Background:The use of skincare cosmetics can enhance human skin integrity,appearance,and conditions.However,consumers nowadays are quite concerned about the efficacy of skincare cosmetics,particularly those with antio...Background:The use of skincare cosmetics can enhance human skin integrity,appearance,and conditions.However,consumers nowadays are quite concerned about the efficacy of skincare cosmetics,particularly those with antioxidant properties that can improve skin tone and skin health.Previous studies also reported that volatile organic compounds(VOCs)in skincare cosmetics could have beneficial effects on human skin.Objective:This research aims to evaluate the antioxidant properties of CHARMS^(TM)skincare cosmetics as well as to investigate the presence of VOCs that could influence their skin tone improvement properties.Material and methods:The CHARMS^(TM)products used were cleanser,toner,essence,serum,moisturizer,scrub,and night cream.The skin tone improvement was assessed on 20 female volunteers’facial skin by using a colorimeter.The antioxidant properties were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)free radical scavenging assay,total phenolic content(TPC),and total flavonoid content(TFC).Meanwhile,the VOCs were measured using an electronic nose based on gas chromatography(e-nose-GC).Results:The findings show that skin tone was improved significantly by 3.23%in which the skin becomes lighter while skin redness was reduced by 5.75%after using the CHARMS^(TM)skincare cosmetics.The results also show that the cleanser(21.55±0.23%)and the serum(23.60±0.19%)had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity.Contrarily,the moisturizer exhibited the highest TPC value(324.14±17.47 mg GAE/g),and the cleanser had the highest TFC value(24.68±1.57 mg QE/g).The VOCs detected in these skincare cosmetics such as limonene andγ-terpinene may have skin-lightening effects.Conclusion:It can be concluded that the tested products from CHARMS^(TM)skincare cosmetics comply with the standard regulations and guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia and can be used effectively as a daily skincare routine.展开更多
The electrochemical reduction reaction of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)-ERR)holds tremendous potential as a key approach for achieving carbon neutrality by harnessing renewable resources.However,the current state of CO_(2)-ER...The electrochemical reduction reaction of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)-ERR)holds tremendous potential as a key approach for achieving carbon neutrality by harnessing renewable resources.However,the current state of CO_(2)-ERR encounters challenges in terms of efficiency and selectivity.Overcoming these obstacles requires the development of a robust electrocatalyst capable of enhancing process efficiency and improving selectivity towards desired products.In recent years,2D materials have garnered significant attention as efficient catalysts.Among them,MXene stands out of high interest due to unique multilayered structure and presence of surface functional moieties.The MXene material offers high electrical conductivity,versatile surface chemistry,and tunable interface designs.This comprehensive review explores the utilization of MXene-based catalysts for CO_(2)-ERR into valuable products.It covers fundamental aspects of electrochemical conversion,including CO_(2)adsorption on MXene Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x),the mechanism of CO_(2)-ERR on MXene(Mo_(2)CS_(2))single-atom catalysts,applications,synthesis methods of MXene production,and future prospects.Additionally,the review highlights the significance of modern artificial intelligence techniques,particularly machine learning,in screening and activating CO_(2),making it a pioneering scientific endeavor.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the efficacy of Eleutherine bulbosa(Mill.)Urb.bulb extract(EBE)on the 3D human retinoblastoma cancer cells(WERI-Rb-1)spheroids and explore its apoptotic mechanism.METHODS:The 3D WERI-Rb-1 and human ...AIM:To investigate the efficacy of Eleutherine bulbosa(Mill.)Urb.bulb extract(EBE)on the 3D human retinoblastoma cancer cells(WERI-Rb-1)spheroids and explore its apoptotic mechanism.METHODS:The 3D WERI-Rb-1 and human retinal pigmented epithelium cells(ARPE-19)spheroids were developed using type 1 murine collagen that was excised from the rat tail tendon and cultured via hanging drop and embedded techniques.The cytotoxic activity was examined by Alamar blue assay meanwhile,the morphological characteristics were assessed by 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole(DAPI)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The mRNA and protein expressions of apoptotic and antioxidant signal transduction pathways were explored to ascertain its molecular mechanisms.The statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism.RESULTS:The Alamar blue assay portrayed higher half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)values of EBE and cisplatin on 3D WERI-Rb-1 model as compared to the previous study on 2D model.The results of DAPI and SEM illustrated apoptotic features upon treatment with EBE and cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner on 3D WERI-Rb-1 model.The mRNA and protein levels of apoptotic and antioxidant-related pathways were significantly affected by EBE and cisplatin,respectively(P<0.05).The regulation of gene and protein expressions of 3D WERI-Rb-1 spheroids differed from the 2D study,suggesting that the tumor microenvironment of extracellular matrix(ECM)collagen matrix hindered the EBE treatment efficacy,leading to apoptotic evasion.CONCLUSION:A significant inhibition effect of EBE is observed on the 3D WERI-Rb-1 spheroids.The presence of ECM causes an increase in cytotoxic resistance upon treatment with EBE and cisplatin.展开更多
Since anemia is one of the most skyrocketed public health problems worldwide, an investigation has thus been conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among the pregnant women receiving anten...Since anemia is one of the most skyrocketed public health problems worldwide, an investigation has thus been conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among the pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, Bangladesh. Facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 pregnant women at Fatima hospital, Bangladesh from February to April, 2019. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire and participant’s current medical record card. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with anemia and a P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significance. The overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was 58.9% (226/384). Out of 226 anemic pregnant mothers, 36.3% (82/226) were mildly anemic, 62.4% (141/226) were moderately anemic and 1.3% (3/384) was severely anemic. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the following variables were significantly associated with anemia: Monthly family income (11,000 - 20,000 Taka) [AOR (95% CI) = 0.45 (0.21 - 0.98)], Family size (joint) [AOR (95% CI) = 1.59 (1.03 - 2.45)], Gestational age (third trimester) [AOR (95% CI) = 2.18 (1.40 - 3.40)], birth spacing < 2 years [AOR (95% CI) = 2.87 (1.51 - 5.44)], Excessive blood loss during previous surgery (Yes) [AOR (95% CI) = 2.08 (1.14 - 4.17)], Food group eaten 24 hours (1 - 4 groups) [AOR (95% CI) = 3.43 (1.84 - 6.39)], Breakfast regularly (No) [AOR (95% CI) = 3.64 (1.36 - 9.75)]. The results obtained showed that the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is severe at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, Bangladesh.展开更多
Metabolic changes together with cardiovascular and hepatic factors are related to the development of diseases like myocardial lipidosis,heart disease,and profound toxicity.The aim of this animal study is to determine ...Metabolic changes together with cardiovascular and hepatic factors are related to the development of diseases like myocardial lipidosis,heart disease,and profound toxicity.The aim of this animal study is to determine the effects of high erucic acid containing rapeseed oil(Brassica napus L.)varieties on liver,kidney and heart muscles in Wistar rats.Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups where each group containing four rats.Group A was considered as control diet group,while Group B rapeseed wild oil group and Group C rapeseed hybrid oil group were considered as experimental diet groups.The levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)and creatinine of two experimental groups were significantly elevated while compared to the control groups(p<0.05–0.001).Nevertheless,an increment in weight retardation(p<0.05)was also observed in rapeseed hybrid oil treated groups.No significant weight retardation found in other two groups(p>0.05).Noticeable tissue injury observed in this study is a sign of the relative toxicity of erucic acid containing rapeseed oil to mammalian species.The use of Brassica napus as a supplementary feed ingredient should be,therefore,thoroughly considered.展开更多
