A comparative study on routing protocols for VANETs

Study of graphene incorporation into ZnO-PVA nanocomposites modified electrode for sensitive detection of cadmium

The presence of heavy metals often causes significant health risks, particularly cadmium, which is known for its high toxicity. In this study, a glassy carbon electrode was successfully modified by incorporating ZnO-PVA-Graphene nanocomposite, leveraging the excellent electrical properties and electron mobility of the material. Comprehensive material analysis, including XRD, confirmed that ZnO maintained its hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure despite the addition of graphene. Moreover, FESEM analysis showed that increasing graphene concentration led to a reduction in ZnO particle size by 85, 68, and 52 nm, respectively, accompanied by a decrease in band gap energy, as verified by UV-Vis measurements. Photoluminescence tests were also conducted and the result showed a noticeable blue shift in ZnO-PVA-Graphene nanocomposites compared to ZnO-PVA, specifically in the near band-edge (NBE) UV emission within the 374-379 nm wavelength range. Through I-V characterization, the optimal graphene concentration for cadmium detection was identified as 1.5 wt% in ZnO-PVA-Graphene nanocomposites, showing an approximate ohmic response. Meanwhile, square-wave voltammetry analysis of cadmium concentrations ranging from 0 to 80 ppm produced a coefficient of determination of 0.98926 and a Limit of Detection (LOD) of 9.88 ppm. These results showed the significant potential of ZnO-PVA-Graphene nanocomposites as a promising material for further development as an effective electrode modifier, enhancing the sensitivity of detection systems.

Recent progress in tannin and lignin blended metal oxides and metal sulfides as smart materials for electrochemical sensor applications

Our technologically advanced civilization has made sensors an essential component. They have potential uses in the pharmaceutical sector, clinical analysis, food quality control, environmental monitoring, and other areas. One of the most active fields of analytical chemistry research is the fabrication of electrochemical sensors. An intriguing area of electroanalytical chemistry is the modification of electrodes using polymeric films. Due to their benefits, which include high adhesion to the electrode surface, chemical stability of the coating, superior selectivity, sensitivity, and homogeneity in electrochemical deposition, polymer-modified electrodes have attracted a great deal of interest in the electroanalytical sector. Conducting polymers are an important material for sensing devices because of their fascinating features, which include high mechanical flexibility, electrical conductivity, and the capacity to be electrochemically converted between electronically insulating and conducting states. Tannin or lignin nanomaterials can be an inter-linker leading to flexible and functional polymeric networks. There is a continuing demand for fast and simple analytical methods for the determination of many clinically important biomarkers, food additives, environmental pollutants etc. This review in a comprehensive way summarizes and discusses the various metal oxide and sulfide-incorporated tannin and lignin scaffolds using electrochemical sensing and biosensing.

Association of quality of nursing care with violence load, burnout, and listening climate

BACKGROUND

Violence against nurses is common. Previous research has recommended further development of the measurement of violence against nurses and integration of the individual and ward-related factors that contribute to violence against hospital nurses. This study was designed to address these issues by investigating the associations between violence, the listening climate of hospital wards, professional burnout, and perceived quality of care. For this purpose, we used a new operationalization of the violence concept.

METHODS

We sought nurses to participate in the study through social media which yielded 765 nurses working in various healthcare systems across Israel who volunteered to complete a self-administered online questionnaire. 80% of the sample were hospital nurses, and 84.7% were female. The questionnaire included validated measures of burnout, listening climate, and quality of care. Instead of using the traditional binary measure of exposure to violence to capture the occurrence and comprehensive impact of violence, this study measured the incremental load of violence to which nurses are subjected.

RESULTS

There were significant correlations between violence load and perceived quality of care and between constructive and destructive listening climates and quality of care. Violence load contributed 14% to the variance of burnout and 13% to the variance of perceived quality of care. The ward listening climate moderated the relationship between burnout and quality of care.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study highlight the impact of violence load among nurses and the ward listening climate on the development of burnout and on providing quality care. The findings call upon policymakers to monitor violence load and allocate resources to foster supportive work environments to enhance nurse well-being and improve patient care outcomes.

