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Abstract In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in developing new polymeric materials with high performance and low cost. With increased environmental awareness, research has focused on eco-friendly materials, with terms like “renewable,” “recyclable,” “sustainable,” and “biodegradable” becoming important features of the materials, Polymer blends can provide products with a wider range of useful qualities than single polymer equivalents. In this study, Polymer blend films were prepared using dextrin at different compositions of (PVA- PMMA-PAAm) by solvent casting method. The prepared blend films were flexible and transparent and characterized using was examined by scanning electron microscopy to examine the surface morphology of the samples that show the good distribution of starch in the blend, while FT-IR was used to identify the active groups, which refer to the interaction among the materials. Also, we have studied the optical properties and recording the absorption spectrum with a visible ultraviolet spectrophotometer. Absorption spectra were recorded in the wavelength range of 200–1100 nm. The absorbance and optical conductivity were increased by dextrin additive, while the transmittance and energy gap decreased. Based on the overall results, the prepared films can be used in drug delivery and optical devices.

Gamma-irradiation initiated polymerization was utilized to prepare polyacrylonitrile acrylamide nano-silica (P(AN-AM)-NS). Various analytical tools like XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, and DTA and TGA were used to estimate the morphology, functional groups, and structure of P(AN-AM)-NS nanocomposite. The ability of P(AN-AM)-NS nanocomposite to remove Cs(I), Pb(II), Cd(II), Sr(II), and Cu(II) ions from the multi-component system was evaluated by batch techniques considering the influence of (shaking time, pH, reaction temperatures), and capacity. At the optimum pH, distribution coefficients have selectivity order; Pb2+ > Cs+ > Cu2+ > Cd2+ > Sr2+. The kinetic data obey pseudo-second-order models. The capacity was reduced by increasing the heating temperatures of solid powder. The thermodynamic parameters showed an endothermic and spontaneous. The investigation proved that P(AN-AM)-NS nanocomposite is a suitable organic–inorganic sorbent for the sorption of the studied ions from liquid solutions and could be considered as potential material for purification of effluent polluted with these ions.

Ozone efficacy (approximately of 600 Mg.hr-1) was evaluated against Red Flour Beetle’s (RFB, Tribolium castium (Herbst)) eggs, larvae, pupae and adults at different temperatures (35, 40 and 45 ° C) and exposure times (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 hours) under laboratory. The control treatments included above thermal levels without ozone at the mentioned exposure periods. The results indicated ozone effectively suppressed hatching with increasing temperature. The hatch egg rates was reduced to 0 % in the treated treatments after 10 h at 45° C. However, mortality rates of RFB were increased with maximizing of the exposure time to ozone. After 10-h exposure to ozone at the lowest temperature 35˚ C, complete mortality (100%) or few survivals of RFB were recorded in the susceptible stages (larvae and adults). Also, the complete mortality of adults and larvae resulted after an exposure to ozone at 40 ° C for 10 hours, compared than the high survival rates at the pest’s stages at 30 and 40° C, even after 10 hours of monitoring time. However the exposure time which is required to 100% mortality was decreased to 4 hours at 45 ° C, comparing to the thermal treatment only (control) which needed more time (6 h) for 100% of mortality. In conclusion, ozone application showed the efficacy on the mortality at all stages of RFB and the temperature was a potential factor enhancing the application of ozone for RFB control.

Binuclear metal complexes of the metal ions Fe (II), Co (II), Ni (II) and Cu (II) were synthesized by the reaction of these metal ions with the imine of benzidine (H2L) as a primary ligand and o-phenylenediammine (OPD) as a secondary ligand in a molar ratio of 2:2:1. The prepared complexes were characterized using CHN elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-visible, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility and TGA-DTA thermogravimetric analysis. All the prepared complexes showed apparent stability and could be stored for months without any appreciable change. According to the results obtained by elemental and spectral analyses, a tetrahedral structure is suggested for all the prepared complexes, except for the copper complex which showed a square planar structure. The antimicrobial activities of these complexes were evaluated against Bacillus spp. (Gram-negative bacteria), Proteus spp. (Gram-positive bacteria) and Aspergillus niger (A. niger, a fungal species). The results showed that all the prepared complexes have no apparent effects on Bacillus spp. viability, whereas Proteus spp. and A. niger were affected significantly.

In this study, a mixture of two polymers consisting of commercial adhesive [ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)] and melamine (M) Which were used in this study. Different weights of both polymers were used with total weights equal for (1 g). The asphalt was treated with the above mixture in the presence of 1% by weight of sulfur at (180 ° C) for one hour. The rheological properties of the modified samples and original one were measured, which included measuring the ductility , penetration, and softining point as well as calculating the penetration index and percentage of the separated asphaltens . After that, the best samples obtained from the above modification process were taken, and several interactions were performed on it in order to determine each of : The optimum conditions for the conversion process have been established and include the percentage of added sulfur and the temperature the best time, the best weights of the mixture, and the best addition sequence. After that, the best sample obtained from this study was taken and the marshals test with chemical immersion was performed, as well as the effect of aging on this sample was studied. The study gave good results in the field of asphalt resistance to the deformation processes which were carried out on it.

