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2D CuO/rGO nanocomposite: a novel architecture for enhanced Cr(VI) photo-reduction
No full texthe urgent need for efficient detoxification of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in aquatic environments has driven the development of advanced photocatalytic materials. This study presents the synthesis of 2D CuO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite via probe sonication, designed to synergistically enhance the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III). The nanocomposite was meticulously characterized using XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, XPS, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of CuO nanosheets (average size: 396 nm, thickness: 6 nm) integrated with rGO, where the rGO acted as an electron acceptor, mitigating charge recombination. XPS revealed Cu²⁺ in CuO and Cu(OH)₂ phases, while FTIR confirmed interfacial interactions between CuO and rGO via oxygen functional groups. The CuO/rGO composite exhibited a reduced bandgap (1.35 eV → lower with rGO incorporation) and broad visible-light absorption, critical for photocatalytic activity. Under visible light, the composite achieved a remarkable 75% Cr(VI) reduction efficiency within 180 min triple that of pure CuO (25%) with a rate constant (0.007 min⁻¹) sevenfold higher. This enhancement is attributed to rGO role in facilitating electron transfer from CuO conduction band to its LUMO, minimizing electron-hole recombination. The composite demonstrated excellent recyclability over three cycles without significant efficiency loss. These findings underscore the potential of CuO/rGO as a robust, sustainable photocatalyst for environmental
Using Augmented Reality to Improve Tourism Marketing Effectiveness
No full textThis study investigates the impact of web-based augmented reality (Web AR) on destina-
tion visit intention through the lens of a stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework, a
technology acceptance model (TAM) and flow theory into an integrated theoretical frame-
work. This study aims to address gaps in the literature by providing insights about the
relevance of augmented reality to tourism marketing effectiveness. Structural equation
modeling was used to test this conceptual framework using AMOS23 on quantitative
data collected from questionnaires distributed locally and internationally and applied to
384 participants after going through a Web AR destination experience. The findings con-
firmed that Web AR stimuli (i.e., interactivity and vividness) positively impact tourists’
destination visit intention through the tourist organism in terms of perceived ease of use,
perceived usefulness, perceived certainty, perceived enjoyment and perceived immersion.
Therefore, the promotion of destinations through augmented reality technology contributes
to the development of sustainable tourism. The findings of this study will shed light on an
alternative idea for destination marketing to inspire destination management organizations
(DMOs) wishing to develop a competitive edge and win within the tourism industry. The
results thus contribute to the Web AR and the tourism marketing literature by providing
theoretical guidance through a framework for the AR tourism experience, as well as a
reference for DMOs
Whole genome sequencing identifies monogenic disease in 56.1% of families with early-onset steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
No full textGenetic causes of steroid-resistant-nephrotic-syndrome (SRNS) represent a rapidly growing number of monogenic diseases. The reported diagnostic yield of various studies applying genetic panels and exome-sequencing to diagnose SRNS is usually \u3c 30%. We performed genome-sequencing in a cohort of Egyptian SRNS patients. We recruited 47 SRNS patients belonging to 41 unrelated families [28 males/19 females; median (range): 6 (0.5-22 years)]. We established a pipeline for genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, variant curation and protein modeling at the Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM). Disease-causing variants were detected in 27/47 patients (57.4%) belonging to 23/41 families (56.1%), including nine novel variants in NPHS1, NPHS2, COL4A3, MYO1E, NUP93, PLCE1, PODXL, SMARCAL1 and WT1. Novel variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and were segregated in families of affected patients. NPHS2 was the most common causative gene in 8/23 (34.8%) of confirmed families, followed by NPHS1, WT1, and SMARCAL1 in 2/23 families (8.7%) each. All detected missense variants were evaluated through protein modeling and were predicted deleterious. Our study expanded the spectrum of SRNS disease-causing variants and revealed a monogenic cause in 56.1% of investigated families. In our cohort, no deep intronic or regulatory variants were detected by genome-sequencing. Pursuing genetic diagnosis in SRNS patients is crucial to inform clinical decision making, genetic counseling, transplantation strategy and prenatal diagnosis thus improving clinical outcome of affected patients
A Comparative Study of PCA and KPCA for Groundwater Quality Index Estimation
No full textGroundwater quality assessment is crucial for ensuring human welfare and promoting sustainable economic development. This study evaluates the effectiveness of linear Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and nonlinear Kernel PCA (KPCA) in developing a reliable Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) for Qena, Egypt. Using ten hydrochemical parameters from seventy-three groundwater samples, we compare the performance of four kernel functions within the KPCA framework.
The PCA-based GWQI classified 71.0% of samples as suitable for irrigation, closely aligning with the Wilcox Diagram classification (76.7%). In contrast, KPCA with linear, polynomial, sigmoid, and radial basis function kernels yielded suitability rates of 58.9%, 52.1%, 63.0%, and 58.9%, respectively. These values are consistent with USSL (53.4%) and Na% (53.4%) classifications. Notably, the sigmoid kernel in KPCA demonstrated stronger correlations with Key hydrochemical parameters, effectively capturing nonlinear data structures.
These findings underscore the importance of accounting for nonlinearity in groundwater quality assessment and demonstrate the potential of KPCA to improve GWQI accuracy. This comparative analysis highlights KPCA’s superiority over PCA for nonlinear datasets, providing enhanced tools for groundwater management and more reliable quality evaluations
Effect of Resin Restorative Material Type and Layering Techniques on the Fracture Resistance of Maxillary Premolars
No full textProtective Effects of Nigella Sativa Against Acrylamide-Induced Toxicity in Submandibular Salivary Glands of Albino Rats: A Histological and Molecular Study
No full textNumerical and experimental validation of solid-state mechanical welding for 4-in schedule 40 oil and gas pipelines
No full textEvaluation of thymoquinone cancer chemo-preventive effect on oral leukoplakia: a randomized clinical trial
No full textAim: This randomized clinical trial aimed to investigate the chemo-preventive role of thymoquinone in Nigella sativa extract in managing oral leukoplakia clinically, histologically, and at the molecular level. Methods: A total of 48 patients with oral leukoplakia were randomly allocated to three groups; Group A received local muco-adhesive tablets with Nigella sativa extract in 10 mg/kg dose, for three months, Group B same intervention but with Nigella sativa extract in 5 mg/kg dose, and lastly Group C was the placebo group. The outcomes assessed were clinical improvement, histologic improvement (degree of dysplasia), and molecular biomarkers Ki-67 and caspase-3 by immunohistochemistry. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in lesion size in Groups A and B compared to the placebo group. At the molecular level, there was a statistically significant decrease in the expression of Ki-67 in both the Nigella sativa groups compared to the placebo group. While there was a statistically significant increase in caspase-3 in Group A only compared to the other groups. Conclusions: Thymoquinone in Nigella sativa extract is a promising chemo-preventive agent that can be used in the management of oral leukoplakia (the trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03208790)