Acid-activated corn silk as a promising phytosorbent for uptake of Malachite green and Cd (II) ion from simulated wastewater: equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

Malachite green (MG) dye and cadmium metal ion are toxic pollutants that should be removed from aqueous environment. The recent study aimed to examine the adsorption behavior of MG dye and Cd (II) from wastewater onto low-cost adsorbent prepared by activating corn silk with nitric acid (ACS) and characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, BET and TGA. The optimum MG and Cd (II) adsorption was observed at pH 7 and pH 9 and maximum uptake of both pollutants was at 0.5 g dosage, 60 mins contact time and 20 mg/L initial concentration. The retention of dye and metal ion by the studied adsorbent was best fit to Langmuir isotherm and Pseudo-second order kinetics. The maximum monolayer coverage capacity of ACS for MG dye and Cd (II) ion was 18.38 mg/g and 25.53 mg/g, respectively. Thermodynamic studies predicted a spontaneous reaction with exothermic process for MG dye whereas an endothermic and spontaneous process was confirmed for Cd ion based on estimated parameters. The adsorption mechanism of MG dye and Cd (II) uptake was by combination of electrostatic interaction, pore diffusion, ion exchange, pie-pie attraction, hydrogen bonding, and complexation. The adsorbed pollutants were effectively desorbed with significant regeneration efficiency after successive five cycles that proved the potential of low-cost biosorbent for selective sequestration of cationic dye and divalent metal ion from effluents.

Ethnobotanical survey on herbal remedies for the management of type 2 diabetes in the Casablanca-Settat region, Morocco

BACKGROUND

Morocco faces a substantial public health challenge due to diabetes mellitus, affecting 12.4% of adults in 2023. The Moroccan population makes extensive use of phytotherapy and traditional medicine to address the difficulties this chronic condition poses. The aim of this study is to document the use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine for managing type 2 diabetes in the provinces of the Casablanca-Settat region.

METHODS

The study employed a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection. A study was conducted between August 1st and September 30th, 2023, and 244 individuals diagnosed with diabetes were invited to take part in the research, all of whom used at least one medicinal plant to manage type 2 diabetes, by visiting primary healthcare facilities in Morocco. The analysis included the use of Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) to scrutinize the data.

RESULTS

A total of 47 plant species belonging to 25 families were documented. Notably, the Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae families were frequently mentioned in the context of treating type 2 diabetes in Morocco. Prominent among the cited plant species were Sesamum indicum L., Lepidium sativum L., followed by Foeniculum vulgare Mill., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Seeds emerged as the plant part most commonly mentioned, with infusion being the prevailing preparation method and oral consumption being the most frequently depicted method of administration.

CONCLUSION

This research underscores the practicality of incorporating traditional medicine into the healthcare framework of the Casablanca-Settat region. The findings not only offer valuable documentation but also have a vital function in safeguarding knowledge regarding the utilization of medicinal plants in this locality. Moreover, they provide opportunities to delve deeper into the phytochemical and pharmacological potential of these plants.

Application of UHPLC-MS/MS method to monitor the occurrence of sulfonamides and their transformation products in soil in Silesia, Poland

Sulfonamides circulating in the environment lead to disturbances in food chains and local ecosystems, but most importantly contribute to development of resistance genes, which generate problems with multidrug-resistant bacterial infections treatment. In urban areas, sources of sulfonamide distribution in soils have received comparatively less attention in contrast to rural regions, where animal-derived manure, used as a natural fertilizer, is considered the main source. The aim of this study was to determine eight sulfonamides (sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfapyridine, sulfathiazole, and sulfisoxazole) in environmental soil samples collected from urbanized regions in Silesian Voivodeship with increased animal activity. These soils were grouped according to the organic carbon content. It was necessary to develop versatile and efficient extraction and determination method to analyze selected sulfonamides in various soil types. The developed LC-MS/MS method for sulfonamides analyzing was validated. The obtained recoveries exceeded 45% for soil with medium organic carbon content and 88% for sample with a very low organic carbon content (arenaceous quartz). The obtained results show the high impact of organic matter on analytes adsorption in soil, which influences recovery. All eight sulfa drugs were determined in environmental samples in the concentration range 1.5-10.5 ng g-1. The transformation products of the analytes were also identified, and 29 transformation products were detected in 24 out of 27 extracts from soil samples.