The current study was performed to evaluate the potential of two plant extracts (from Nigella sativa L. seeds and Clerodendrum inerme L. leaves) and salicylic acid to induce systemic resistance (ISR) against Potato virus Y (PVY) in potato plants. Ultrastructure investigations using the transmission electron microscope (TEM) exhibited Pinwheels and Ga-Golgi apparatus in the infected plants. Flexuous filaments particles (with a model length of 730×13 nm) were observed in the infected sap using TEM investigation. RT-PCR technique revealed a band- sized at 610 bp in the infected samples with PVY. The infection with PVY was confirmed morphologically and histologically. The most effective treatment for induction of ISR was Nigella sativa L., since the highest reduction of virus infection and the lowest inhibition rate (34.7 and 61.7, respectively), were recorded in plants treated with this plant extract and salicylic acid. Peroxidase (POD) activities were 59.7and 37.7 and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities were 23.7and 21.0 after 1- and 2-weeks of Nigella sativa L. treatment, respectively.On the other hand, salicylic acid had the lowest effect on decreasing PVY infection rate and virus inhibition, resulting in of ISR in potato plants. Taken together, the extracts of Nigella sativa and Clerodendrum inerme as well as salicylic acid could be used to control PVY infection. A further study is needed to evaluate these materials under field conditions.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or matrixins, are members of a zinc-dependent endopeptidase family. They cause remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to numerous diseases. MMPs subfamilies possess: collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins and membrane-type MMPs (MT-MMP). They consist of several domains; pro-peptide, catalytic, linker peptide and the hemopexin (Hpx) domains. MMPs are involved in initiation, proliferation and metastasis of cancer through the breakdown of ECM physical barriers. Overexpression of MMPs is associated with poor prognosis of cancer. This review will discuss both types of MMPs and current inhibitors, which target them in different aspects, including, biosynthesis, activation, secretion and catalytic activity. Several synthetic and natural inhibitors of MMPs (MMPIs) that can bind the catalytic domain of MMPs have been designed including; peptidomimetic, non-peptidomimetic, tetracycline derivatives, off-target MMPI, natural products, microRNAs and monoclonal antibodies.

The potential of banana peel (BP) on the cesium removal from aqueous solutions is study by using different design parameters by adsorption process. The design parameters studied to adsorb cesium using BP as an adsorbent material were initial concentration of cesium , absorbance material packing height which was BP, pH of cesium feed inlet, treatment time, feed flow rate and feed temperature, results show that the higher removal efficiency was 97.50 % for cesium from aquatic solution and this efficiency was decreased with increasing of initial concentration and flow rate while the removal efficiency increased with increasing pH, sorption media bed height and feeding temperature. By this way we can possess different benefits which are: remove the hazard and toxic cesium contaminated the water and get rid of waste BP.

Batch adsorption process factors [contact time (20–150 min), adsorbent dosage (0.5–1.5 g), adsorbate concentration (5–30 mg l–1), and agitation rate (100–250 rpm)] were optimised based on D-optimal Design under the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) of the Design-Expert Software (7.6.8) for the removal of naphthalene from aqueous solution using adsorbent developed from Acetylated Waste Expanded Polystyrene (AWEPs). The maximum adsorption capacity (5.6608 mg g–1) achieved was well fitted to Dubinin-Radushkevich Isotherm (R2 = 0.9949). The SSE (< 0.05) and ARE (< 4.0 %) indicated pseudo-second-order as the most suitable model. This research has demonstrated the effectiveness of the WEPs for the removal of naphthalene from the aqueous solution. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License., Šaržni faktori procesa adsorpcije [vrijeme kontakta (20 – 150 min), doziranje adsorbenta (0,5 – 1,5 g), koncentracija adsorbata (5–30 mg l–1) i brzina miješanja (100–250 min–1)] optimizirani su na temelju D-optimalnog dizajna primjenom metodologije odzivne površine (RSM) programa Design-Expert (7.6.8) za uklanjanje naftalena iz vodene otopine pomoću adsorbenta razvijenog iz acetiliranog otpadnog ekspandiranog polistirena (AWEP). Ostvareni maksimalni adsorpcijski kapacitet (5,6608 mg g–1) dobro je prilagođen izotermi Dubinin-Radushkevich (R2 = 0,9949). SSE (< 0,05) i ARE (< 4,0 %) označili su pseudo-drugi red kao najprikladniji model. Ovo istraživanje pokazalo je učinkovitost WEP-a za uklanjanje naftalena iz vodene otopine. Ovo djelo je dano na korištenje pod licencom Creative Commons Imenovanje 4.0 međunarodna.

