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Abstract Background Enhancing the antibacterial capabilities of dental materials by adding nanoparticles has been the subject of some research. However, the potential toxic effect of this material on the vital tissues should be investigated to avoid additional damage to the tissue. Objective This study aimed to validate the long-term cytotoxic and antibacterial properties of an epoxy resin-based endodontic sealer (AH Plus) with and without loading with silver gold nanoparticles (Nano Care Plus Silver Gold®). Material and methods The tested groups were Nano Care Gold (group I), modified resin sealer (m AH Plus; group II) and AH Plus served as a control group (group III). Agar diffusion was used to measure the antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. Using the MTT test, cytotoxicity assessment was carried out in accordance with ISO-10993-5 guidelines to assess the cells’ viability as soon as possible and after two and four weeks. The t-test was used to statistically examine the data. The chosen significance threshold was P

Abstract Background People all around the world are affected by primary liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is usually associated with cirrhosis. Early HCC detection is crucial for better prognosis, but effective biomarkers are still needed. Hepcidin, a hormone-regulating iron homeostasis, has been implicated in liver diseases. In this study, blood hepcidin levels were evaluated in cirrhotic individuals as a possible biomarker for HCC. Methods There were three groups involved in this case-control study: cirrhotic patients with no HCC (group I), cirrhotic patients diagnosed with HCC (group II), and healthy controls (group III). Clinical and laboratory data, such as those from tests indicating the liver function, hepcidin levels, and imaging, were all analyzed using a number of statistical tests. Results When compared to those with cirrhosis, serum hepcidin levels were significantly lower in HCC patients, but there was no significant difference statistically between the two studies involved: cirrhotic groups and the controls. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was also significantly greater in HCC patients. Conclusions The start and progression of liver diseases, such as HCC in cirrhotic people, appear to be influenced by hepcidin. It can be utilized as a potential HCC biomarker when cirrhotic liver is present, despite the fact that it cannot be used to diagnose cirrhosis by itself.

In this paper an experimental and numerical investigations were performed to study the performance of partially jacketed R.C. columns subjected to both axial and lateral loads. The current research also investigates the effect of the lateral load direction, with respect to jacket's direction during constant axial load, on the structural response of strengthened columns. The experimental study consists of seven square columns of 100 x 100 mm2 cross-section dimensions and total length of 1000 mm. The columns were strengthened from different sides with 50 mm concrete jackets. The strengthened columns were tested under constant axial load with an increasing lateral force up to column failure. Columns capacities and modes of failure were illustrated and discussed. Going deep into the investigation, a finite element analysis was performed on the experimented columns. A satisfactory agreement was found when the experimental and numerical data were compared together. The ultimate lateral loads of the strengthened columns from two, three, and four sides increased up to 5.83, 8.43, and 11.03 times the lateral load capacity of control columns, respectively. The study also concluded that the loading direction has a significant effect on column lateral capacity.

This study employs density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-311+g(d,p) level to investigate the interaction of XH3 gases (X = N, P, As) with the Mn-phthalocyanine molecule (MnPc). Grimme’s D3 dispersion correction is applied to consider long-range interactions. The adsorption behavior is explored under the influence of an external static electric field (EF) ranging from −0.514 to 0.514 V/Å. Chemical adsorption of XH3 molecules onto the MnPc molecule is confirmed. The adsorption results in a significant decrease in the energy gap (Eg) of MnPc, indicating the potential alteration of its optical properties. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis reveals partially covalent bonds between XH3 and MnPc, and the charge density differenc (Δρ) calculations suggest a charge donation-back donation mechanism. The UV-vis spectrum of MnPc experiences a blue shift upon XH3 adsorption, highlighting MnPc’s potential as a naked-eye sensor for XH3 molecules. Thermodynamic calculations indicate exothermic interactions, with NH3/MnPc being the most stable complex. The stability of NH3/MnPc decreases with increasing temperature. The direction and magnitude of the applied electric field (EF) play a crucial role in determining the adsorption energy (Eads) for XH3/MnPc complexes. The Eg values decrease with an increasing negative EF, which suggests that the electrical conductivity (σ) and the electrical sensitivity (ΔEg) of the XH3/MnPc complexes are influenced by the magnitude and direction of the applied EF. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the suggested promising prospects for the utilization of MnPc in sensing applications of XH3 gases.