This study investigates the suction and magnetic field effects on the two-dimensional nanofluid flow through a stretching/shrinking sheet at the stagnation point in the porous medium with thermal radiation.The governi...This study investigates the suction and magnetic field effects on the two-dimensional nanofluid flow through a stretching/shrinking sheet at the stagnation point in the porous medium with thermal radiation.The governing partial differential equations(PDEs)are converted into ordinary differential equations(ODEs)using the similarity transformation.The resulting ODEs are then solved numerically by using the bvp4c solver in MATLAB software.It was found that dual solutions exist for the shrinking parameter values up to a certain range.The numerical results obtained are compared,and the comparison showed a good agreement with the existing results in the literature.The governing parameters’effect on the velocity,temperature and nanoparticle fraction fields as well as the skin friction coefficient,the local Nusselt number and the Sherwood number are represented graphically and analyzed.The variation of the velocity,temperature and concentration increase with the increase in the suction and magnetic field parameters.It seems that the thermal radiation effect has increased the local Sherwood number while the local Nusselt number is reduced with it.展开更多
Civil construction has high demand for new procedures and technologies capable of generating better results in numerous situations throughout the process.Nowadays,cavities in urban areas are commonly used due to the i...Civil construction has high demand for new procedures and technologies capable of generating better results in numerous situations throughout the process.Nowadays,cavities in urban areas are commonly used due to the implantation of commercial and residential developments with more than two floors,seeking a better use of the nobler areas of the big cities.In geotechnical terms,the filling of these cavities,with the local soil,especially in the Federal District,lateritic soils,can represent additional efforts for the structures and foundations and lead to a compromise of the technical and functional performance of the same,compromising the efficiency and the economy of the enterprise.In this sense,this research evaluates the mechanical behavior of the mixtures,using GEO5 Software,Containment Design and Verification Modules,presenting an alternative to fill cavities in urban regions,with a mixture of material with lower specific density in relation to the soil Natural.Proctor Normal compression tests,simple direct shear saturation and sample expansibility were performed.The results showed a reduction of 38%in the strength of the reinforced concrete curtain,as well as a 25%reduction in maximum bending moments and 31%in maximum shear forces,and a reduction of about 32%in the displacements of the structure to the soil with addition of expanded vermiculite for tests obtained in the saturated condition.For the compositions of cement soil,expanded vermiculite soil and soil cement and expanded vermiculite,the deformations were of the order of 0.3%,0.4%and 0.2%,respectively.展开更多
Plantain (</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Musa spp</span></i><i><span style="...Plantain (</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Musa spp</span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.) constitute</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">s</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> an essential food crop in both tropical and subtropical areas. The staple’s nutritional value and provitamin A carotenoid potential has attracted more interest and usage. </span><a name="_Hlk56239143"></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Plantain (</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Musa spp</span></i></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.) optimization into food recipes has been identified to increase patronage and minimises food wastage, due to the fruit’s (pulp) high perishability nature. In this study, local over ripe plantain (</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Musa spp</span></i></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.) was sampled and used in a beverage production. The beverage was processed from pureed ripe plantain, by three days fermentation of the pureed plantain mixture, boiling, and spicing, preservation with syrup, storage, and usage. The product’s processing was followed with a sensory evaluation of the new beverage on taste, appearance, color, flavour, and overall acceptability. Majority of the respondents indicated the new product was good and was well accepted. T</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">he research sought to create food diversity, encourage more usage of the crop and to highlight the nutritional values of plantain (</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Musa spp</span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.) which is particularly high in provitamin A carotenoid to address Vitamin A deficiency in low resource setting communities.展开更多
Extended-spectrum <i>β</i>-lactamase (ESBL) appeared some years after the introduction in hospital environment of unhydrolysable or extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Several studies have been reported on ...Extended-spectrum <i>β</i>-lactamase (ESBL) appeared some years after the introduction in hospital environment of unhydrolysable or extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Several studies have been reported on the blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV genes in ESBL producing Enterobacteria, however, very few studies reported in the literature were related to blaCTX-M subgroup blaTOHO. TOHO enzymes were responsible for healthcare-associated infections in hospitals and in the community. In Burkina Faso, data related to these types of enzymes were scarce. The purpose of this study was to detect TOHO enzymes in <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> in order to know the prevalence of infections related to bacterial resistance due to TOHO enzymes at Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). The study was conducted firstly by microbiological identification of ESBLs-producing by <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> using API 20 E gallery;secondly the antibiogram was performed by the diffusion method and finally the molecular characterization was made by conventional PCR to search for the blaTOHO gene. The visualization of the specific bands was made using the ultraviolet lamp (Gene Flash) for the photography of the gels. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel 2013 and EPI Info version 6.0 software. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. We obtained at all 39 strains constituted by 21 (53.8%) <i>Escherichia coli</i> and 18 (46.2%) <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>. Molecular characterization showed the presence of the blaTOHO gene in 25 bacterial strains (64.1%). It was therefore established in this study the existence of blaTOHO gene at Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Our study made it possible to know the distribution of the blaTOHO gene in <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>.展开更多
Background:Fucoxanthin,a carotenoid derived from brown seaweeds,has gained attention as a promising ingredient in skincare due to its antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,anti-aging,and photoprotective properties.Objective:T...Background:Fucoxanthin,a carotenoid derived from brown seaweeds,has gained attention as a promising ingredient in skincare due to its antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,anti-aging,and photoprotective properties.Objective:This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the cosmeceutical potential of fucoxanthin,summarizing findings from in vitro and in vivo studies,as well as clinical trials.Methods:A systematic review(2000–2023)using PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and Google Scholar identified studies on fucoxanthin's anti-aging and skin-related properties.Following a three-phase screening process(titles,abstracts,and full-text evaluation),14 relevant studies were selected—9 in vitro and 5 in vivo/clinical—exploring fucoxanthin's effects in cosmetics and skincare.Key outcomes,including effects on oxidative stress,collagen synthesis,melanin production,and skin health,were analyzed.Results:The results from nine in vitro studies showed that fucoxanthin effectively reduces oxidative stress,enhances procollagen synthesis,inhibits matrix metalloproteinases,and suppresses melanin synthesis in various skin cell lines,indicating its potential in preventing skin aging,reducing pigmentation,and improving skin structure and elasticity.In vivo studies,including experiments on ultraviolet B(UVB)-irradiated guinea pigs and hairless mice,demonstrated that fucoxanthin could protect against ultraviolet(UV)-induced skin damage,prevent wrinkle formation,and reduce inflammation.Furthermore,a clinical study involving Korean women confirmed significant improvements in skin moisture,elasticity,and reduction of wrinkles after eight weeks of applying a fucoxanthin-based cream.This review underscores the increasing evidence of fucoxanthin's efficacy in the skin and highlights its cosmetic potential as a main ingredient of innovative,natural,and sustainable cosmeceutical formulations targeting the skin's overall health and preventing aging.Conclusions:Fucoxanthin demonstrates considerable potential as a natural and sustainable component in cosmeceutical formulations for skin beauty and anti-aging.Stability issues,together with bioavailability problems and sourcing,remain an ongoing obstacle to further development.Further research on clinical trials alongside new formulation strategies will help address restrictions that block fucoxanthin from successful cosmetics applications.展开更多