Polyacrylamide acrylonitrile magnesium silicate {P(Am-AN)-MgSi} & polyacrylamide acrylic acid magnesium silicate {P(Am-AA)-MgSi} hybrid composites were fabricated utilizing gamma-radiation polymerization initiated about 30 kGy. Different types of dosimetric radiation-induced polymeric composites were irradiated by cesium-137 gamma-ray dose to show its possibility for use as a thermoluminescence dosimeter. The prepared polymeric composites showed useful properties such as good dosimetric and thermal stability behaviors. The mechanical behavior of the samples was measured non-destructively by the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. It was found that the addition of P(Am-AA) with higher elastic moduli to MgSi with lower ones are produced in the {P(Am-AA)-MgSi} composite sample with a midway value for Young’s modulus of 7.13 GPa and shear modulus of 2.71 GPa. Dissimilar in the {P(Am-AN)-MgSi} composite sample, it shows a significantly improved behavior as Young’s modulus recorded 9.32 GPa and shear modulus 3.61 GPa. Similarly, the microhardness recorded 0.328 GPa and 0.518 GPa a the composites {P(Am-AN)-MgSi} & {P(Am-AA)-MgSi}. As a thermoluminescence dosimeter, various characteristics were studied for these types of polymers. Specific ultrasonic properties were also tested for TL dosimetric properties in different polymers. An insertion of MgSi into P(Am-AN) & P(Am-AA) has indeed been found to increase TL response and lead to good properties being acquired.

Gamma radiation at varying radiation doses was utilized to produce polyacrylonitrile ball clay nanocomposites (PAN/BC). Various analysis methods; The structural morphology, functional groups, and also chemical structures of prepared composites were examined utilizing XRD, XRF, IR, SEMT Co2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+ > Cs+. Optical characteristics for PAN/BC nanocomposite prepared at 60 kGy were investigated before and after saturation by investigated ions and the data represented an enrichment of the bandgap by saturation technique.

Heavy metals pollution has become a more serious environmental problem in the last several decades as a result of releasing toxic materials into the environment. The aim of this study is to develop an ecological method for the removal of Ni2+ ions from industrial wastewater by an electro coagulation method using aluminum plates and solar cell as a source of D.C current. In this study, different conditions of pH of 4, 6, 7, and 8, current densities of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mA/cm2, and nickel ion concentrations of 200, 300, and 500 ppm were investigated during a period of time of 120 minutes to remove nickel ions prepared waste water by electro coagulation. The total removal of nickel ions was (97.5- 99.5%), (97- 99%), and (96.67-98.8%) for pH (4-8), current density (0.5-1.5 mA/cm2) and nickel ions concentration (200-500 ppm), respectively. The results show that the optimum condition of electro coagulation process can be obtained at pH = 8 and current density 1.5 mA/cm2 when 120 minutes were elapsed.

In this study, the biological synthesis have been used to prepared the nanoparticles of magnesium oxide in the presences of Olea europeae leaves, it was used as a reductant and capping agents at concentration (100 ml), and that contains antioxidants. The properties of nanoparticles have been characterized. X-ray diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD) showed that the structure of MgO NPs is polycrystalline with cubic phase and average crystallite size was found 12.08 nm, the Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX) appeared patterns originating from Mg and O, while Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) explained functional groups at the surface which return to Olea europeae leaves extract and MgO NPs. The morphological properties have been analyzed via Field Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), the images in (FE-SEM) showed spherical shapes with an average diameter of 28.13 nm. The optical properties of MgO NPs have been characterized via Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV-vis), the absorbance edge exhibited shift to the ultraviolet region with decrease in energy band gap (Eg) to 5.4 nm as compared with bulk (7.8 nm).

In this study, zeolite type A was successfully prepared from kaolin; as a source for silica and alumina. The effect of a cationic surfactant (hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTABr) was studied during the preparation of zeolite type A from kaolin clay (structurally modified). The addition ratio was (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) CTABr. Also, CTABr was added with different amounts of (25, 75, 150 and 300) mg/l to commercial zeolite type A (surface modified). The prepared samples were characterized using FTIR, surface area and adsorption capacity. The results indicated that the adsorption capacity was decreased as the concentration of CTABr is increased. The minimum adsorption capacity was 8.4109 % gH2O / gzeolite using 300 mg/l of surfactant, while it was reached 6.907% gH2O / gzeolite by using 0.8% CTABr of kaolin within the preparation. Furthermore, the increased amounts of CTABr causes to increase the surface area of surface modified zeolite where it was increase from (19.938 to 23.8655, 24.377 and 25.2174 (m2/g achieving an increase of 22.6, 25.2 and 29.6% respectively, A large increase more than 100% in the surface area was obtained for the structurally modified samples by increasing the CTABr concentration from (13.0113 to 24.0935, 25.7594, 26.2719 and 27.12) m2/g.

