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Novel Multi-Function Chromoionophoric Probe-Based Nano-Conjugate Material for Highly Efficient Detection, Removal, and Recovery of Pd(II) and Co(II) Ions from Electronic Wastes and Electroplating Wastewater
No full textThis study describes the development of a multifunction chromoionophoric probe-based nano-conjugate material for the colorimetric determination, recovery, and removal of palladium and cobalt ions (Pd(II) and Co(II)) ions from electronic wastes and electroplating wastewater. The chromoionophoric probe-based nano-conjugate material was prepared using a building-block approach by anchoring the 4-[(E)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl]-1-nitrosonaphthalen-2-ol (HDN) organic chromoionophoric probe onto nano-spherical silica material carrier. The prepared materials were characterized using different techniques, such as TEM, SEM XRD, and BET. The HDN chromoionophoric probe-based nano-conjugate material was evaluated for its effectiveness in detecting and removing Pd(II) and Co(II) ions from electronic wastes and electroplating wastewater by testing various parameters such as pH, sensing system temperature, reaction kinetic, nano-conjugate material amount, stability of the chromoionophoric probe-based nano-conjugate material and the existence of other coexisting metal ions. The HDN chromoionophoric probe-based nano-conjugate material demonstrated high selectivity and sensitivity for the colorimetric ion-sensing of Pd(II) and Co(II) ions, with a detection limit of 7.18 and 208 nM, respectively. The method displayed optimal sensing at pH levels of 6.0 and 8.0 for Pd(II) and Co(II) ions, respectively, and the presence of other metal ions did not meaningfully influence the performance of the ion-detection due to the powerful ability of the chromoionophoric probe-based nano-conjugate material. The adsorption capacity of the chromoionophoric probe-based nano-conjugate material towards Pd(II) and Co(II) ions was investigated and the outcomes were 163.40 and 128.57 mg/g, respectively. The chromoionophoric probe-based nano-conjugate material could be regenerated by eluting the adsorbed Pd(II) and Co(II) ions with 0.15 M HCl solution. In addition, the material could be reused multiple times, with almost no decrease in its initial performance after regeneration. Based on the findings, the chromoionophoric probe-based nano-conjugate material shows potential for environmental recovery, removal, and detection of Pd(II) and Co(II) ions from electronic wastes and electroplating wastewater, indicating its potential as a multi-function solution for environmental concerns and issue and could be even commercialized and used at a larger scale
Changing roles in global health governance following COVID-19
No full textBackground: The Global Health Governance (GHG) response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been criticized, particularly regarding vaccine management, and changes in the roles of GHG actors have been recommended. Aim: To investigate the perception of experts regarding changes in the roles of different GHG actors following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study used a 3-round Delphi survey to collect data from 30 global health experts between May and December 2022. The GHG roles investigated were stewardship, production of guidelines and policies, promotion of solidarity and collaboration, and management of global health challenges. Social network analysis was performed and collected data was converted into a 1-mode network. Degree centrality and Eigenvector centrality were calculated using the UCINET 6.757 modelling programme. Results: There were variations between the current and future roles in degree centrality and eigenvector centrality for the 19 GHG actors in each of the 4 functions investigated. For stewardship, WHO, governments and the World Bank had the highest degree centrality and eigenvector centrality during both the current and future periods. In terms of production of guidelines and policies, WHO maintained the highest current and future eigenvector centralities, while research agencies, UNICEF and Gavi upheld their current eigenvector centrality measure. For the promotion of solidarity and collaboration, WHO had the highest centrality measures, followed by UNICEF, governments and Gavi. Regarding the function management of global health challenges , WHO lost its position to UNICEF as the most central, while UNDP, FHI 360 and research agencies were predicted to have a more central role in the future. Conclusion: The findings position WHO as the current and future top actor in stewardship, production of guidelines and policies, and promoting solidarity and collaboration, and UNICEF as the upcoming most central actor in managing global health challenges. Governments were major actors in all GHG functions except for managing global health challenges. Funding actors were central in all GHG functions, indicating finance as an important factor in obtaining a central role in GHG. Research organizations received a high centrality rating, indicating their importance in GHG
A comprehensive review on the application of semiconducting materials in the degradation of effluents and water splitting
No full textIn this comprehensive review article, we delve into the critical intersection of environmental science and materials science. The introduction sets the stage by emphasizing the global water shortage crisis and the dire consequences of untreated effluents on ecosystems and human health. As we progress into the second section, we embark on an intricate exploration of piezoelectric and photocatalytic principles, illuminating their significance in wastewater treatment and sustainable energy production. The heart of our review is dedicated to a detailed analysis of the detrimental impacts of effluents on human health, underscoring the urgency of effective treatment methods. We dissected three key materials in the realm of piezo-photocatalysis: ZnO-based materials, BaTiO3-based materials, and bismuth-doped materials. Each material is scrutinized for its unique properties and applications in the removal of pollutants from wastewater, offering a comprehensive understanding of their potential to address this critical issue. Furthermore, our exploration extends to the realm of hydrogen production, where we discuss various types of hydrogen and the role of piezo-photocatalysis in generating clean and sustainable hydrogen. By illuminating the synergistic potential of these advanced materials and technologies, we pave the way for innovative solutions to the pressing challenges of water pollution and renewable energy production. This review article not only serves as a valuable resource for researchers and scholars in the fields of material science and environmental engineering but also underscores the pivotal role of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex global issues