Soil contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially caused by the mixture of two or more PAHs, raised great environmental concerns. However, research on the migration and transformation processes of PAHs in soils and their interactions with native communities is limited. In this work, soil samples from uncontaminated sites around the industrial parks in Handan, Hengshui, and Shanghai were artificially supplemented with three concentrations of anthracene (Ant), 9-chloroanthracene (9-ClAnt), benzopyrene (BaP), and chrysene (Chr). Ryegrass was planted to investigate the degradation of PAHs and its interaction with native soil organisms in the constructed ryegrass–microbe–soil microcosmic system. The bacterial and fungal communities in soil were affected by PAHs; their species diversity and relative abundance changed after exposure to different concentrations of PAHs, among which Lysobacter, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Massilia bacteria were correlated to the degradation of PAHs. On the 56th day, the contents of BaP, Chr, and Ant decreased with the degradation process, while the degradation of 9-ClAnt was limited. Nineteen intermediates, including hydroxylation and carboxylated compounds, were identified. The present research would help clarify the potential interactions between PAHs and native organisms in contaminated sites, providing fundamental information for evaluating the transformation risks of PAHs in the natural environment.

During the recent founding of Saudi Arabia in 1932, there was no interest in the urban and architectural heritage that Jeddah possesses. As a result, historic Jeddah was exposed to many problems similar to many historical Middle Eastern cities. For example, the historic city wall and many heritage buildings were demolished. With the economic recovery during the 1970s, the original dwellers abandoned the city altogether. They were soon replaced by a class of ex-patriate workers who would inhabit the area, and the city’s distinct heritage fell into neglect. At the beginning of the 1980s, attempts to preserve that area began with the expert Robert Matthew, who studied the remaining historical buildings and proposed strategies for preservation that were based on three main directions: restoration, replacement, or new construction. The issuance of “Saudi’s 2030 vision” included programs to develop Saudi cities, including Jeddah. This program includes the removal of unplanned and slum areas around historic Jeddah without developing a clear master plan for what will replace them. In addition, it includes the complete expropriation of historic Jeddah, without announcing a specific plan for what the area will be used for. Therefore, this study seeks to review current preservation strategies, with the aim of reaching results related to the challenges facing the area; demonstrating the effectiveness of the preservation strategies used; and deducing what could contribute in the future to the development, preservation, and optimal exploitation of the area, without losing its value as a result of the modernization processes currently taking place.

Background: Ever since the emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection in the UAE, the government had taken several preventive measures against the disease, including vaccination. Acceptance of the vaccine among the population played a crucial role in determining whether the pandemic could be successfully controlled. This study aimed to assess the acceptance, knowledge, and perception of the COVID-19 vaccine among the adult population of the UAE. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a snowball sampling method among UAE residents above 18 years of age. Data were collected using an online questionnaire consisting of 33 close-ended questions divided into three sections. Results: A total of 825 adults (males = 18.4% and females = 81.6%) participated in the study. Males were 3.3 times more likely to get vaccinated than females (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9–5.7). Those participants who took the flu vaccine before were 1.4 times more likely to get vaccinated (95% CI: 1.003–1.897). Employed participants were three times more likely to take the vaccine as compared with students and those who were unemployed (95% CI: 2.078–4.577). Likewise, those who were over 40 years old and those who believed in the efficacy and safety of vaccines were more willing to get vaccinated. Conclusion: The acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was overall high, especially among males and employees. Our findings may help identify vulnerable groups in order to expand vaccination coverage and help raise awareness among UAE residents.