Fresh cassava is highly susceptible to rapid post-harvest physiological deterioration due to the high water activity. Therefore, foam mat drying was considered as an alternative drying technique for preservation. The drying kinetics of white-fleshed cassava foam (air volume fraction = 0.26, overrun = 36.0 %) and yellow-fleshed cassava foam (air volume fraction = 0.24, overrun = 32.2 %) were studied. The influence of temperature and foam thickness on moisture removal ratio (MR), drying rate, diffusivity and some important physicochemical properties of the cassava foams (CSF) during drying were researched and compared with those of non-foamed cassava pulp (NFP). The cassava foams were dried to foam powders at temperatures of 50 °C, 65 °C and 80 °C and foam thicknesses of 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm. The CSF exhibited two falling rates. The CSF powders had significantly lower total cyanogenic glucosides content compared to the NFP powder, and a high retention of total carotenoids. The dry foam powders had higher lightness/luminosity (L*) values than dry pulp powders. Micrographs revealed interactions between starch granules and the hydrocolloids but microstructure was not affected by increasing temperatures.

There is growing evidence that sodium fluoride ([18F]fluoride) PET/CT can detect active arterial calcifications at the molecular stage. We investigated the relationship between arterial mineralization in the left common carotid artery (LCC) assessed by [18F]fluoride PET/CT and cardiovascular/thromboembolic risk. In total, 128 subjects (mean age 48 ± 14 years, 51% males) were included. [18F]fluoride uptake in the LCC was quantitatively assessed by measuring the blood-pool-corrected maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on each axial slice. Average SUVmax (aSUVmax) was calculated over all slices and correlated with 10-year risk of cardiovascular events estimated by the Framingham model, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and level of physical activity (LPA). The aSUVmax was significantly higher in patients with increased risk of cardiovascular (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.01) and thromboembolic (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.01) events, and it was significantly lower in patients with greater LPA (one-way ANOVA, p = 0.02). On multivariable linear regression analysis, age ( = 0.07, 95% CI 0.05 – 0.10, p < 0.01), body mass index ( = 0.02, 95% CI 0.01 – 0.03, p < 0.01), arterial hypertension ( = 0.15, 95% CI 0.08 – 0.23, p < 0.01), and LPA ( = −0.10, 95% CI −0.19 to −0.02, p=0.02) were independent associations of aSUVmax. Carotid [18F]fluoride uptake is significantly increased in patients with unfavorable cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk profiles. [18F]fluoride PET/CT could become a valuable tool to estimate subjects’ risk of future cardiovascular events although still major trials are needed to further evaluate the associations found in this study and their potential clinical usefulness. • Sodium fluoride ([ 18 F]fluoride) PET/CT imaging identifies patients with early-stage atherosclerosis. • Carotid [ 18 F]fluoride uptake is significantly higher in patients with increased risk of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events and inversely correlated with the level of physical activity. • Early detection of arterial mineralization at a molecular level could help guide clinical decisions in the context of cardiovascular risk assessment.

Drought is a major environmental threat limiting worldwide crop production. Drought stress affects the tobacco quality and yield; therefore, the current research studies were undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) under drought stress on morphological and biochemical attributes of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. variety Yunyan 87). AMF-inoculated and AMF-non-inoculated plants were maintained in a greenhouse and irrigated with a half-strength Hoagland solution (100 mL pot-1) once a week. At harvesting, the plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weights, mycorrhizal colonization, and concentration of leaf photosynthetic pigments and photosynthetic rate were measured. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and the principal component (PCA) analyses. The effect of root colonization significantly increased biomass production and essential oil accumulation. Results showed that drought at mild and severe stressed levels significantly affected tobacco growth by decreasing plant height, biomass, and a number of leaves. However, inoculation of AMF considerably increased plant height, fresh and dry weights, chlorophyll (a, b), total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content by 43.84, 40.87 and 49.76, 185.29, 325.60, 173.12, and 211.49%, respectively. Compared with non-inoculated plants, AMF inoculation significantly enhanced the essential oil yield and the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium with the increase of 257.36, 102.71, and 90.76, 62.32, and 84.51%, respectively, in mild drought + AMF-treated plants. Similarly, the antioxidant enzymatic activity, glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), and accumulation of phenols and flavonoids and osmolytes content were also significantly improved in inoculated plants under drought stress. Additionally, AMF inoculation significantly upregulated the lipoxygenase (LOX) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzymes by 197 and 298.44% under drought conditions. These findings depicted that the symbiotic association of AMF improved the overall growth pattern and secondary metabolism in tobacco plants under severe drought stress conditions and may be used as an approaching source of important drugs in the field of pharmacology.