Forecasting Urban Land Use Dynamics Through Patch-Generating Land Use Simulation and Markov Chain Integration: A Multi-Scenario Predictive Framework
No full textRapid urbanization and changing land use dynamics require robust tools for projecting and analyzing future land use scenarios to support sustainable urban development. This study introduces an integrated modeling framework that combines the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model with Markov Chain (MC) analysis to simulate land use and land cover (LULC) changes for Montreal Island, Canada. This framework leverages historical data, scenario-based adjustments, and spatial drivers, providing urban planners and policymakers with a tool to evaluate the potential impacts of land use policies. Three scenarios—sustainable, industrial, and baseline—are developed to illustrate distinct pathways for Montreal’s urban development, each reflecting different policy priorities and economic emphases. The integrated MC-PLUS model achieved a high accuracy level, with an overall accuracy of 0.970 and a Kappa coefficient of 0.963 when validated against actual land use data from 2020. The findings indicate that sustainable policies foster more contiguous green spaces, enhancing ecological connectivity, while industrial-focused policies promote the clustering of commercial and industrial zones, often at the expense of green spaces. This study underscores the model’s potential as a valuable decision-support tool in urban planning, allowing for the scenario-driven exploration of LULC dynamics with high spatial precision. Future applications and enhancements could expand its relevance across diverse urban contexts globally
Impact of IOT Technology on Aquaculture Industry
No full textThe beginning of the internet of things (IoT) technology has brought significant improvements in various sectors, including agriculture and aquaculture. The aquaculture industry, which encompasses the farming of aquatic organisms, stands to benefit from the integration of IoT technology in its operations. This thesis aimed to investigate the impact of IoT technology on the aquaculture industry, focusing on its adoption and utilization by industry stakeholders in Egypt. In addition, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential of the IoT technology for the aquaculture sector. It highlights how IoT can contribute to increasing productivity, improving sustainability, and enhancing profitability, laying the groundwork for a more efficient and sustainable aquaculture industry.The study employs the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model as a framework to examine the factors influencing the acceptance and adoption of IoT technology in aquaculture to assess individuals\u27 behavioral intentions and actual user behavior regarding IoT technology in the aquaculture sector. Data for the study were collected through a survey administered to aquaculture industry professionals, including farmers and industry experts. The findings reveal that the UTAUT model provides valuable insights into the adoption and use of IoT technology in the aquaculture industry. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions were found to significantly influence both behavioral intentions and actual use behavior. Individuals\u27 perceptions of the technology\u27s performance benefits, ease of use, and the presence of facilitating conditions were key factors in their decision to adopt and utilize IoT technology in aquaculture. By recognizing the factors that drive or hinder the adoption of IoT technology, stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding its implementation and can explore strategies to maximize its benefits in terms of efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in aquaculture operations
Validation of harmonized cognitive assessment protocol within the Egyptian context
No full textThis study addresses the urgent need for culturally sensitive cognitive assessments in Egypt by validating an adapted version of Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) to the Egyptian context. This version is to be used as a part of the Egyptian Aging Survey (AL-SEHA). We enrolled 300 participants aged 55 + from diverse backgrounds and meticulously adapted the HCAP for Egypt\u27s linguistic and cultural context. Demonstrating strong reliability and validity (sensitivity 87.6%, specificity 89.2%, accuracy 89.7%), the Egyptian HCAP effectively identified cognitive impairment. Integrated into the AL-SEHA, this validated HCAP offers valuable insights on cognitive function decline in Egypt\u27s aging population. Our findings not only contribute to global understanding of cognitive health but also set a precedent for future cross-cultural HCAP validations, informing policies and early diagnosis for dementia care
Labor camps in Dubai: implications of courtyard regulations on daylight performance