Background:Silicosis is an occupational lung disease that is caused by chronic expo-sure to silica dust.Silica-exposed workers are at higher risk of developing TB,resulting in lung fibrosis and significant respiratory...Background:Silicosis is an occupational lung disease that is caused by chronic expo-sure to silica dust.Silica-exposed workers are at higher risk of developing TB,resulting in lung fibrosis and significant respiratory dysfunction.Diosgenin is a steroidal sapo-nin that has been shown to exert a therapeutic effect on lung injury.Therefore,we investigated the potential efficacy of diosgenin in treating silicotuberculosis by evalu-ating its effectiveness against Mycobacterium smegmatis,as well as its antifibrotic and antioxidant effects in silica-induced TB in rats.Methods:Silicosis was induced by intratracheal instillation of 50 mg/kg crystalline sil-ica in Sprague-Dawley rats.Rats were grouped into 7(10 per group).Different doses of diosgenin(1,10,and 20 mg/kg)and saline were administered for 30 days.Afterwards,five rats from each group were sacrificed,and the five remaining rats in each group,except the control,received Mycobacterium smegmatis.Treatment continued until the 50th day,and the animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment.The result was analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)with GraphPad Prism.Results:At a half-maximal inhibition concentration of 0.006043μg/mL,diosgenin inhib-ited the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis.Oxidative stress markers such as malon-dialdehyde were significantly reduced.The health-enhancing effects of catalase and superoxide dismutase were elevated.Additionally,histological findings demonstrated a significant improvement in respiratory function following diosgenin treatment.Conclusion:Diosgenin treatment inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis,leading to a reduction in the susceptibility of rats to infection and improved pulmo-nary function through its antioxidant effect.展开更多
Polyamines(PAs) play diverse roles in plant growth and development,as well as responses to environmental stimuli.In this study,the effects of PAs on rice salt tolerance were investigated.Salt stress resulted in the al...Polyamines(PAs) play diverse roles in plant growth and development,as well as responses to environmental stimuli.In this study,the effects of PAs on rice salt tolerance were investigated.Salt stress resulted in the alteration of endogenous PAs levels in rice roots and leaves,where spermidine(Spd) and spermine(Spm) contents were increased,and putrescine(Put) content was decreased.RT-qPCR analysis revealed that PAs biosynthesis-related genes ADC1,ODC,and Arginase were significantly downregulated by salt treatment;however,SAMDC transcription was significantly upregulated.Exogenous Spm enhanced rice salt tolerance remarkably;however,exogenous Put and Spd undermined rice salt tolerance.Transgenic rice plants overexpressing SAMDC display a higher ratio of Spm/(Put+Spd) and enhanced salt tolerance.Salt stress also increased polyamine oxidase activities in rice,resulting in elevated reactive oxygen species(ROS) production.Our findings revealed that accumulation of Put and Spd substantially reduced salt tolerance in rice,likely by facilitating ROS production;whereas,conversion of Put and Spd to Spm contributes to rice salt tolerance.展开更多
Objective:To determine the lead bioactive compound in kernel extract of Mangifera pajang and its anti-cancer activity against human breast cancer cell lines with positive estrogen receptor(MCF-7).Methods:The methanoli...Objective:To determine the lead bioactive compound in kernel extract of Mangifera pajang and its anti-cancer activity against human breast cancer cell lines with positive estrogen receptor(MCF-7).Methods:The methanolic extract of dried powder kernel of Mangifera pajang was exposed to column chromatography for isolation.The structural elucidation of the isolated compound was characterized using infrared,nuclear magnetic resonance,mass spectrometry.Furthermore,cytotoxicity,morphological changes,flow cytometry and cell cycle arrest analyses were performed to examine the mechanism of anti-proliferation and apoptosis induced by methyl gallate against MCF-7.Results:One compound was isolated from the methanolic extract of Mangifera pajang kernel and identified as methyl gallate.The flow cytometric results demonstrated induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by three concentrations of methyl gallate.The cell cycle arrest showed a significant(P<0.05)decrease in cell progression at G2/M phase of MCF-7 after treatment with 100μM of methyl gallate.The cell percentage of early and late apoptosis was significant at 10 and 100μM of methyl gallate.Also,methyl gallate treatment induced up-regulation of reactive oxygen species levels in MCF-7 cells with a reduction in superoxide dismutase levels.Conclusions:These findings indicate that isolated methyl gallate from Mangifera pajang kernel extracts induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via up-regulating oxidative stress pathway.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">This study investigates the economic benefits of energy efficiency to petroleum refineries regarding Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Ghana. The study explores lessons relati...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">This study investigates the economic benefits of energy efficiency to petroleum refineries regarding Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Ghana. The study explores lessons relating to the cost of production, energy recovery levels and economic fortunes of the refinery activities and designs a conceptual framework for improving the energy efficiency of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). The study adopted a descriptive design using a quantitative approach to provide a statistical background to investigate the economic benefits of energy efficiency. A sample of 84 was adopted for study from a staff population of 520 working at Tema Oil refinery. In addition to primary data, secondary data on energy supply and consumption values from 2008 to 2019 was gathered. For the primary survey, 84 respondents were sampled from TOR and a structured questionnaire was used to retrieve information. A correlation analysis at P < 0.05 was conducted to test the relationship and significance of energy efficiency and economic benefits to the refinery. The study concludes that there is a linear trend between energy production (supply) and energy consumption. The energy generated in the entire economy of Ghana far exceeds the amount of energy consumed thus raising issues of waste or excesses that calls for better policies and management plan to improve EE. The study also identified that issues of lost energy are critical to the operations of the petroleum industry as the situation is compounded by the inability of the refineries to explore better ways to reduce and manage the waste. The study concludes that a significant and positive correlation between energy efficiency and the economic fortunes of Tema Oil Refinery is necessary for its economic fortunes. The supply of energy should have equivalence to the public consumption of energy.展开更多
The inability to achieve the target of universal access to electricity is influenced by several factors including funding limitations, the use of obsolete equipment, power theft, and system losses confronting the elec...The inability to achieve the target of universal access to electricity is influenced by several factors including funding limitations, the use of obsolete equipment, power theft, and system losses confronting the electricity distribution services of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG). The study assessed the components of system losses within the ECG by determining and computing the percentage of system losses within ECG, examining the causes of both commercial and technical losses in ECG, and determining ways to improve energy efficiency by reducing system losses in the most cost-efficient manner. The study adopted deductive reasoning and a quantitative approach to guide data collection and analysis of the research output. A sample of 345 technical and non-technical staff of ECG in the Greater Accra Metropolis was selected from a population of 2500. Purposive, simple random, and cluster sampling techniques were used in identifying and accessing respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics were applied to measure central tendency and degrees of dispersion and the Relative Importance Index (RII) to predict criterion and predictor variables. The impact of low voltage network losses can adversely contribute to technical losses (20%) and reduce energy efficiency in power or electricity distribution companies. Non-technical losses are mainly caused by illegal connections, meter problems, and billing problems. Each of the non-technical losses contributes a maximum of 10% to system losses. Contributors to system losses at ECG are ranked first for power theft and least for lack of incentives. System losses at ECG include metering inaccuracies, bad workmanship, unmetered supply, and lengthy distribution lines, each recording a mean value of above 3.5. Measures to improve monitoring of the networks and systems at ECG and discourage power theft should include an extensive quantification, patrolling, and inspection of the entire network to assess the extent of the network and conditions relevant for the placement of systematically planned maintenance programmes.展开更多