Objectives: This study compared the clinical and radiographic effects of two medicaments. Subjects and Methods: Endodontic treatment was performed on 26 pulpally involved primary molars in 4 to 7 years old children suffering from badly decayed or carious primary teeth which indicated for root canal treatment. Two medicaments (3Mix and ZOE) on the pulpectomized teeth comprised 2 main groups. The root canals were obturated with zinc oxide eugenol mix in the first group and a mixture of calcium hydroxide, zinc oxide, and 10% sodium fluoride solution in the second group , using hand-operated lentulo-spirals. The teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically at different intervals (3 months,6 months, 12 months). Results: In the first group, pulpectomy with zinc oxide eugenol gave raise a 92.3% success rate, while the second group with triple antibiotic paste was 84.6%.Conclusion: Shows that ZnOE offers good clinical and radiographical results when compared with Tiple mix paste but with no statistically significant differences.

The present investigation reports antioxidant and osmotic components of Marigold at different developmental stages and also presents influence of its leachates on germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Leaves of younger plants exhibit more phenols, tannins and flavonoids as compared to root and stem. Leaves and flowers of CV. PBG exhibited greater contents of total phenols and flavonoids in comparison to CV. PNG. Leaves and flowers had greater free amino acids and free proline as compared to stem and root. Sodium was more in roots than in stem and leaves, whereas potassium and nitrogen are greater in leaves and stem of younger plants. Leaves of CV. PBG accumulated greater contents of potassium, nitrogen and calcium in comparison to those of PNG. Activity of PAL, SOD and CAT was greater in older plants and in flowers as compared to leaves. Non-enzymatic antioxidant components like ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione also exhibited the same trend. Nevertheless, APX, GPX and GR activity was less in the older plants and more in flowers than leaves. APX and GR activity was higher in CV. PBG than CV. PNG, whereas the activity of GPX and GST was more in PNG in comparison to PBG. The two cultivars (PNG and PBG) of Tagetes erecta L., their different parts and developmental stages showed considerable variation in their antioxidant and osmotic constituents. Accumulation of various antioxidant and osmotic components reported above may probably help Tagetes erecta L. adapt to varying environments. Higher concentration of leachates of leaves and flowers of marigold reduced germination percentage and seedling growth of wheat, whereas treatments of leachates of lower concentration somewhat stimulated the growth of wheat seedlings. Flower leachates showed more pronounced effects than leaf leachates. Further experimentation may lead to identification of allelochemicals in these leachates which may pave way for exploring the possibility of their use along with synthetic herbicides/weedicides in order to minimize the toxicity of soil caused by the use of synthetic compounds.

Background Wheat is the most consumed cereal crops in the world infected by several pathogens and pests causing significant losses. The most threatening pathogens are fungi which cause serious diseases on roots, leaves and heads as one of the most threatening pathogens in specific wheat-growing countries. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the prevalence of damping-off fungal pathogens in different wheat fields at Basra and Maysan provinces. Results Disease incidence determination and fungal isolation were carried out from two sites at Basra province (Al-Qurna and Al-Madinah) and three sites at Maysan province (Al-Amarah, Kumit, Ali Al Sharqi and Ali Al Gharbi). Al-Qurna fields had the highest disease incidence (32%), while Ali-Alsharqi fields had the lowest one (11%). Fourteen fungal genera were identified. Rhizoctonia solani had the highest appearance (21.6) and frequency (20.20%) percentages followed by Fusarium solani (16.11,14.01) percentages and Macrophomina phaseolina (12.2,11.1) percentages. Seed treatment with R. solani (Rs1 isolate) showed significant decrease in germination (56.6%) compared to F. solani and M. phaseolina treatments. Seed treatment with R. solani (Rs1 isolate) showed significant decrease in germination (56.6%) compared to F. solani and M. phaseolina treatments. Conclusions These results revealed the prevalence of wheat damping-off disease in all examined fields at both Basra and Maysan province; the highest disease incidence was seen in Basra wheat fields (Al-Qurna fields); the identification of fungal pathogens showed that the most isolated fungus was R. solani followed by F. solani and M. phaseolina. Laboratory experiments showed the pathogenicity of isolated fungi which varied according to the isolate type.