No full textPurpose: The fundamental aim of the study is to investigate the implications of labor housing designs in Dubai, with a focus on courtyards and the governing building regulations, on daylight performance as an underlying factor impacting laborers’ indoor environmental quality. Several studies shed light on the subject of labor camps and labor migration in Dubai, but few have focused on the subject from the perspective of the environmental performance of these camps. A model that represents one of the labor camps was built using Rhinoceros 7.0 and Grasshopper software packages. Annual daylighting and glare simulations were carried out using the lighting modeling engine RADIANCE 5.0 in conjunction with the “ClimateStudio”. Design/methodology/approach: The construction sector has emerged as a significant economic development driver, attracting a diverse labor force from a variety of countries to Dubai. As a result, Dubai authorities have implemented several measures to ensure the provision of suitable housing facilities for its labor force. These measures contribute to the reduction of energy costs in labor housing by encouraging the use of renewable energy. While several studies shed light on the subject of labor camps and labor migration in Dubai, few have focused on the subject from the perspective of the environmental performance of these camps. Findings: The study provided statistical evidence that the current regulations governing courtyards in labor housing resulted in significant changes in daylight levels across different floor levels of the labor housing units. It is suggested that both 2:3 and 3:4 Court Width-to-Height ratios would further contribute to a more consistent daylight Illuminance with marginal statistical differences between floor levels (p \u3e 0.05). The 3:4 ratio, on the other hand, offers a consistent distribution across all floor levels in the North and South with negligible variances, although weakly significant differences can be yet expected between the first and fourth floors in the East and West orientations (p \u3c 0.05). The results of Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE) suggest excessive solar incidence and a high probability of glare, which remains a problem that must be addressed under the governing building regulations. Originality/value: This study could serve as a framework for analyzing and contrasting the findings of other studies on labor accommodation, notably in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Such an approach has the potential to enhance living conditions in labor accommodations in Dubai and other areas. It is necessary to meet people\u27 physical and psychological well-being while also addressing sustainability and regulatory compliance
Triangular Dynamics: US Response to China’s Assertiveness in the Middle East
No full textNew dynamics govern today\u27s Middle East politics. At a time when Beijing has become a major player and the US perceives China as the sole credible threat to its global primacy, many Middle Eastern states play a triangulation game, offsetting Washington\u27s pressure with deepening ties with China. In response, the US now sees the region through the prism of managing its rivalry with Beijing. The Biden administration\u27s strategy is to identify key allies and integrate them into small networks to help protect American interests against Chinese influence. However, with such a strategy the US is setting itself up for frequent setbacks. Since those coalitions, based on the Abraham Accords, bypass the Palestinian issue, America\u27s Arab allies often find themselves faced with escalation in the occupied territories, thus derailing the work of such networks. Besides, many of America\u27s Middle East allies have no intention of getting embroiled in the US-Chinese tension
The p.Gly2019Ser is a common LRRK2 pathogenic variant among Egyptians with familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease
No full textThe impact of LRRK2 variants on the risk of Parkinson’s disease in Egyptians remains unknown. We examined 1210 Egyptians (611 PD patients and 599 controls) from 16 governorates across Egypt for 12 LRRK2 pathogenic variants. The p.Gly2019Ser was the only variant detected, with a prevalence of 4.1% in sporadic cases, 6.5% in familial cases, and 0.68% in controls. Among p.Gly2019Ser carriers, all were heterozygous bar one homozygous patient, and all shared the common haplotype 1. Demographics and UPDRS scores did not differ between carriers and non-carriers, with most patients being males and developed PD in their fifties. Young and Early-onset PD prevalence was 37.5% in carriers and 33% in non-carriers. Familial cases were 16.6% in carriers and 11.5% in non-carriers. This study affirms that like other Mediterranean populations, Egyptians with PD have a higher prevalence of the p.Gly2019Ser variant compared to the global average. LRRK2 inhibitors could be promising therapeutic options for further exploration in this population
Unlocking energy savings and emissions reduction: A comparative study of fixed-speed and variable-speed room air conditioners in high ambient temperature environments
No full textDeveloping countries, particularly those with high ambient temperatures (HAT), are experiencing a surge in air conditioner (AC) installations. Fixed-speed ACs, which rely on on–off control, are the most used. However, fixed-speed ACs lack humidity control and experience compressor cycling, leading to poor thermal comfort and increased energy consumption. Variable-speed compressor technology eliminates compressor cycling, which increases the effective coefficient of performance, especially at part-load conditions. This study compares the transient performance of variable-speed and fixed-speed AC units in Cairo, Egypt, as an example of a HAT environment. During a 2-month experimental investigation, the variable-speed unit provided 41% electrical energy savings while maintaining a comfortable environment. Analytical modeling using a machine learning model trained by the experimental measurements predicted annual energy savings of 473 kWh/year and an overall electrical energy savings percentage of 30.5%. The study also explored different scenarios for implementing variable-speed ACs in Egypt, a developing HAT country. With a 60% market penetration for variable-speed AC as the most probable scenario, the electrical energy savings up to the year 2032 add to 1.33 TWh, leading to 79.3 million USD in cost savings and 2.64 MMT of CO2 emissions reduction