Sugar is important in daily food intake since it is used as food preservative and sweetener.Therefore,is important to analyze the influence of sugar on the spectroscopic properties of the sample.Terahertz spectroscopy...Sugar is important in daily food intake since it is used as food preservative and sweetener.Therefore,is important to analyze the influence of sugar on the spectroscopic properties of the sample.Terahertz spectroscopy is proven to be useful and an efficient method for sugar detection as well as for future food quality industry.However,the lack of detection sensitivity in Terahertz Spectroscopy has prevented it from being used in a widespread spectroscopic analysis technology.In this paper,Frequency Selective Surface(FSS)using the Terahertz Spectroscopy Time Domain Spectrum(THz-TDS)which operates at terahertz frequency range has been demonstrated for application of sugar detection.The FSS is designed with a circle slot structure and has been optimized in line with the molecular resonance of glucose and fructose at different level concentration at 1.98 THz and 1.80 THz,respectively.Transmission magnitude of glucose and sucrose is inversely proportional with the level of sugar concentrations.The realization of the FSS structure is using electron beam lithography and wet etching technique.Results show that the FSS performance for glucose and sucrose reveal fair shifts in measured transmission magnitude from its original in CST by approximately 30%.The use of fabricated FSS with circle structure indicates that the concentration can be improved averagely at 25%for glucose and 13%for sucrose.Thus,it shows that the FSS circle structure combined with THz-TDS has the potential to become an alternative method for food sensing technology in the future.展开更多
In this paper, SLAM systems are introduced using monocular and stereo visual sensors. The SLAM solutions are implemented in both indoor and outdoor. The SLAM samples have been taken in different modes, such as a strai...In this paper, SLAM systems are introduced using monocular and stereo visual sensors. The SLAM solutions are implemented in both indoor and outdoor. The SLAM samples have been taken in different modes, such as a straight line that enables us to measure the drift, in addition to the loop sample that is used to test the loop closure and its corresponding trajectory deformation. In order to verify the trajectory scale, a baseline method has been used. In addition, a ground truth has been captured for both indoor and outdoor samples to measure the biases and drifts caused by the SLAM solution. Both monocular and stereo SLAM data have been captured with the same visual sensors which in the stereo situation had a baseline of 20.00 cm. It has been shown that, the stereo SLAM localization results are 75% higher precision than the monocular SLAM solution. In addition, the indoor results of the monocular SLAM are more precise than the outdoor. However, the outdoor results of the stereo SLAM are more precise than the indoor results by 30%, which is a result of the small stereo baseline cameras. In the vertical SLAM localization component, the stereo SLAM generally shows 60% higher precision than the monocular SLAM results.展开更多
Investments in the exploitation of the continent’s raw material reserves have resulted in little (positive) impact on the energy security situation within Africa. This paper attempts to explore factors influencing th...Investments in the exploitation of the continent’s raw material reserves have resulted in little (positive) impact on the energy security situation within Africa. This paper attempts to explore factors influencing the level of energy security of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, and from the dimension of availability, affordability, economic efficiency and environmental stewardship or sustainability of energy. The cross-sectional survey design was employed as the design for the collection and analysis of data. The study applied a quantitative research method in examining the indicators of energy security for SMEs in Accra Metropolis in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The population covered about 500 SMEs who have about 100 employees and total revenue of $1 million or the equivalence in Ghana Cedis. A sample of 246 was selected through a cluster and simple random sampling. The analysis adopted statistical techniques to conduct descriptive, exploratory and inferential analysis of the data collected. Factors that influence the level of energy security of SMEs are broadly categorized into the environment and economic change, political factors, physical disruptions and market conditions. Ge- nerally, the level of energy security under the availability dimension is medium among the SMEs. Issues of affordability, economic efficiency and environmental stewardship provide high medium interventions on energy security for SMEs. It is recommended that managers of Ghana’s energy sector should ensure prudent management of the country’s energy resources since the disruption of supply lines or sources form the key conditions that influence the energy security level of SMEs. SMEs should adopt energy efficiency measures to ensure that energy is conserved for future use.展开更多
Absorption chillers are cooling units usually powered by renewable energy or waste heat.Their performance generally depends on the temperatures of the heat source,the ambient and the medium to be cooled.The present wo...Absorption chillers are cooling units usually powered by renewable energy or waste heat.Their performance generally depends on the temperatures of the heat source,the ambient and the medium to be cooled.The present work deals with the thermodynamic study of a 10 kW NH3/H2O absorption machine in order to find the COP(coefficient of performance).The first and second laws of thermodynamics were used for the operating conditions.The thermodynamic properties of the NH3/H2O mixture were determined using the EES(Engineering Equation Solver)software.The results of the simulation of the machine were validated with the results of the literature.After validation,the program was used to simulate a 10-kW NH3/H2O absorption machine for milk conservation/cold storage in northern Senegal.The simulation results of the 10-kW ammonia-water absorption machine give an acceptable COP of 0.521 with a milk storage temperature of 4°C.展开更多
The effect of the thermal treatment of waste oyster(Crassostrea belcheri)shells on different properties was explored.In this preliminary work,the waste oyster shells were collected from Muar River,Malaysia.All samples...The effect of the thermal treatment of waste oyster(Crassostrea belcheri)shells on different properties was explored.In this preliminary work,the waste oyster shells were collected from Muar River,Malaysia.All samples were cleaned,dried,and subjected to a simple heat treatment in air at 500–1200°C.All heat-treated samples were characterized to determine their mass loss,chemical composition,crystalline phase,surface morphology,and powder density properties.Changing the temperature from 500 to 1200°C increases the calcium(Ca)food content in oyster shells.Furthermore,the decomposition of calcium carbonate(CaCO_(3))from 98.15 wt.%to 99.07 wt.%was completed at 682°C with 45 wt.%mass loss in a controlled nitrogen environment.When heat treatment processes are conducted in air,only 14.74 wt.%mass loss is recorded.The X-ray diffraction results confirmed that CaCO_(3) successfully transformedαpeak(CaO_(4))toγpeak andηpeak(CaO)at an angle(θ)of 30°and at above 800°C.The Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)Result revealed changes in functional groups as the temperature increased.The phase transformation and morphological analysis agree with measured powder density values from 2.63 to 2.30 g·cm^(−3).All these findings indicate that heated waste oyster shells are a potential source of calcium minerals and can be used for biomaterial products.展开更多
基金funded by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia(UTHM)under Industrial Grant,M066 together with Matching Grant,Q003.