Assessment of hydrogeochemistry in groundwater using water quality index model and indices approaches

Groundwater resources around the world required periodic monitoring in order to ensure the safe and sustainable utilization for humans by keeping the good status of water quality. However, this could be a daunting task for developing countries due to the insufficient data in spatiotemporal resolution. Therefore, this research work aimed to assess groundwater quality in terms of drinking and irrigation purposes at the adjacent part of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) in Bangladesh. For the purposes of achieving the aim of this study, nine groundwater samples were collected seasonally (dry and wet season) and seventeen hydro-geochemical indicators were analyzed, including Temperature (Temp.), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total alkalinity (TA), total hardness (TH), total organic carbon (TOC), bicarbonate (HCO3-), chloride (Cl-), phosphate (PO43-), sulfate (SO42-), nitrite (NO2-), nitrate (NO3-), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). The present study utilized the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment water quality index (CCME-WQI) model to assess water quality for drinking purposes. In addition, nine indices including EC, TDS, TH, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percent sodium (Na%), permeability index (PI), Kelley's ratio (KR), magnesium hazard ratio (MHR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), and Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) were used in this research for assessing the water quality for irrigation purposes. The computed mean CCME-WQI score found higher during the dry season (ranges 48 to 74) than the wet season (ranges 40 to 65). Moreover, CCME-WQI model ranked groundwater quality between the "poor" and "marginal" categories during the wet season implying unsuitable water for human consumption. Like CCME-WQI model, majority of the irrigation index also demonstrated suitable water for crop cultivation during dry season. The findings of this research indicate that it requires additional care to improve the monitoring programme for protecting groundwater quality in the RNPP area. Insightful information from this study might be useful as baseline for national strategic planners in order to protect groundwater resources during the any emergencies associated with RNPP.

Cereal bran proteins: recent advances in extraction, properties, and applications

The projected global population is expected to reach around 9.7 billion by 2050, indicating a greater demand for proteins in the human diet. Cereal bran proteins (CBPs) have been identified as high-quality proteins, with potential applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. In 2020, global cereal grain production was 2.1 billion metric tonnes, including wheat, rice, corn, millet, barley, and oats. Cereal bran, obtained through milling, made up 10-20% of total cereal grain production, varying by grain type and milling degree. In this article, the molecular composition and nutritional value of CBPs are summarized, and recent advances in their extraction and purification are discussed. The functional properties of CBPs are then reviewed, including their solubility, binding, emulsifying, foaming, gelling, and thermal properties. Finally, current challenges to the application of CBPs in foods are highlighted, such as the presence of antinutritional factors, low digestibility, and allergenicity, as well as potential strategies to improve the nutritional and functional properties by overcoming these challenges. CBPs exhibit nutritional and functional attributes that are similar to those of other widely used plant-based protein sources. Thus, CBPs have considerable potential for use as ingredients in food, pharmaceutical, and other products.