The Research goal was to : - Identify the quality of services in the halls of fitness and bodybuilding in the city of Mosul from the viewpoint of its visitors. The researchers used the descriptive approach for its relevance to the nature of the research, the research community was a visitor of fitness and bodybuilding halls. The research sample was chosen by the deliberate method, and the research community included the attendants in the halls of fitness and body building in the city of Mosul, whose number were (70) halls distributed on both sides of the right city with (10) halls and the left with (60) halls, and these data were obtained by the researchers through a permission to facilitate the task from the Deanship of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences / University of Mosul to the Iraqi Federation for Body Building in Nineveh Governorate. Where the applied sample for the research consisted of (100) recipients, the researchers adopted the (Quality of Services Measure in Mosul swimming Pools), which Al-Taweel prepared in its final form, and after the availability of scientific conditions in it, it was applied to the final research sample to obtain data, which were statistically treated through the use of The percentage, the arithmetic mean, and the standard deviation, and the researchers concluded that the quality of services in the fitness and bodybuilding halls in the city of Mosul concentrated between the average and the weak. The researchers concluded that : - the level of quality of services in the fitness and bodybuilding halls in the city of Mosul ranged from medium to weak. Finally the researchers recommended: - The need for hall administrations to realize that providing the comfort and convenience to the visitors will bebette through the stability, continuity and the accuracy of the level of services. - The hall's sight, interior design, and general cleanliness must be with the developments and conditions for the work of these halls.

DFT and TD-DFT studies of B3LYP/6–31 g(d,p) with the D2 version of Grimme’s dispersion are used to examine the adsorption of a CH2O molecule on Be12O12 and MBe12O12 nano-cages (M = K, Mn, or Cu atom). The energy gap for Be12O12 was 8.210 eV, while the M encapsulation decreased its value to 0.685–1.568 eV, whereas the adsorption of the CH2O gas decreased the Eg values for Be12O12 and CuBe12O12 to 4.983 and 0.876 eV and increased its values for KBe12O12 and MnBe12O12 to 1.286 and 1.516 eV, respectively. The M encapsulation enhanced the chemical adsorption of CH2O gas with the surface of Be12O12. The UV-vis spectrum of the Be12O12 nano-cage was dramatically affected by the M encapsulation as well as the adsorption of the CH2O gas. In addition, the adsorption energies and the electrical sensitivity of the Be12O12 as well as the MBe12O12 nano-cages to CH2O gas could be manipulated with an external electric field. Our results may be fruitful for utilizing Be12O12 as well as MBe12O12 nano-cages as candidate materials for removing and sensing formaldehyde gas.

The design of the chef’s uniform requires a set of conditions and standards. The chef’s uniform is considered one of the functional outfits that requires the designer to study the conditions and nature of work and the risks to which the chef is exposed, such as direct fire, as he uses it in the maturation of foods, and many types of hot liquids to boiling point and the risks involved. The chef is also exposed to the use of different types of sharp knives.Also, taking into account the chef’s exposure to constant heat throughout the work period, due to the nature and conditions of his work taking into account the protection of the human body from high heat, humidity, radiation, insects, chemicals and intense friction. Applying this to the chef’s clothes and costumes, for example, making ventilation holes or making supports for strengthening in places Movement, making an adjustment in the pattern that facilitates movement, taking into account the treatment of large and abnormal sizes in the design. Which reflects the addition of proposals for innovative designs using modern fabrics, high-quality technologies, new proposed colors and modern fashion requirements.

The current research aims to: 1- Build an entrepreneurial trend in the halls of fitness and bodybuilding in the city of Mosul from the viewpoint of its visitors. 2- Investigate the level of leadership in the halls of fitness and body building in the city of Mosul from the viewpoint of its Visitors. The researchers used the descriptive approach in its survey to suit the nature of the research, and the research community included (378) people who went to the halls of fitness and body building in the city of Mosul, which were numbered (70) halls distributed on the right sides of the city with (10) halls, and the left with (60) Halls, thus, the research sample included (27) halls for fitness and body building in the city of Mosul, which represented (38.57%) of the research community, and these halls are divided into (9) halls on the right side and (18) halls on the left side of the city of Mosul. The number of people returning to these halls according to the scientific conditions of stability was (378) people distributed over the pilot sample with (18) people and the building sample with (260) people and (68.78%) from the research sample in addition to (100) people for the sample application. And by (26.45%) of the research sample, With regard to the research tools, the researcher built a scale of pioneering orientation for fitness halls and bodybuilding in the city of Mosul according to four dimensions (creativity, risk-taking, proactive, and competitive). On the final research sample in order to obtain data that were statistically treated through the percentage, the arithmetic mean, the simple correlation coefficient, and (T) test for two independent samples. The study concluded the following conclusions: - the level of entrepreneurship in the halls of fitness and bodybuilding in the city of Mosul ranged from medium to weak. The researchers recommended the following: 1- The departments of the halls of fitness and bodybuilding must adopt the pioneering approach in order to achieve the success for these halls. 2- The necessity for hall administrations to develop them by updating the devices and tools used as well as the other aspects in the hall.