文摘Background:The use of skincare cosmetics can enhance human skin integrity,appearance,and conditions.However,consumers nowadays are quite concerned about the efficacy of skincare cosmetics,particularly those with antioxidant properties that can improve skin tone and skin health.Previous studies also reported that volatile organic compounds(VOCs)in skincare cosmetics could have beneficial effects on human skin.Objective:This research aims to evaluate the antioxidant properties of CHARMS^(TM)skincare cosmetics as well as to investigate the presence of VOCs that could influence their skin tone improvement properties.Material and methods:The CHARMS^(TM)products used were cleanser,toner,essence,serum,moisturizer,scrub,and night cream.The skin tone improvement was assessed on 20 female volunteers’facial skin by using a colorimeter.The antioxidant properties were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)free radical scavenging assay,total phenolic content(TPC),and total flavonoid content(TFC).Meanwhile,the VOCs were measured using an electronic nose based on gas chromatography(e-nose-GC).Results:The findings show that skin tone was improved significantly by 3.23%in which the skin becomes lighter while skin redness was reduced by 5.75%after using the CHARMS^(TM)skincare cosmetics.The results also show that the cleanser(21.55±0.23%)and the serum(23.60±0.19%)had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity.Contrarily,the moisturizer exhibited the highest TPC value(324.14±17.47 mg GAE/g),and the cleanser had the highest TFC value(24.68±1.57 mg QE/g).The VOCs detected in these skincare cosmetics such as limonene andγ-terpinene may have skin-lightening effects.Conclusion:It can be concluded that the tested products from CHARMS^(TM)skincare cosmetics comply with the standard regulations and guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia and can be used effectively as a daily skincare routine.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.62375200 and 61975148).
文摘The electrochemical reduction reaction of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)-ERR)holds tremendous potential as a key approach for achieving carbon neutrality by harnessing renewable resources.However,the current state of CO_(2)-ERR encounters challenges in terms of efficiency and selectivity.Overcoming these obstacles requires the development of a robust electrocatalyst capable of enhancing process efficiency and improving selectivity towards desired products.In recent years,2D materials have garnered significant attention as efficient catalysts.Among them,MXene stands out of high interest due to unique multilayered structure and presence of surface functional moieties.The MXene material offers high electrical conductivity,versatile surface chemistry,and tunable interface designs.This comprehensive review explores the utilization of MXene-based catalysts for CO_(2)-ERR into valuable products.It covers fundamental aspects of electrochemical conversion,including CO_(2)adsorption on MXene Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x),the mechanism of CO_(2)-ERR on MXene(Mo_(2)CS_(2))single-atom catalysts,applications,synthesis methods of MXene production,and future prospects.Additionally,the review highlights the significance of modern artificial intelligence techniques,particularly machine learning,in screening and activating CO_(2),making it a pioneering scientific endeavor.
基金Supported by Universiti Putra Malaysia,Serdang,Selangor,Malaysia(UPM/700-2/1/GPB/2017/9549900).
文摘AIM:To investigate the efficacy of Eleutherine bulbosa(Mill.)Urb.bulb extract(EBE)on the 3D human retinoblastoma cancer cells(WERI-Rb-1)spheroids and explore its apoptotic mechanism.METHODS:The 3D WERI-Rb-1 and human retinal pigmented epithelium cells(ARPE-19)spheroids were developed using type 1 murine collagen that was excised from the rat tail tendon and cultured via hanging drop and embedded techniques.The cytotoxic activity was examined by Alamar blue assay meanwhile,the morphological characteristics were assessed by 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole(DAPI)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The mRNA and protein expressions of apoptotic and antioxidant signal transduction pathways were explored to ascertain its molecular mechanisms.The statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism.RESULTS:The Alamar blue assay portrayed higher half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)values of EBE and cisplatin on 3D WERI-Rb-1 model as compared to the previous study on 2D model.The results of DAPI and SEM illustrated apoptotic features upon treatment with EBE and cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner on 3D WERI-Rb-1 model.The mRNA and protein levels of apoptotic and antioxidant-related pathways were significantly affected by EBE and cisplatin,respectively(P<0.05).The regulation of gene and protein expressions of 3D WERI-Rb-1 spheroids differed from the 2D study,suggesting that the tumor microenvironment of extracellular matrix(ECM)collagen matrix hindered the EBE treatment efficacy,leading to apoptotic evasion.CONCLUSION:A significant inhibition effect of EBE is observed on the 3D WERI-Rb-1 spheroids.The presence of ECM causes an increase in cytotoxic resistance upon treatment with EBE and cisplatin.
文摘Since anemia is one of the most skyrocketed public health problems worldwide, an investigation has thus been conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among the pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, Bangladesh. Facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 pregnant women at Fatima hospital, Bangladesh from February to April, 2019. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire and participant’s current medical record card. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with anemia and a P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significance. The overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was 58.9% (226/384). Out of 226 anemic pregnant mothers, 36.3% (82/226) were mildly anemic, 62.4% (141/226) were moderately anemic and 1.3% (3/384) was severely anemic. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the following variables were significantly associated with anemia: Monthly family income (11,000 - 20,000 Taka) [AOR (95% CI) = 0.45 (0.21 - 0.98)], Family size (joint) [AOR (95% CI) = 1.59 (1.03 - 2.45)], Gestational age (third trimester) [AOR (95% CI) = 2.18 (1.40 - 3.40)], birth spacing < 2 years [AOR (95% CI) = 2.87 (1.51 - 5.44)], Excessive blood loss during previous surgery (Yes) [AOR (95% CI) = 2.08 (1.14 - 4.17)], Food group eaten 24 hours (1 - 4 groups) [AOR (95% CI) = 3.43 (1.84 - 6.39)], Breakfast regularly (No) [AOR (95% CI) = 3.64 (1.36 - 9.75)]. The results obtained showed that the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is severe at Fatima Hospital in Jashore, Bangladesh.