Selection of new sweetpotato hybrids for West Africa using accelerated breeding scheme and genotype × environment interaction under drought stress

West Africa is a dry region and drought tolerant sweetpotato cultivar was not reported. The objective of this study was to develop higher yielding drought tolerant sweetpotato hybrids following accelerated breeding scheme (ABS), and study G × E interaction. During advanced yield trial, the assessment of clones was conducted in six locations: four in Niger and two in Nigeria. Data were collected on storage root yield (SRY), harvest index (HI) and root dry matter content (DMC). Twenty-three hybrids were evaluated under drought and irrigation. Terminal drought was imposed. SAS and GenStat softwares were used for analyses. Based on drought susceptibility index (DSI), drought tolerant expression (DTE) and HI, clones 4 × 5 - 3, 9 × 7 - 1, 5 × 9 - 2, 3 × 6 - 2, and 3 × 12 - 3 were the best in SRY under drought stress and well-watered in combined data. Using AMMI stability value (ASV) and stability cultivar superiority (SCS), results revealed that the most superior cultivars were unstable. Clones 12 × 5 - 1 and 9 × 10 - 1 were recommended under drought for SRY stability combined with high DMC and high total carotene (TC). Under irrigation, the 13 × 8 - 2 is good candidate for stability across all locations combined with high DMC and medium TC, while clone 4 × 3 - 2, 13 × 8 - 2, 4 × 6 - 2 and 6 × 8 - 5 were stable SRY with high DMC. Therefore, these hybrids could be evaluated at on-farm trials to release the best to farmers.

An innovative traffic light recognition method using vehicular ad-hoc networks

Car congestion is a pressing issue for everyone on the planet. Car congestion can be caused by accidents, traffic lights, rapid accelerations, deceleration, and hesitation of drivers, as well as a small low-carrying capacity road without bridges. Increasing road width and constructing roundabouts and bridges are solutions to car congestion, but the cost is significant. TLR (traffic light recognition) reduces accidents and traffic congestion caused by traffic lights (TLs). Image processing with convolutional neural network (CNN) lakes dealing with harsh weather. A semi-automatic annotation for traffic light detection employs a global navigation satellite system, raising the cost of automobiles. Data was not collected in harsh conditions, and tracking was not supported. Integrated channel feature tracking (ICFT) combines detection and tracking, but it does not support sharing information with neighbors. This study used vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) for VANET traffic light recognition (VTLR). Information exchange as well as monitoring of the TL status, time remaining before a change, and recommended speeds are supported. Based on testing, it has been determined that VTLR performs better than semi-automatic annotation, image processing with CNN, and ICFT in terms of delay, success ratio, and the number of detections per second.

Ingestion of rubber tips of artificial turf fields by goldfish

Marine microplastics are one of the global environmental issues. The present study examined whether rubber tips of artificial sports fields could be marine microplastics. We observed the migration of rubber tips from the artificial turf field to the surrounding ditch connected to sewer pipes and then examined the ingestion of rubber tips using the goldfish Carassius auratus. The rubber tips found in sediments in the ditch suggest that the rubber tips could be sent to the river and released into the ocean. The goldfish ingested rubber tips with or without fish feed, and rubber tips were found in the intestine. However, the fish discharged the rubber tips within 48 h after ingestion. These results indicate that ingestion of the rubber tips was not accidental but an active behavior. Therefore, artificial turf sports fields could be a source of marine microplastics and may cause hazardous effects on wild fishes through ingestion.

A Comparative Analysis of Technical Efficiency and Profitability of Agribusiness and Non-Agribusiness Enterprises in Eastern DRC

The purpose of this study was to determine whether agribusiness could be competitive compared to non-agribusiness employment opportunities in terms of technical efficiency and profitability. We used data collected on all seven operating cassava community processing centers (CCPCs) and 150 comparable non-agribusiness enterprises in South Kivu province. A Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), as well as cost–benefit ratios and net monthly revenue, were used to examine technical efficiency and profitability. Our results showed that agribusiness was more competitive than non-agribusiness in terms of technical efficiency and profitability. The cost–benefit ratio shows that every dollar invested in agribusiness earns investors US $2.8, while it earns investors in non-agribusiness US $2.1. Moreover, technical efficiency increases significantly with agribusiness. These results show that agribusiness can compete with other non-agribusiness activities, and it remains a solution to youth unemployment in the region.