Abstract Liver cancer is considered one of the deadliest diseases with one of the highest disease burdens worldwide. Among the different types of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma is considered to be the most common type. Multiple conventional approaches are being used in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. Focusing on drug treatment, regular agents in conventional forms fail to achieve the intended clinical outcomes. In order to improve the treatment outcomes, utilizing nanoparticles—specifically lipid based nanoparticles—are considered to be one of the most promising approaches being set in motion. Multiple forms of lipid based nanoparticles exist including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, phytosomes, lipid coated nanoparticles, and nanoassemblies. Multiple approaches are used to enhance the tumor uptake as well tumor specificity such as intratumoral injection, passive targeting, active targeting, and stimuli responsive nanoparticles. In this review, the effect of utilizing lipidic nanoparticles is being discussed as well as the different tumor uptake enhancement techniques used. Graphical Abstract

Population growth, coupled with industrial and agricultural development, has resulted in increased demand for freshwater supply. For countries with scarce water resources, desalination constitutes the only viable solution to this problem. Reverse osmosis (RO) technology has become widely used as the membrane materials have been upgraded and the costs have been reduced. Nowadays, RO is the foremost technology for desalting different types of water such as seawater, brackish, and tap water. However, its design is critical since many parameters are involved in obtaining a good design. The high use of RO encourages the establishment of a procedure that facilitates the design process and helps in obtaining an optimum-performance RO desalination system. This paper presents a procedure divided into three parts: (1) classifying RO parameters; (2) choosing the parameters in a certain order and doing the calculation process through 12 steps; and (3) then inserting the selected parameters and the obtained values on RO System Analysis (ROSA) software. These points are then summarized by creating an algorithmic chart to follow during the design phase of the RO system using ROSA. An example on the proposed list is then taken to validate the procedure, and a comparison is conducted on choosing different values for the parameters. The results of this comparative study show that choosing different parameters affects the RO system productivity. Additionally, every design has a specific optimum set of parameters, which depends upon the design constraints set by the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, biosynthesized nanoparticles using chitosan, Ulva fasciata, and Avicennia marina leaves extracts (A, B, and C, respectively), were evaluated as paint additives to control marine fouling on different substrates. These biocidal nanoparticle compounds were prepared using a green biosynthesis method. Their characterizations were conducted using Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. Each nanoparticle compound was mixed with a prepared paint, resulting in three formulations for each (e.g. 1C, 2C, 3C), containing 20%, 40%, and 60% by weight. Painted PVC, wood, and steel with these nine paints, and the control were immersed in seawater for different periods. After two months of immersion, the least number of fouling species, (one species) was recorded on both the wood and steel panels that were coated with paint (1C). Meanwhile, after four months, the least numbers of fouling (four and six species) were recorded on wood and steel panels that were coated with paint (3C). After around seven months of immersion, the least numbers of fouling species (five and ten) were recorded on wood and steel panels that were coated with paints (1C and 3C), respectively. The steel panel coated with (3C), harbored ∼2% of the total number of barnacles found on the control, after 7 months of immersion. The superior antifouling agent efficiency of extract (C) nanoparticles can be attributed to its constituents of polyphenols, ammonium compounds, and high concentrations of alcohols, besides the presence of both aromatic and aliphatic amide and amide derivatives.