基金This research received funding from Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering,Faculty of Applied Science and Technology,Islamic University,Kushtia,7003,Bangladesh.The authors would like to thank Dr.Jahangir Alam and Professor Dr.Md.Anwarul Haque who helped with sample collection,analysis and critical revision of the manuscript.
文摘Metabolic changes together with cardiovascular and hepatic factors are related to the development of diseases like myocardial lipidosis,heart disease,and profound toxicity.The aim of this animal study is to determine the effects of high erucic acid containing rapeseed oil(Brassica napus L.)varieties on liver,kidney and heart muscles in Wistar rats.Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups where each group containing four rats.Group A was considered as control diet group,while Group B rapeseed wild oil group and Group C rapeseed hybrid oil group were considered as experimental diet groups.The levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)and creatinine of two experimental groups were significantly elevated while compared to the control groups(p<0.05–0.001).Nevertheless,an increment in weight retardation(p<0.05)was also observed in rapeseed hybrid oil treated groups.No significant weight retardation found in other two groups(p>0.05).Noticeable tissue injury observed in this study is a sign of the relative toxicity of erucic acid containing rapeseed oil to mammalian species.The use of Brassica napus as a supplementary feed ingredient should be,therefore,thoroughly considered.
基金the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS)under a grant number of FRGS/1/2018/STG06/UNIMAP/02/3 from the Ministry of Education Malaysia。
文摘This study investigates the suction and magnetic field effects on the two-dimensional nanofluid flow through a stretching/shrinking sheet at the stagnation point in the porous medium with thermal radiation.The governing partial differential equations(PDEs)are converted into ordinary differential equations(ODEs)using the similarity transformation.The resulting ODEs are then solved numerically by using the bvp4c solver in MATLAB software.It was found that dual solutions exist for the shrinking parameter values up to a certain range.The numerical results obtained are compared,and the comparison showed a good agreement with the existing results in the literature.The governing parameters’effect on the velocity,temperature and nanoparticle fraction fields as well as the skin friction coefficient,the local Nusselt number and the Sherwood number are represented graphically and analyzed.The variation of the velocity,temperature and concentration increase with the increase in the suction and magnetic field parameters.It seems that the thermal radiation effect has increased the local Sherwood number while the local Nusselt number is reduced with it.
文摘Civil construction has high demand for new procedures and technologies capable of generating better results in numerous situations throughout the process.Nowadays,cavities in urban areas are commonly used due to the implantation of commercial and residential developments with more than two floors,seeking a better use of the nobler areas of the big cities.In geotechnical terms,the filling of these cavities,with the local soil,especially in the Federal District,lateritic soils,can represent additional efforts for the structures and foundations and lead to a compromise of the technical and functional performance of the same,compromising the efficiency and the economy of the enterprise.In this sense,this research evaluates the mechanical behavior of the mixtures,using GEO5 Software,Containment Design and Verification Modules,presenting an alternative to fill cavities in urban regions,with a mixture of material with lower specific density in relation to the soil Natural.Proctor Normal compression tests,simple direct shear saturation and sample expansibility were performed.The results showed a reduction of 38%in the strength of the reinforced concrete curtain,as well as a 25%reduction in maximum bending moments and 31%in maximum shear forces,and a reduction of about 32%in the displacements of the structure to the soil with addition of expanded vermiculite for tests obtained in the saturated condition.For the compositions of cement soil,expanded vermiculite soil and soil cement and expanded vermiculite,the deformations were of the order of 0.3%,0.4%and 0.2%,respectively.
文摘Plantain (</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Musa spp</span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.) constitute</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">s</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> an essential food crop in both tropical and subtropical areas. The staple’s nutritional value and provitamin A carotenoid potential has attracted more interest and usage. </span><a name="_Hlk56239143"></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Plantain (</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Musa spp</span></i></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.) optimization into food recipes has been identified to increase patronage and minimises food wastage, due to the fruit’s (pulp) high perishability nature. In this study, local over ripe plantain (</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Musa spp</span></i></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.) was sampled and used in a beverage production. The beverage was processed from pureed ripe plantain, by three days fermentation of the pureed plantain mixture, boiling, and spicing, preservation with syrup, storage, and usage. The product’s processing was followed with a sensory evaluation of the new beverage on taste, appearance, color, flavour, and overall acceptability. Majority of the respondents indicated the new product was good and was well accepted. T</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">he research sought to create food diversity, encourage more usage of the crop and to highlight the nutritional values of plantain (</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Musa spp</span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.) which is particularly high in provitamin A carotenoid to address Vitamin A deficiency in low resource setting communities.
文摘Extended-spectrum <i>β</i>-lactamase (ESBL) appeared some years after the introduction in hospital environment of unhydrolysable or extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Several studies have been reported on the blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV genes in ESBL producing Enterobacteria, however, very few studies reported in the literature were related to blaCTX-M subgroup blaTOHO. TOHO enzymes were responsible for healthcare-associated infections in hospitals and in the community. In Burkina Faso, data related to these types of enzymes were scarce. The purpose of this study was to detect TOHO enzymes in <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> in order to know the prevalence of infections related to bacterial resistance due to TOHO enzymes at Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). The study was conducted firstly by microbiological identification of ESBLs-producing by <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> using API 20 E gallery;secondly the antibiogram was performed by the diffusion method and finally the molecular characterization was made by conventional PCR to search for the blaTOHO gene. The visualization of the specific bands was made using the ultraviolet lamp (Gene Flash) for the photography of the gels. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel 2013 and EPI Info version 6.0 software. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. We obtained at all 39 strains constituted by 21 (53.8%) <i>Escherichia coli</i> and 18 (46.2%) <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>. Molecular characterization showed the presence of the blaTOHO gene in 25 bacterial strains (64.1%). It was therefore established in this study the existence of blaTOHO gene at Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Our study made it possible to know the distribution of the blaTOHO gene in <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>.
