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Tunable Thermoelectric Properties of Cu2Se/Graphene for Improved Figure of Merit
No full textCopper selenide (Cu2Se) is a promising thermoelectric material for waste heat recovery due to its intrinsically low thermal conductivity. However, its figure of merit (ZT) must be further improved for practical applications. This study explores the addition of trace graphene (0.05-0.2 wt.%) to Cu2Se to tune its thermoelectric properties and enhance ZT.
High-purity Cu, Se, and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were prepared and mixed through ball milling under an inert atmosphere, followed by hot compaction to yield dense discs of Cu2Se/Gr nanocomposites. Ball milling was done in two steps (Cu2Se for 24 hrs., Cu2Se + Gr for 15 mins) to ensure graphene’s structural integrity is maintained. Microstructural characterization included density measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD) at room and high temperatures, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermoelectric properties were evaluated through four-probe Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity measurements, laser flash analysis (LFA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Hall effect measurements.
Graphene incorporation retained a high Seebeck coefficient of ~320 V/K for the 0.15% Gr sample at 560C, while electrical conductivity was decreased from 460 S/cm in the pristine sample to ~166 S/cm for the 0.05% Gr sample, and ~38 S/cm for the 0.15% Gr and 0.2% Gr samples at the same temperature. Cu2Se/Gr nanocomposites reached a power factor (PF) of ~11 W/cmK2 at 420C. Graphene reduced the thermal conductivity from 1.7 W/mK to 1.1 W/mK at 205 °C, leading to a peak in ZT of ~0.5 at 380C. A tradeoff between Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity, with electrical conductivity, was observed. Future studies should focus on enhancing the electrical conductivity of Cu2Se/Gr nanocomposites to enhance ZT further
Combination of Curcumin and Cisplatin Induces Apoptosis and Anti-migration Effect in Lung Adenocarcinoma through AKT/mTOR Pathway and Independent of MAPK (ERK/RSK) pathway in Vitro
No full textBackground: Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Cisplatin is one of the most common anti-cancer drugs. However, cisplatin loses its sensitivity in the late stages of cancer and has severe side effects. This raises the need for an alternative treatment method such as combination with natural products like curcumin. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the combination of cisplatin and curcumin on inducing apoptosis and anti-migration effect in A549 lung cancer cell line, as well as their effect on the protein expressions of MAPK downstream mediators ERK1/2 and RSK1, as well as AKT/mTOR pathway, and their effect on the cell cycle phases of A549 cells. Method: This was achieved by conducting MTT assay to measure A549 cell viability, western blotting analysis was used to examine the proteins expression, scratch migration assay was conducted to measure the migration rate of A549 cells, while flow cytometry analysis used to evaluate the cell cycle phases. Results: This study showed that the combination of cisplatin and curcumin significantly decreased the cell viability of A549 cells compared to the single treatment of cisplatin and curcumin at 24hrs and 48hrs time points. Similar effect was observed in the scratch migration assay where the combination of cisplatin and curcumin significantly decreased the migration of A549 cells after 24hrs of treatment compared to the single treatment of cisplatin and curcumin (80.3% 10μM cisplatin and 70.2% 30μM curcumin vs 37.9% combination group ± 2.64, P<0.01). The combination of cisplatin and curcumin did not have a significant effect on the expression of p-ERK/ERK and p-RSK/RSK, which indicates that the combination effect is independent of MAPK pathway. However, the combination of cisplatin and curcumin significantly decreased the expression of p-AKT/AKT at 48hrs time point. It also decreased the expression of AKT downstream mediator p-mTOR/mTOR at 48hrs. The combination resulted in significant cellular arrest at G2/M phase at 24hrs time point (22.6% NT vs 33.3% combination group ± 1.98, P<0.05), and significant cellular arrest at S phase at 48hrs time point (2.77% NT vs 32.06% combination group ± 1.81, P<0.05). Conclusions: This study found that combining cisplatin and curcumin is independent of ERK/RSK pathway, while it downregulated the expression of AKT/mTOR pathway, as well as deregulated the cell cycle phases of lung adenocarcinoma cells. The findings of this study demonstrate AKT pathway as a vital therapeutic target resulted from the combination of cisplatin and curcumin, which will pave the way to use this combination as a more targeted and effective alternative to the traditional treatment strategies
Recent advances in surfactant-functionalized materials as adsorbents for enhanced remediation of synthetic dyes: A review