Growth patterns and clinical outcomes in association with breastfeeding duration in HIV exposed and unexposed infants: a cohort study in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and breastfeeding with complementary feeds until 12 months for HIV exposed and uninfected (HEU) infants or 24 months for HIV unexposed (HU) infants is the current World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation for low and middle income countries (LMICs) to improve clinical outcomes and growth trajectories in infants. In a post-hoc evaluation of HEU and HU cohorts, we examine growth patterns and clinical outcomes in the first 9 months of infancy in association with breastfeeding duration.

Methods

Two cohorts of infants, HEU and HU from a low-socioeconomic township in South Africa, were evaluated from birth until 9 months of age. Clinical, anthropometric and infant feeding data were analysed. Standard descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed to determine the effect of HIV exposure and breastfeeding duration on growth and clinical outcomes.

Results

Included in this secondary analysis were 123 HEU and 157 HU infants breastfed for a median of 26 and 14 weeks respectively. Median WLZ score was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in HEU than HU infants at 3, 6 and 9 months (− 0.19 vs 2.09; − 0.81 vs 0.28; 0.05 vs 0.97 respectively). The median LAZ score was significantly lower among HU infants at 3 and 6 months (− 1.63 vs 0.91, p < 0.001; − 0.37 vs 0.51, p < 0.01) and a significantly higher proportion of HU was classified as stunted (LAZ < -2SD) at 3 and 6 months (3.9% vs 44.9%, p < 0.001; 4.8% vs 20.9%, p < 0.001 respectively) independent of breastfeeding duration. A higher proportion of HEU infants experienced one or more episodes of skin rash (44.5% vs 12.8%) and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (30.1% vs 10.9%) (p < 0.0001). In a multivariable analysis, the odds of occurrence of wasting, skin rash, URTI or any clinical adverse event in HEU infants were 2.86, 7.06, 3.01 and 8.89 times higher than HU infants after adjusting for breastfeeding duration.

Conclusion

Our study has generated additional evidence that HEU infants are at substantial risk of infectious morbidity and decreased growth trajectories however we have further demonstrated that these adverse outcomes were independent of breastfeeding duration.

Biological Activities of Snowdrop (Galanthus spp., Family Amaryllidaceae)

Snowdrop is an iconic early spring flowering plant of the genus Galanthus (Amaryllidaceae). Galanthus species (Galanthus spp.) are economically important plants as ornaments. Galanthus spp has gained significance scientific and commercial interest due to the discovery of Galanthamine as symptomatic treatment drug for Alzhiermer disease. This review aims to discuss the bioactivities of Galanthus spp including anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer potential of the extracts and chemical constituents of Galanthus spp. This review highlights that Galanthus spp. as the exciting sources for drug discovery and nutraceutical development.

Empowerment and health care access barriers among currently married women in Myanmar

BACKGROUND

Although Myanmar is moving to attain UHC in 2030, health care utilization indicators are still low, especially among women. Women's health outcomes are determined by the lack of access to health care, and many factors influence this condition. The objective of the present work was to identify the association between women's empowerment and barriers to accessing health care among currently married women in Myanmar.

METHOD

We performed a secondary analysis using the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16), including 7759 currently married women aged 15-49 years. The outcome variable, barriers to accessing health care, were asked about in terms of whether the respondent faced barriers to getting permission to go, getting money to go, the distance to the health facility, and not wanting to go alone. The variables were recoded into zero, one, and more than one barrier. After performing the exploratory factor analysis for women's empowerment indicators (decision-making power and disagreement to justification to wife-beating), a multinomial logistic regression was carried out.

RESULTS

Among currently married women, 48% experienced no barriers when accessing health care services, 21.9% had one barrier, and 30.1% had more than one barrier. After the exploratory factor analysis, scores were recoded into three levels. Women with low and middle empowerment had 1.5 odds (AOR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2-1.8) and 1.5 odds (AOR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3-1.9), respectively, to have barriers to accessing health care when compared to those with high empowerment for one barrier group. For the women who had more than one barrier, women with low empowerment were 1.4 times more likely (AOR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.7) to experience barriers in comparison to women with high empowerment. The barriers were seen to be reduced in the case of women who had a high level of education, had fewer children, came from rich households, and lived in urban areas.