基金the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia(MOHE)and She Empire Sdn Bhd for their financial support under the Industry Matching Programme(IMaP)(Ref:IMaP/1/2024/SKK15/UTHM//1)for the project titled“FusionDerm Validation:Pioneering the Next-Generation Multipurpose Cream with Fucoxanthin for Enhanced Urban Skin Defense and Anti-Pollution Efficacy.”。
文摘Background:Fucoxanthin,a carotenoid derived from brown seaweeds,has gained attention as a promising ingredient in skincare due to its antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,anti-aging,and photoprotective properties.Objective:This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the cosmeceutical potential of fucoxanthin,summarizing findings from in vitro and in vivo studies,as well as clinical trials.Methods:A systematic review(2000–2023)using PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and Google Scholar identified studies on fucoxanthin's anti-aging and skin-related properties.Following a three-phase screening process(titles,abstracts,and full-text evaluation),14 relevant studies were selected—9 in vitro and 5 in vivo/clinical—exploring fucoxanthin's effects in cosmetics and skincare.Key outcomes,including effects on oxidative stress,collagen synthesis,melanin production,and skin health,were analyzed.Results:The results from nine in vitro studies showed that fucoxanthin effectively reduces oxidative stress,enhances procollagen synthesis,inhibits matrix metalloproteinases,and suppresses melanin synthesis in various skin cell lines,indicating its potential in preventing skin aging,reducing pigmentation,and improving skin structure and elasticity.In vivo studies,including experiments on ultraviolet B(UVB)-irradiated guinea pigs and hairless mice,demonstrated that fucoxanthin could protect against ultraviolet(UV)-induced skin damage,prevent wrinkle formation,and reduce inflammation.Furthermore,a clinical study involving Korean women confirmed significant improvements in skin moisture,elasticity,and reduction of wrinkles after eight weeks of applying a fucoxanthin-based cream.This review underscores the increasing evidence of fucoxanthin's efficacy in the skin and highlights its cosmetic potential as a main ingredient of innovative,natural,and sustainable cosmeceutical formulations targeting the skin's overall health and preventing aging.Conclusions:Fucoxanthin demonstrates considerable potential as a natural and sustainable component in cosmeceutical formulations for skin beauty and anti-aging.Stability issues,together with bioavailability problems and sourcing,remain an ongoing obstacle to further development.Further research on clinical trials alongside new formulation strategies will help address restrictions that block fucoxanthin from successful cosmetics applications.
文摘Background:Silicosis is an occupational lung disease that is caused by chronic expo-sure to silica dust.Silica-exposed workers are at higher risk of developing TB,resulting in lung fibrosis and significant respiratory dysfunction.Diosgenin is a steroidal sapo-nin that has been shown to exert a therapeutic effect on lung injury.Therefore,we investigated the potential efficacy of diosgenin in treating silicotuberculosis by evalu-ating its effectiveness against Mycobacterium smegmatis,as well as its antifibrotic and antioxidant effects in silica-induced TB in rats.Methods:Silicosis was induced by intratracheal instillation of 50 mg/kg crystalline sil-ica in Sprague-Dawley rats.Rats were grouped into 7(10 per group).Different doses of diosgenin(1,10,and 20 mg/kg)and saline were administered for 30 days.Afterwards,five rats from each group were sacrificed,and the five remaining rats in each group,except the control,received Mycobacterium smegmatis.Treatment continued until the 50th day,and the animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment.The result was analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)with GraphPad Prism.Results:At a half-maximal inhibition concentration of 0.006043μg/mL,diosgenin inhib-ited the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis.Oxidative stress markers such as malon-dialdehyde were significantly reduced.The health-enhancing effects of catalase and superoxide dismutase were elevated.Additionally,histological findings demonstrated a significant improvement in respiratory function following diosgenin treatment.Conclusion:Diosgenin treatment inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis,leading to a reduction in the susceptibility of rats to infection and improved pulmo-nary function through its antioxidant effect.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program(2017YFD0200900)the Natural Science Foundation of China(31570252 and 31601629)the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)and the World Academy of Sciences(TWAS)Presidents Fellowship for supporting Md Azizul Islam as a doctoral student(2015CTF068)
文摘Polyamines(PAs) play diverse roles in plant growth and development,as well as responses to environmental stimuli.In this study,the effects of PAs on rice salt tolerance were investigated.Salt stress resulted in the alteration of endogenous PAs levels in rice roots and leaves,where spermidine(Spd) and spermine(Spm) contents were increased,and putrescine(Put) content was decreased.RT-qPCR analysis revealed that PAs biosynthesis-related genes ADC1,ODC,and Arginase were significantly downregulated by salt treatment;however,SAMDC transcription was significantly upregulated.Exogenous Spm enhanced rice salt tolerance remarkably;however,exogenous Put and Spd undermined rice salt tolerance.Transgenic rice plants overexpressing SAMDC display a higher ratio of Spm/(Put+Spd) and enhanced salt tolerance.Salt stress also increased polyamine oxidase activities in rice,resulting in elevated reactive oxygen species(ROS) production.Our findings revealed that accumulation of Put and Spd substantially reduced salt tolerance in rice,likely by facilitating ROS production;whereas,conversion of Put and Spd to Spm contributes to rice salt tolerance.
基金funded by Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS Vot 1560)Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia Contract grant(H277&U688)。
文摘Objective:To determine the lead bioactive compound in kernel extract of Mangifera pajang and its anti-cancer activity against human breast cancer cell lines with positive estrogen receptor(MCF-7).Methods:The methanolic extract of dried powder kernel of Mangifera pajang was exposed to column chromatography for isolation.The structural elucidation of the isolated compound was characterized using infrared,nuclear magnetic resonance,mass spectrometry.Furthermore,cytotoxicity,morphological changes,flow cytometry and cell cycle arrest analyses were performed to examine the mechanism of anti-proliferation and apoptosis induced by methyl gallate against MCF-7.Results:One compound was isolated from the methanolic extract of Mangifera pajang kernel and identified as methyl gallate.The flow cytometric results demonstrated induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by three concentrations of methyl gallate.The cell cycle arrest showed a significant(P<0.05)decrease in cell progression at G2/M phase of MCF-7 after treatment with 100μM of methyl gallate.The cell percentage of early and late apoptosis was significant at 10 and 100μM of methyl gallate.Also,methyl gallate treatment induced up-regulation of reactive oxygen species levels in MCF-7 cells with a reduction in superoxide dismutase levels.Conclusions:These findings indicate that isolated methyl gallate from Mangifera pajang kernel extracts induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via up-regulating oxidative stress pathway.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">This study investigates the economic benefits of energy efficiency to petroleum refineries regarding Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Ghana. The study explores lessons relating to the cost of production, energy recovery levels and economic fortunes of the refinery activities and designs a conceptual framework for improving the energy efficiency of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). The study adopted a descriptive design using a quantitative approach to provide a statistical background to investigate the economic benefits of energy efficiency. A sample of 84 was adopted for study from a staff population of 520 working at Tema Oil refinery. In addition to primary data, secondary data on energy supply and consumption values from 2008 to 2019 was gathered. For the primary survey, 84 respondents were sampled from TOR and a structured questionnaire was used to retrieve information. A correlation analysis at P < 0.05 was conducted to test the relationship and significance of energy efficiency and economic benefits to the refinery. The study concludes that there is a linear trend between energy production (supply) and energy consumption. The energy generated in the entire economy of Ghana far exceeds the amount of energy consumed thus raising issues of waste or excesses that calls for better policies and management plan to improve EE. The study also identified that issues of lost energy are critical to the operations of the petroleum industry as the situation is compounded by the inability of the refineries to explore better ways to reduce and manage the waste. The study concludes that a significant and positive correlation between energy efficiency and the economic fortunes of Tema Oil Refinery is necessary for its economic fortunes. The supply of energy should have equivalence to the public consumption of energy.