No full textBackgroundAdsorption is one of the most commonly applied techniques for the elimination of a variety of synthetic dye pollutants to ensure a safe and healthy aquatic environment. For this purpose, different materials have been adopted as adsorbents. However, some of these materials show a low capacity against specific dyes, and the relatively high capacity of other materials needs to be further improved. Several studies have shown that the surfactant modification can be successfully applied to achieve this goal. MethodThis review article addresses the surfactant treatment and characterization of different materials like clay, zeolite, chitosan, biomass, activated carbon, and biochar. The application of surfactant-modified adsorbents against a variety of synthetic dye contaminants with a focus on the isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms, as well as the dependence of adsorbent performance on different variables including inlet dye amount, solution pH, adsorbent dosage, and temperature, is considered. The reuse of exhausted adsorbents after regeneration by different eluents is also discussed. Significant FindingsSurfactant-modified adsorbents display enhanced performance against dyes, mainly through the enhancement of functionality and, in some cases, the development of pore characteristics. The highest uptakes of the most widely studied dyes in terms of methylene blue, followed by congo red, crystal violet, methyl orange, and malachite green are reported as 740.74, 2192.0, 956.20, 567.26, and 1972.54 mg/g, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetics equation provide the best representation of the adsorption data. The adsorption mechanism primarily involves electrostatic and hydrophobic contacts. Alcohols and alkalis are both often and successfully used to renew exhausted adsorbents. This review offers insights into recent advances in surfactant modification as an eco-friendly, flexible, and efficient technique for the enhancement of adsorption performance against dyes
القواعد القانونية الناظمة للتدخل الإنساني في النزاعات الداخلية: دراسة حول دور قطر في النزاع الداخلي في السودان
No full textتتناول هذه الدراسة القواعد القانونية الناظمة للتدخل الإنساني في النزاعات الداخلية، مع التركيز على دور دولة قطر في النزاع الداخلي في السودان كنموذج عملي تستعرض الدراسة الإطار القانوني الدولي للتدخل الإنساني، بما في ذلك ميثاق الأمم المتحدة وقواعد القانون الدولي الإنساني، مع تحليل مفهوم مسؤولية الحماية وحدود التدخل وفق مبادئ سيادة الدولة وعدم التدخل. توضح الدراسة طبيعة النزاعات المسلحة الداخلية وأسبابها، وتبرز التحديات القانونية والسياسية المرتبطة بالتدخل الإنساني، بالإضافة إلى تأثير هذه التدخلات على حماية المدنيين وحقوق الإنسان الأساسية أثناء النزاعات. قدمت الدراسة تحليلا معمقا لتجربة دولة قطر في النزاع السوداني، من خلال دراسة آليات الوساطة الدبلوماسية والمساعدات الإنسانية، وتقييم النتائج والتحديات القانونية التي واجهت التدخل القطري. أظهرت الدراسة كيفية الجمع بين الوساطة الإنسانية والالتزام بالقواعد القانونية الدولية لتحقيق تدخل فعّال ومتوازن يحمي المدنيين ويحترم سيادة الدولة. عكست الدراسة أهمية تعزيز التنسيق بين المجتمع الدولي والدول الإقليمية الفاعلة لضمان فاعلية التدخل الإنساني، وأبرزت قدرة قطر على تقديم نموذج متوازن يجمع بين القوة الناعمة والالتزام بالقانون الدولي.This study examines the legal rules governing humanitarian intervention in internal conflicts, with a focus on the role of the State of Qatar in the Sudanese internal conflict as a practical case. The study reviews the international legal framework for humanitarian intervention, including the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law, analyzing the concept of the responsibility to protect and the limits of intervention according to the principles of state sovereignty and non-intervention. The study clarifies the nature and causes of internal armed conflicts, highlighting the legal and political challenges associated with humanitarian intervention, as well as the impact of such interventions on the protection of civilians and fundamental human rights during conflicts. The study provided an in-depth analysis of Qatar’s experience in the Sudanese conflict, examining diplomatic mediation mechanisms and humanitarian aid, and evaluating the outcomes and legal challenges faced by the Qatari intervention. It demonstrated how combining humanitarian mediation with adherence to international legal rules can achieve an effective and balanced intervention that protects civilians while respecting state sovereignty. The study reflected the importance of enhancing coordination between the international community and active regional states to ensure the effectiveness of humanitarian intervention, and highlighted Qatar’s ability to offer a balanced model combining soft power with compliance with international law
Cobalt–Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxides And Their Hybrid Composites With Olive-Stone-Derived Biochar And Zif-8 For Dye Removal From Wastewater Via Integrated Adsorption And Photocatalysis
No full textFor advanced wastewater treatment using integrated adsorption–photocatalysis, this study describes the preparation, structural analysis, and functional evaluation of cobalt–aluminum layered double hydroxides (Co/Al-LDHs) and their composite materials integrated with olive-stone-derived biochar (OSBC600) and ZIF-8 metal–organic frameworks. SEM-EDX, FT-IR, XRD, and TGA were used to characterize the materials, which were synthesized using hydrothermal, co-precipitation, and mechanochemical methods. These analyses confirmed a heterogeneous morphology with well-dispersed LDH nanosheets anchored on the porous biochar matrix that improved interfacial contact and stability. Initial experiments on dye removal using carmine, methylene blue, methyl orange, safranin O, and titan yellow showed that the Co/Al-LDHs@OSBC600 composite exhibited superior performance compared to Co/Al-LDHs@ZIF-8. Of the dyes examined, safranin O and titan yellow experienced the greatest removal efficiency and were therefore selected for subsequent investigations.