Background: Collecting live sand flies from indoor sites is a major challenge for researchers in large cities due to the reluctance of families to survey their homes. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of two methods for col-lecting sand flies for use in susceptibility tests in the urban area of Kerman, southeastern Iran. Methods: Sandflies were mainly collected using both baited traps and hand catch methods from outdoor and indoor sites. Susceptibility tests were separately done according to the standard World Health Organization testing protocol on Phlebotomus sergenti, including 60-minute exposure to DDT 4.0%, propoxur 0.1%, deltamethrin 0.05%, and malathion 5.0%. Results: During this research, the natural habitats and suitable indoor sites were selected to predict the density of live sand fly with perfect accuracy. The number of live Ph. sergenti caught by hand catch and baited traps methods was 42 and 361 in indoor and outdoor sites, respectively. The mortality rate of Ph. sergenti exposed to DDT 4%, deltamethrin 0.05, malathion 5%, and propoxur was 100%. Conclusion: The baited traps showed a significant efficiency compared to hand catch for collecting live Ph. sergenti for use in susceptibility tests in urban areas. The Ph. sergenti collected from both indoor and outdoor sites were susceptible to all insecticides.

Elimination of hazardous metals is of extreme worry for their toxicity at trace levels and accumulation in the biosystem. Polyacrylonitrile ball clay nanocomposite was prepared by gamma irradiation at 20 kGy. Different analytical tools were applied to prove morphology, functional groups, and chemical structure for prepared composite; SEM, TEM, IR, XRD, and XRF. From TEM and XRD data expose the studied composite has nanoscale and crystalline. The adsorption of Cs+, Co2+ and Fe3+ onto studied material took place after 24 h. Second order was preceded by the kinetic system. The capacity and effect of pH on kd reflect selectivity sequence; Co2+ > Fe3+ > > Cs+. Both Freundlich and Langmuir are applicable for investigated material. Finally, PAN/BC nanocomposite is suitable for the column technique.

A simple and highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for the estimation of sumatriptan succinate has been investigated. The suggested method depends on the determination of the intrinsic fluorescence properties of the drug in aqueous systems at λem 350 nm following λex at 225 nm. The linearity range was 10-100 ng/ml, with a detection limit and quantitation limit of 1.2 and 3.6 ng/ml, respectively. The suggested method was sufficiently successful for determination of sumatriptan its pharmaceutical tablets as well as in spiked human plasma. Moreover, the validation parameters were determined following International Council for Harmonisation guidelines. Statistical analysis of the obtained results from the proposed and reference methods showed no significance difference between the two methods regarding accuracy and precision.

"1998 onwards, a span reporting 1000s of studies depicts the ever-increasing Schiff bases and their complexes applicability; this study genetically tests the research of the last 20 years. The variety of these molecules structural has made them obtainable for a so broad ambit for implementations of biological. They are eminent and because of this unique feature they find their position in the quantitative and qualitative calculation of metals in the aqueous medium. It demonstrated to be prominent catalysts and showed an enjoyable effect of fluorescence. Definitively, Schiff base fissures gotten situation of a unique during bio-experiments and in vitro to develop drugs with a large number of biological structures containing parasites, fungi, viruses, cancer cells, bacteria, etc.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of β-aescin against common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Materials and Methods: Agar well diffusion assay was used to determine the antibacterial activity of β-aescin against common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of β-aescin were evaluated by serial dilution method. Results: β-aescin led to significant antibacterial effects on the tested Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria compared to the negative control, P < 0.05 for K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa and P < 0.01 for E. coli, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus. On the other hand, β-aescin produced a comparable less antibacterial effect on K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa compared to the positive control, P < 0.01, whereas β-aescin illustrated a comparable effect with that of the positive control on Gram-positive S. epidermidis, P = 0.05. Furthermore, β-aescin illustrated a concentration-dependent antibacterial effect against Gram-positive S. epidermidis and S. aureus compared to the different concentrations, P < 0.01. MIC and MBC of β-aescin were high for Gram-negative bacteria and low for Gram-positive bacteria compared to MIC of the positive control. Conclusions: β-aescin is an effective antibacterial herb mainly against Gram-positive S. epidermidis and S. aureus in a concentration-dependent manner.

A new and sensitive potentiometric method has been developed and characterized for four novel sensors responsive to ondansetron hydrochloride. The potentiometric sensor method includes advancement of ondansetron hydrochloride sensors using a membrane comprised of molybdophosphoric acid (MPA) and ondansetron as an electro-active material in a polyvinylchloride (PVC) matrix membrane plasticized with di-butyl phthalate (DBPH), ortho-nitrophenyloctyl ether (O-NPOE), di-octyl phthalate (DOPH), or di-butyl phosphate (DBP). The validity of sensors in the present work has been examined, and steady and reproducible responses were obtained over the concentration ranges of 7.3 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−2, 6.6 × 10−6 to 1.0 × 10−2, 1.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−2, and 2.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−2 M for DBPH-, O-NPOE-, DOPH-, and DBP-ondansetron, respectively. The sensors revealed Nernstian gradients of 59.61 ± 0.50, 57.71 ± 0.23, 53.01 ± 0.14, and 53.20 ± 0.35 mV per decade individually with pH ranges of 2.5–5.5 in DBPH and 3.5–5.0 in O-NPOE electrodes, and 4.0–5.5 for both individual DOPH and DBP plasticized film-based sensors. The time responses for the sensors were 30, 32, 31, and 29 s for DBPH-, O-NPOE-, DOPH-, and DBP-ondansetron, respectively. The developed sensors also exhibited high selectivity towards ondansetron hydrochloride against different interfering species of inorganic particles with long-term stability of approximately 41, 36, 18, and multiple days for the DBPH, O-NPOE, DOPH, and DBP electrodes.