文摘The inability to achieve the target of universal access to electricity is influenced by several factors including funding limitations, the use of obsolete equipment, power theft, and system losses confronting the electricity distribution services of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG). The study assessed the components of system losses within the ECG by determining and computing the percentage of system losses within ECG, examining the causes of both commercial and technical losses in ECG, and determining ways to improve energy efficiency by reducing system losses in the most cost-efficient manner. The study adopted deductive reasoning and a quantitative approach to guide data collection and analysis of the research output. A sample of 345 technical and non-technical staff of ECG in the Greater Accra Metropolis was selected from a population of 2500. Purposive, simple random, and cluster sampling techniques were used in identifying and accessing respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics were applied to measure central tendency and degrees of dispersion and the Relative Importance Index (RII) to predict criterion and predictor variables. The impact of low voltage network losses can adversely contribute to technical losses (20%) and reduce energy efficiency in power or electricity distribution companies. Non-technical losses are mainly caused by illegal connections, meter problems, and billing problems. Each of the non-technical losses contributes a maximum of 10% to system losses. Contributors to system losses at ECG are ranked first for power theft and least for lack of incentives. System losses at ECG include metering inaccuracies, bad workmanship, unmetered supply, and lengthy distribution lines, each recording a mean value of above 3.5. Measures to improve monitoring of the networks and systems at ECG and discourage power theft should include an extensive quantification, patrolling, and inspection of the entire network to assess the extent of the network and conditions relevant for the placement of systematically planned maintenance programmes.
基金This research was supported by Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia(MOHE)through Fundamental Research Grant Scheme,FRGS/1/2017/TK04/UTHM/02/13Postgraduate Research Scheme,GPPS VOT H026.
文摘Sugar is important in daily food intake since it is used as food preservative and sweetener.Therefore,is important to analyze the influence of sugar on the spectroscopic properties of the sample.Terahertz spectroscopy is proven to be useful and an efficient method for sugar detection as well as for future food quality industry.However,the lack of detection sensitivity in Terahertz Spectroscopy has prevented it from being used in a widespread spectroscopic analysis technology.In this paper,Frequency Selective Surface(FSS)using the Terahertz Spectroscopy Time Domain Spectrum(THz-TDS)which operates at terahertz frequency range has been demonstrated for application of sugar detection.The FSS is designed with a circle slot structure and has been optimized in line with the molecular resonance of glucose and fructose at different level concentration at 1.98 THz and 1.80 THz,respectively.Transmission magnitude of glucose and sucrose is inversely proportional with the level of sugar concentrations.The realization of the FSS structure is using electron beam lithography and wet etching technique.Results show that the FSS performance for glucose and sucrose reveal fair shifts in measured transmission magnitude from its original in CST by approximately 30%.The use of fabricated FSS with circle structure indicates that the concentration can be improved averagely at 25%for glucose and 13%for sucrose.Thus,it shows that the FSS circle structure combined with THz-TDS has the potential to become an alternative method for food sensing technology in the future.
文摘In this paper, SLAM systems are introduced using monocular and stereo visual sensors. The SLAM solutions are implemented in both indoor and outdoor. The SLAM samples have been taken in different modes, such as a straight line that enables us to measure the drift, in addition to the loop sample that is used to test the loop closure and its corresponding trajectory deformation. In order to verify the trajectory scale, a baseline method has been used. In addition, a ground truth has been captured for both indoor and outdoor samples to measure the biases and drifts caused by the SLAM solution. Both monocular and stereo SLAM data have been captured with the same visual sensors which in the stereo situation had a baseline of 20.00 cm. It has been shown that, the stereo SLAM localization results are 75% higher precision than the monocular SLAM solution. In addition, the indoor results of the monocular SLAM are more precise than the outdoor. However, the outdoor results of the stereo SLAM are more precise than the indoor results by 30%, which is a result of the small stereo baseline cameras. In the vertical SLAM localization component, the stereo SLAM generally shows 60% higher precision than the monocular SLAM results.
文摘Investments in the exploitation of the continent’s raw material reserves have resulted in little (positive) impact on the energy security situation within Africa. This paper attempts to explore factors influencing the level of energy security of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, and from the dimension of availability, affordability, economic efficiency and environmental stewardship or sustainability of energy. The cross-sectional survey design was employed as the design for the collection and analysis of data. The study applied a quantitative research method in examining the indicators of energy security for SMEs in Accra Metropolis in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The population covered about 500 SMEs who have about 100 employees and total revenue of $1 million or the equivalence in Ghana Cedis. A sample of 246 was selected through a cluster and simple random sampling. The analysis adopted statistical techniques to conduct descriptive, exploratory and inferential analysis of the data collected. Factors that influence the level of energy security of SMEs are broadly categorized into the environment and economic change, political factors, physical disruptions and market conditions. Ge- nerally, the level of energy security under the availability dimension is medium among the SMEs. Issues of affordability, economic efficiency and environmental stewardship provide high medium interventions on energy security for SMEs. It is recommended that managers of Ghana’s energy sector should ensure prudent management of the country’s energy resources since the disruption of supply lines or sources form the key conditions that influence the energy security level of SMEs. SMEs should adopt energy efficiency measures to ensure that energy is conserved for future use.
文摘Absorption chillers are cooling units usually powered by renewable energy or waste heat.Their performance generally depends on the temperatures of the heat source,the ambient and the medium to be cooled.The present work deals with the thermodynamic study of a 10 kW NH3/H2O absorption machine in order to find the COP(coefficient of performance).The first and second laws of thermodynamics were used for the operating conditions.The thermodynamic properties of the NH3/H2O mixture were determined using the EES(Engineering Equation Solver)software.The results of the simulation of the machine were validated with the results of the literature.After validation,the program was used to simulate a 10-kW NH3/H2O absorption machine for milk conservation/cold storage in northern Senegal.The simulation results of the 10-kW ammonia-water absorption machine give an acceptable COP of 0.521 with a milk storage temperature of 4°C.
基金financial support under the UTHM contract grant H518
文摘The effect of the thermal treatment of waste oyster(Crassostrea belcheri)shells on different properties was explored.In this preliminary work,the waste oyster shells were collected from Muar River,Malaysia.All samples were cleaned,dried,and subjected to a simple heat treatment in air at 500–1200°C.All heat-treated samples were characterized to determine their mass loss,chemical composition,crystalline phase,surface morphology,and powder density properties.Changing the temperature from 500 to 1200°C increases the calcium(Ca)food content in oyster shells.Furthermore,the decomposition of calcium carbonate(CaCO_(3))from 98.15 wt.%to 99.07 wt.%was completed at 682°C with 45 wt.%mass loss in a controlled nitrogen environment.When heat treatment processes are conducted in air,only 14.74 wt.%mass loss is recorded.The X-ray diffraction results confirmed that CaCO_(3) successfully transformedαpeak(CaO_(4))toγpeak andηpeak(CaO)at an angle(θ)of 30°and at above 800°C.The Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)Result revealed changes in functional groups as the temperature increased.The phase transformation and morphological analysis agree with measured powder density values from 2.63 to 2.30 g·cm^(−3).All these findings indicate that heated waste oyster shells are a potential source of calcium minerals and can be used for biomaterial products.
