical distancing and self-quarantine impractical, and the rapid spread of an infection highly likely. Residents of informal settlements are also economically vulnerable during any COVID-19 responses. Any responses to COVID-19 that do not recognize these realities will further jeopardize the survival of large segments of the urban population globally. Most top-down strategies to arrest an infectious disease will likely ignore the often-robust social groups and knowledge that already exist in many slums. Here, we offer a set of practice and policy suggestions that aim to (1) dampen the spread of COVID-19 based on the latest available science, (2) improve the likelihood of medical care for the urban poor whether or not they get infected, and (3) provide economic, social, and physical improvements and protections to the urban poor, including migrants, slum communities, and their residents, that can improve their long-term well-being. Immediate measures to protect residents of urban informal settlements, the homeless, those living in precarious settlements, and the entire population from COVID-19 include the following: (1) institute informal settlements/slum emergency planning committees in every urban informal settlement; (2) apply an immediate moratorium on evictions; (3) provide an immediate guarantee of payments to the poor; (4) immediately train and deploy community health workers; (5) immediately meet Sphere Humanitarian standards for water, sanitation, and hygiene; (6) provide immediate food assistance; (7) develop and implement a solid waste collection strategy; and (8) implement immediately a plan for mobility and health care. Lessons have been learned from earlier pandemics such as HIV and epidemics such as Ebola. They can be applied here. At the same time, the opportunity exists for public health, public administration, international aid, NGOs, and community groups to innovate beyond disaster response and move toward long-term plans.

Extensive research has been focused on the removal of various pollutants from wastewaters. Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is of special concern as it is a known carcinogen. In the present study, macroporous polyaniline/poly(vinyl alcohol) aerogel was applied as a promising material form which can act as both adsorbent and reductant for Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions. The removal of Cr(VI) was assessed by monitoring the decrease in optical absorption with UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. The effect of different parameters, such as the initial Cr(VI) concentration, contact time, and the adsorbent dose, on the removal process has been studied. The intraparticle diffusion model was found to characterize the adsorption process well, but Freundlich isotherm best fits the adsorption isotherm data. Investigation of the substrate regeneration revealed that polyaniline-based aerogel can be reused for the removal of Cr(VI) with good efficiency. The maximum adsorption capacity of composite aerogel reached 41.2 mg g−1, which is one of the best results reported in the literature. The conductivity and electroactivity of the material may subsequently be used in the design of intelligent adsorbents when the adsorption/desorption could be controlled by the applied electrical potential.

Background: In this study, we present our technique ofthe septum-based superomedial pedicle reduction mammoplastyusing an inverted T scar pattern. It is based on theWuringer's horizontal breast septum, through which run themain neurovascular supply to the nipple-areola complex(NAC).Patients and Methods: The study included 35 cases withbilateral breast hypertrophy. The mean suprasternal notch tonipple (SSN-N) distance in our cases was 39.7±5.6cm. Themean nipple elevation in our cases was 17.9±4.6cm. Our meanresection weight was 764±160 grams per side. We had 6 caseswith resection weight exceeding 1500 grams per side.Results: We had no cases of partial or total necrosis ofthe NAC. Immediate postoperative breast sensation waspreserved in 26 cases and was impaired in 9 cases but it wasregained spontaneously within 6 months.Conclusion: The septum-based superomedial pedicletechnique of reduction mammoplasty is safe technique withimproved NAC vascularity and sensation, even in cases ofgigantomastia, owing to the preservation of the importantneurovascular structures related to the breast septum.

Ongoing greener in chromatography, new methodologies have to be developed using safer mobile phase composition and/or lower solvent consumption. The new methods should also consider the applicability in industrial facilities where selection criteria are based mainly on profit through cost and time. The drugs under study, valsartan (VAL) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), are co-formulated as tablet dosage form which is considered a widely consumed first-line treatment for hypertension. The use of the biodegradable non-ionic surfactant Brij-35 (0.1 M) in the aqueous phase increased the surface polarity of the bonded C18 stationary phase by its polyoxyethylene chain. This change gave faster separation of the analytes in short analysis time, enabled the use of methanol instead of acetonitrile which is more environmentally safe and also decreased its ratio required to enhance elution to only 25%. Fast isocratic separation was achieved at flow 1 mL min−1 where the retention times were 2.9 and 4.3 min for VAL and HCT, respectively, using UV detection at 254 nm. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. High accuracy results were obtained at linearity range of 5–100 µg mL−1 for both drugs. LOD and LOQ were (1.01 and 3.05 µg mL−1) for VAL and (1.01 and 3.09 µg mL−1) for HCT, respectively. The method was successfully applied for determination of the drugs in their marketed dosage form. Since claiming greenness is not enough, the proposed method was compared favorably with published methods using the new assessment tool, GAPI index.