Porphyrins are a unique class of biocompatible molecules with strong light absorption and rich coordination chemistry, leading to their use as chelating agents in applications such as biomedical im...

In recent years, 18F-Sodium Fluoride (NaF)-PET/CT has seen its role in the detection and management of osteoporosis increase. This article reviews the extent of this application in the literature, its efficacy compared with other comparable imaging tools, and how total-body PET/CT combined with global disease assessment can revolutionize measurement of total osteoporotic disease activity. NaF-PET/CT eventually can be the modality of choice for metabolic bone disorders, especially with these advances in technology and computation.

Effective waste concrete recycling is desirable from the viewpoints of environmental protection and extending the working lives of waste concrete final disposal sites. Recycled fine aggregate powders (RFAP) were obtained by milling waste concrete, and in this paper, we attempted to use RFAP as reinforcement particles in a polyethylene (PE) composite material. The PE powder and RFAP were blended together, and composites were fabricated using compression molding. Our results showed that the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the created composites improved with increased RFAP content. The RFAP dispersion state was honeycomb-like in the composite material, and from inspecting the specimen side view after three-point bending tests, it was apparent that crack propagation proceeded into the RFAP part of the composite, between PE particles. We then performed elastic stress analysis on the composites, in order to define the RFAP reinforcing behavior, using finite element analysis based on the homogenization method. As a result, it was revealed that the Mises stress decreased with increased RFAP content, confirming that there is a potential role for RFAP as reinforcement particles in PE-based composites.

Background: Due to the heating of amino acids with edible oils to high temperatures, different amounts of acrylamide are produced. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the level of acrylamide in the tahdig of bread and tahdig of potato prepared with the common liquid and solid edible oils, including sunflower, corn, canola, frying oil and solid oils. Methods: The tahdig of bread and potato was prepared under the same temperature and time with different oils. Acrylamide isolation was performed on a solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge and acrylamide was determined using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The highest amount of acrylamide was obtained with sunflower oil in the tahdig of potato (194.091 mg/Kg) and the lowest amount of acrylamide was obtained with solid oil in the tahdig of bread (48.54 mg/Kg). For all the oils, the acrylamide content of the tahdig of potato was higher than bread. Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrated the involvement of the kind of oils in the formation of acrylamide in the tahdig of bread.

This research aims to study the effect of replacing fat with avocado puree or powder on the sensory, rheological, physical and chemical properties of the cup cake. Results of sensory evaluation of cup cake samples which prepared from avocado puree or powder showed no significant differences at (P

The Lower Anayari Catchment (LAC) groundwater system of the upper east region contributes substantially to the populace’s socioeconomic development. LAC is well distinguished for intense farming activities. This study sought to assess the quality and processes/activities that impact on the groundwater chemistry in the catchment. Forty-one (41) samples, comprising boreholes and hand-dug wells were sampled from six (6) prime communities (Kulwase, Manyoro, Mirigu, Nakolo, Paga and Pungu) for physico-chemical and stable isotopes analysis. Hydrochemistry, ionic ratios, principal component analysis (PCA), geostatistics and stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) approaches were applied to construe the hydrogeochemistry of the groundwater system. Utilizing PCA and geostatistics, two factors controlling groundwater quality were depicted as; (a) V1- the dissolution of silicate minerals and (b) V2- agrochemicals/domestic waste. Piper Trilinear plot identified two hydrochemical facies, namely, Ca-Na-HCO3 and Na-Ca-HCO3. Cation exchange processes and silicate weathering/dissolutions are main drivers of the groundwater chemistry. Stable isotopes suggests groundwater in LAC is mainly of meteoric origin and a well-mixed system. However, few deviations of groundwater isotopic signatures from GMWL were observed suggesting evaporation before recharge or recharge occurring from an enriched source.