CONCLUSION

When women are more empowered, they tend to face fewer barriers when accessing health care services. This finding could contribute to the policy formulation for reducing health inequity issues by increasing women's empowerment.

An updated review of idiopathic osteosclerosis of the jaws

Objective

: The aim of this study was to update the concepts of the diagnosis of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) of the jaws by digital panoramic radiographs and cone beam tomography and describe the impact of this disease on oral and general health.

Methods

A search of the main databases of dental medical research was carried out using the search terms "osteosclerosis, panoramic radiography, cone beam computed tomography, jaws". Articles without language restriction until September 30, 2020 were identified. The prevalence and clinical and radiographic characteristics of IO of the jaws were examined in 2D and 3D imaging studies, as well as the interaction during treatments in the various dental specialties.

Results

We analyzed the current situation regarding the diagnosis of IO, with an update of the diagnostic criteria used to accurately identify IO in the latest generation imaging studies, as well determine its possible interactions in oral an general health.

Conclusions

It is important to have a clear differential diagnosis of IO and be able to distinguish different radiopacities in the maxilla. Accurate reporting and monitoring of the morphometric characteristics are necessary taking into account the impact the presence of IO of the jaws has on future dental treatments.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) as a potential source of bioactive substances and their biological properties

Sorghum is the fifth cereal most produced in the world after wheat, rice, maize, and barley. In some regions, this crop is replacing maize, due to its high yield, resistance to drought and heat. There are several varieties of sorghum, whose coloration varies from cream, lemon-yellow, red, and even black. Pigmented sorghum grain is a rich source of antioxidants like polyphenols, mainly tannins, which have multiple benefits on human health such as, antiproliferative properties associated with the prevention of certain cancers, antioxidant activities related to the prevention of associated diseases to oxidative stress, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, it also improves glucose metabolism. Despite having these types of compounds, it is not possible to assimilate them, their use in the food industry has been limited, since sorghum is considered a food of low nutritional value, due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors such as strong tannins which form complexes with proteins and iron, thus reducing their digestibility. Based on these restrictions that this product has had as food for humans, the analysis of this review emphasizes the valorization of sorghum as a source of bioactive substances and the importance they confer on human health because of the biological potential it has.

Heavy metal pollution and risk assessment by the battery of toxicity tests

The current study was carried out on dominant fish Oreochromis niloticus and water collected from the polluted Yamuna River, Agra, India. The heavy metals in water, recorded as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd and all were found to be above the prescribed limits. According to metal pollution index, exposed muscle (49.86), kidney (47.68) and liver (45.26) have been recorded to have higher bioaccumulation. The blood biochemical analysis of exposed O. niloticus indicated significant increase in activities of aspartate aminotransferase (+ 343.5%), alkaline phosphatase (+ 673.6%), alanine aminotransferase (+ 309.1%), and creatinine (+ 494.3%) over the reference. However, a significant decrease in albumin (A): globulins (G) ratio (− 87.86%) was observed. Similarly, the exposed fish also showed significant increase in total leucocyte count (+ 121%), differential leucocyte count, respiratory burst (+ 1175%), and nitric oxide synthase (+ 420%). The histological examination of liver and kidney showed tissue injury. Moreover, micronuclei (0.95%), kidney shaped nuclei (1.2%), and lobed nuclei (0.6%) along with DNA damage in the form of mean tail length in the liver (20.7 µm) and kidney (16.5 µm) was observed in the exposed O. niloticus. Potential health risk assessments based on estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, hazard index, and target cancer risk indicated health risks associated with the consumption of these contaminated fishes. In conclusion, the present study showed that exposure to heavy metals contaminated water can alter immunological response; induce histopathological alterations and DNA damage in the studied fish. The consumption of this contaminated water or fish could have serious impact on human health.