In the present study, an eco-friendly method for the preparation of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is demonstrated using hydrothermal treatment of laurel leaves. The optical and structural characteristics of the prepared CQDs are investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), fluorescent and UV-visible spectroscopies, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor designed and modified with CQDs is capable of detecting formaldehyde vapors in the presence of other interfering chemical-vapor analytes. The changes in the frequency of the QCM sensor are linearly correlated with the injected formaldehyde concentrations. The sensing properties of formaldehyde, including sensitivity and reversibility, are investigated. Detection of formaldehyde in the presence of humidity is carefully discussed for home or workplace room environment use. The adsorption kinetics of various VOCs vapors are also calculated and discussed.

Background Affordable conventional semen analysis remains a fundamental procedure to be performed routinely during the diagnosis of male infertility. Advanced semen analyses provide valuable clinical insights in treatment-related decision-making, but these are highly expensive and lack universal standardization. This study aimed at determining the relationship between conventional semen parameters, measured with assistance of computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA), and a set of advanced semen tests. Basic semen analysis (n = 124) was performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Sperm DNA fragmentation and intracellular superoxide (O2−•) levels were assessed by flow cytometry. Seminal plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were measured by spectrophotometry. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results Semen pH correlated negatively with TBARS (p < 0.01). The proportions of total and progressively motile as well as rapid spermatozoa correlated positively with CAT activity (p < 0.05). Sperm viability correlated negatively with both O2−• (p < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation (p = 0.01), while normal morphology correlated negatively with O2−• levels (p < 0.05) and positively with CAT activity (p < 0.05). Straight-line velocity (VCL) and average-path velocity (VAP) correlated negatively with both O2−• (p < 0.01) and TBARS (p < 0.01). Amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) correlated negatively with O2−• (p < 0.01) and DNA fragmentation (p < 0.01), while its correlation with SOD activity was positive (p < 0.05). Conclusion The results obtained from this study support the validity of some CASA parameters as sensitive indicators of changes in sperm oxidative status and DNA integrity. Predicting advanced from conventional parameters through the building of linear regression models should be considered for future studies.

This study aimed at determining the influence of adding silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nano-SiOEighty heat-polymerized acrylic resin disks were constructed and relined by using auto-polymerized acrylic soft liners (COE-SOFT, GC Co., Tokyo, Japan). The specimens were categorized into two groups according to the tests conducted. Group A was composed of 40 specimens for evaluating antifungal activity, and Group B was composed of 40 specimens for testing surface roughness and contact angle. Each group was subcategorized into four subgroups (In comparison with the unmodified group, the 0.25% and the 0.5% nano-SiOThe addition of 0.25% and 0.5% nano-SiO

Carbon dots (CDs) have been synthesized hydrothermally from fresh potatoes for the detection of pyridine (PDI) in aqueous solution. The synthesized CDs have been characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, TEM, and fluorescence measurements. They have a small size of around 11 nm and show a blue emission under UV excitation. The CDs were found to be passivated when mixed with PDI, hence we utilize them as PDI -optical sensor. The detection limit of the of the sensor equals 0.21 µM, which is lower than similar fluorescent sensors in the literature, based on carbon dots synthesized from other sources.

International audience; In the current work, we elaborate upon a beam mechanics-based discrete dynamics approach for the computation of the dispersion characteristics of periodic structures. Within that scope, we compute the higher order asymptotic expansion of the forces and moments developed within beam structural elements upon dynamic loads. Thereafter, we employ the obtained results to compute the dispersion characteristics of one- and two-dimensional periodic media. In the one-dimensional space, we demonstrate that single unit-cell equilibrium can provide the fundamental low-frequency band diagram structure, which can be approximated by non-dispersive Cauchy media formulations. However, we show that the discrete dynamics method can access the higher frequency modes by considering multiple unit-cell systems for the dynamic equilibrium, frequency ranges that cannot be accessed by simplified formulations. We extend the analysis into two-dimensional space computing with the dispersion attributes of square lattice structures. Thereupon, we demonstrate that the discrete dynamics dispersion results compare well with that obtained using Bloch theorem computations. We show that a high-order expansion of the inner element forces and moments of the structures is required for the higher wave propagation modes to be accurately represented, in contrast to the shear and the longitudinal mode, which can be captured using a lower, fourth-order expansion of its inner dynamic forces and moments. The provided results can serve as a reference analysis for the computation of the dispersion characteristics of periodic structural systems with the use of discrete element dynamics.