Pollution of water bodies in most developing countries is of grave concern since toxic pollutants interact with the genetic blueprints of aquatic organisms leading to a variety of illnesses. In this study, histological changes in the gills, liver and kidney as well as the genotoxic effect of water sample from Apodu reservoir, were investigated in the peripheral erythrocytes of cultured catfish (Clarias gariepinus) using micronucleus assay. They were exposed to the water sample for a period of 3, 7 and 14 days. The physico-chemical (pH, temperature, transparency) and heavy metals analysed (Ca>Mg>Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Ni=Pb=Cd=Cr) were all within the acceptable limit permissible. However, the micronucleus test shows statistically significant (p

In this work, a new mixed-ligand binuclear Co(II) complex of Schiff base was prepared. Moreover, the characterization of this prepared complex was performed by measurement of melting points, UV-Vis spectra, FT-IR spectra, and magnetic susceptibility measurements, and later compared with metal and ligand solutions. It has been discovered that the Schiff bases with Co(II) ion forms a binuclear complex with a stoichiometry of molar ratio 1:2 from “metal:ligand”. The photodecolorization of this complex was done under UV light for ZnO's suspension solution. The results of this photodecolorization showed that the greatest efficiency was obtained with the use of ZnO dose of 300 mg/100 mL and at an initial pH of 7. The decolorization activation energy for this complex is a small value of 11.289 kJ mol–1. Additionally, the thermodynamic study for this reaction is non-spontaneous, endothermic and less random.

Titanium dioxide is an important metal oxide semiconductor (MOSs) used in many electronic applications, the most famous of which are gas sensor applications. This review discusses the techniques used for preparing the TiO2 thin films and the effect of the crystalline phases in which this compound forms, on the gas sensing properties. There are three phases to crystallize titanium dioxides, brookite, anatase, and rutile phase. Amongst these varied phases of crystal, the greatest steady main phase is rutile. The phase of anatase and brookite are usually more stable than the rutile phase as the surface energy of them is less than that of the rutile. Therefore, the applications of sensing by anatase TiO2 and rutile TiO2 were fully studied. TiO2 characterizations were established on surface reactions using oxidizing or reducing gases, which; therefore, influences the conductivity of the film. Titanium dioxide gas sensors have healthier steadiness and sensitivity at high temperature compared with that of the other metal oxides. Surveys on titanium dioxide thin film applied in gas sensor devices used in a varied range of applications such as sensor devices, dye-sensitized solar cells, and catalysis. The gas sensor is a function of the crystal structure, particle size, morphology, and the method of synthesis. In this work, characteristic of the titanium dioxide films investigated using various techniques, as reported by many researchers. The aim of this study was to review previous studies through which the best properties can obtained to manufacture TiO2 gas sensor thin films with high sensitivity.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized by a green method using the peels of Persimmon extract as the reducing agent , magnesium nitrate, and NaOH. This method is eco-friendly and non-toxic. In this study, an ultrasound device was used to reduce the particle size, with the impact on the energy gap was set at the beginning at 5.39 eV and then turned to 4.10 eV. The morphological analysis using atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that the grain size for MgO NPs was 67.70 nm which became 42.33 nm after the use of the ultrasound. The shape of the particles was almost spherical and became cylindrical. In addition the Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis showed that the average particle size was reduced and the spherical shape was changed into cylindrical flakes. The antibacterial activity of MgO Nps was measured against both gram positive and negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively) for both the synthesized and the scaled-down particles by the ultrasonic. MgO NPs showed an efficacy at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 500 μg/ml, with the better effect being observed after the ultrasonic treatment of the MgO NPs.

Salinity stress reduces growth and yield productivity of most crop plants. Potentiality of kinetin (Kn) and epi-brassinolide (EBL), either individually or combinedly in preventing the salinity (100 mM NaCl) stress mediated oxidative damage and photosynthetic inhibition was studied in Solanum lycopersicum. Combined application of Kn and EBL imparted much prominent impact on the growth, photosynthesis and metabolism of antioxidants, osmolytes and secondary metabolites. Synthesis of chlorophylls and carotenoids increased and the photosynthetic parameters like stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration and net photosynthesis were significantly improved due to application of Kn and EBL. Photosystem II functioning (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching and electron transport rate (ETR) improved significantly in Kn and EBL treated plants imparting significant decline in salinity induced non-photochemical quenching. Exogenous Kn and EBL effectively prevented the oxidative damage by significantly declining the generation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide under saline and non-saline conditions as reflected in lowered lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. Reduced oxidative damage in Kn and EBL treated plants was accompanied down-regulation of protease and lipoxygenase concomitant with up-regulation of the antioxidant system and the accumulation of compatible osmolytes. Treatment of Kn and EBL proved effective in enhancing the contents of redox homeostasis, ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione, and the secondary metabolites assisting the enzymatic antioxidant system in combating the salinity stress efficiently. Results suggest that combined application of Kn and EBL regulate growth and photosynthesis in tomato more effectively than their individual application through a probable regulatory crosstalk mechanism.