The structural, elastic, electronic, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of Co2TaGa full-Heusler alloy are investigated using density functional theory-based full-potential linearized augmented plane waves method. Our results present Co2TaGa full-Heusler in CuHg2Ti-type structure FM phase that is mechanically and dynamically stable at pressure. The negative formation energy of Co2TaGa is −1.516 eV that can be synthesized experimentally. The electronic properties of 3d transition metal-based full-Heusler compound Co2TaGa are calculated within Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation. Co2TaGa is predicted to be half-metallic ferrimagnet with an indirect band gap and 100% spin polarization. The calculated total magnetic moment is 2 μB, which is mainly determined by Co partial moment, and total spin magnetic moment is in conformity with Slater–Pauling rule Mt that gives a simple function of valence electrons number, Zt, formulated as Mt = Zt − 18.

Enhancing Quality of life (QoL) in cities through achieving a livable and sustainable environment has become one of the imperatives of modern planning and of increasing concern to the public; this term nowadays is linked to the rapid urbanization process in cities especially among the less developing nations. Livability is a concept related to human well-being. Therefore, creating livable streets that enhance safety, comfort, and social relations is one of the main goals among all planners and policy makers. A major threat to quality of life is the high volume of vehicle traffic which is associated with different physical, health, social and environmental consequences. Keywords: Livability, Residential streets, Planning regulations, Livable streets, Statistical analysis

Background: Accurate, timely and accessible health care data play an important role in the planning, development and maintenance of health care services.Aim of Study: This study was undertaken to assess the quality of medical records documentation in three healthcare facilities, two of them in Kafr El-Sheikh City (Kafr El-Sheikh General Hospital and El Obor Health Insurance Hospital) and the third one in El-Mahalla El-Kubra City (El-Mahalla El-Kubra General Hospital, Gharbia Governerate).Subjects and Methods: The medical record sample calcu-lated was (200) record sample from El-Mahalla El-Kubra General Hospital, (300) record sample from Kafr El-Sheikh General Hospital and (350) record sample from El Obor Health Insurance Hospital. The calculated record sample for each hospital was selected from the discharge logs of "2017" using the systematic random sampling method.Results: General consent form and discharge summary sheet were completely absent from the medical records of El-Obor Health Insurance Hospital. Almost all documentation assessment items of patient identification part were present in more than two third of checked records in El-Obor Health Insurance Hospital. The documentation assessment items of front sheet and discharge summary sheet were not present in more than the half of reviewed records at Kafr El-Sheikh General Hospital. Recording of clinical progress notes daily was not present in more than two third of reviewed records in the three hospitals. Recording of nursing progress notes within each shift was present in the majority of reviewed records (80%) in the three studied hospitals.Conclusion: There was considerable variations between the three studied hospitals according to documentation quality.

Polyaniline nanotubes (PANI-NTs) were prepared by a green approach via the aniline oxidation using ammonium peroxydisulfate as an oxidant in the presence of methyl orange (MO) as a structure-guiding agent without any acid for the dual removal of anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous solutions. The structure, morphology and the physicochemical properties of the synthesized PANI-NTs were examined by different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV–vis spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The TEM image reveals the nanotubular morphology of the synthesized PANI. The prepared PANI-NTs were effectively used for dual adsorption of anionic acid green (AG) and cationic methylene blue (MB) dyes from aqueous medium. The effect of various parameters was studied to optimize the conditions of the adsorption process. The obtained results indicated that the optimum pH for adsorbing MB and AG dyes are 9.0 and 3.0, respectively. Based on the kinetic studies, the sorption dynamics followed the second-order model. In addition, the equilibrium data of the anionic and cationic dyes’ adsorption were fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. Furthermore, the maximum monolayer capacity, (qmax), for MB and AG was calculated from the Langmuir model to be 91.1 and 58 mg g−1, respectively. The thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption process of MB onto PANI-NTs is spontaneous, feasible and exothermic process. The regeneration study indicated that PANI-NTs can be reused for multiple dye adsorption cycles. Therefore, the synthesized PANI-NTs can be considered as a highly efficient adsorbent for both of anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous medium.

Mesoporous silica KIT-6 was chemically modified using 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (3-MPTS) via post-grafting method to prepare functionalized mesoporous KIT-6-SO3H with highly acidic ‒SO3H groups. Thin layers of KIT-6-SO3H coating onto quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrodes are employed as a meso-KIT-6-QCM sensor for the adsorptive removal of Pd(II), Cd(II) and Cs(I) ions with a high detection sensitivity. From ICP-OES measurements, the calculated adsorption capacity (Qe) values are much coincide with that obtained from QCM sensor. Due to the synergetic cooperation between high surface area, large pore volumes and active ‒SO3H groups, KIT-6-SO3H exhibited a remarkable adsorption capacity for metal ions. The effect of initial solution pH on the metal ions uptake was carefully studied. Kinetics and isotherm studies further reveal that adsorption of metal ions by KIT-6-SO3H obeys second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm, respectively.