The selected dye–adsorbent system was further optimized using a Box–Behnken experimental design, considering pH, starting dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact time as the key variables. Statistical evaluation and regression analysis confirmed the robustness of the model, with the most important parameters being dye concentration and adsorbent dosage.
At low pH and high adsorbent dosages, the Co/Al-LDHs@OSBC600 achieved maximal removal efficiency, repeatedly outperforming OSBC600 alone.
The Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson models provided the best fit to the adsorption equilibrium data, demonstrating heterogeneous and multilayer adsorption. Electrostatic interaction with the positively charged LDH layers allowed TY to exhibit a greater adsorption capacity and a stronger affinity than SFO. According to kinetic modeling, SFO followed the pseudo-second-order model, which suggests surface-controlled uptake, whereas TY followed the Elovich model, which suggests chemisorption on heterogeneous surfaces.
Lastly, Co/Al-LDH@OSBC600 showed impressive photocatalytic activity under UV light, decolorizing TY by about 97% and SFO by approximately 75% in just 10 minutes. The LDH framework and the conductivity of the biochar were shown to assist the production of reactive oxygen species and effective electron–hole separation, which were responsible for the increased activity. In summary, the hybrid Co/Al-LDH@OSBC600 composite showed itself to be a highly effective and thermally stable adsorbent–photocatalyst, providing a sustainable method for the combined removal of organic contaminants from wastewater through adsorption and photocatalysis
Pancreatic Cancer Education: A Scoping Review of Evidence Across Patients, Professionals and the Public
No full textBackground: Pancreatic cancer is the least survivable malignancy, with five-year survival below 10%. Its vague, non-specific symptoms contribute to late diagnosis and poor outcomes. Targeted education for healthcare professionals, students, patients, carers, and the public may improve awareness, confidence, and early help-seeking. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on pancreatic cancer education, identifying intervention types, outcomes, and gaps in knowledge. Methods: A scoping review was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed studies evaluating educational interventions on pancreatic cancer for healthcare students, professionals, patients, carers, or the public. Grey literature was excluded to maintain a consistent methodological standard. Data were charted and synthesised narratively. Results: Nine studies (2018–2024) met inclusion criteria, predominantly from high-income countries. Interventions targeted students and professionals (n = 3), patients (n = 2), the public (n = 2), or mixed groups (n = 2), using modalities such as team-based learning, workshops, virtual reality, serious games, and digital animations. Four interrelated themes were identified, encompassing (1) Self-efficacy; (2) Knowledge; (3) Behavior; and (4) Acceptability. Digital and interactive approaches demonstrated particularly strong engagement and learning gains. Conclusions: Pancreatic cancer education shows clear potential to enhance knowledge, confidence, and engagement across diverse audiences. Digital platforms offer scalable opportunities but require quality assurance and long-term evaluation to sustain impact. The evidence base remains limited and fragmented, highlighting the need for validated outcome measures, longitudinal research, and greater international representation to support the integration of education into a global pancreatic cancer control strategy. Future studies should also evaluate how educational interventions influence clinical practice and real-world help-seeking behaviour.This research was funded by the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy (DfE) (Ref: 08-2425)
The Religious Backgrounds of Contemporary Spiritual Practices and Their Impact on Religiosity: The Qatari Society as a Model
No full textتتناول هذه الدراسة قضية عقدية مهمة انتشرت في المجتمعات الإسلامية وباتت تهدد عقيدة التوحيد، وهذه القضية هي ظاهرة الممارسات الروحية المعاصرة من حيث جذورها الدينية وأثرها على التدين، مع التركيز على بيان تأثيراتها السلبية على المجتمع القطري. وتهدف هذه الدراسة إلى الكشف عن خلفيات الممارسات الروحية المعاصرة وخطرها على العقيدة الإسلامية، مع نقد جذورها الدينية وتطبيقاتها بالأدلة الشرعية والعقلية، ثم توضيح مدى انتشارها في المجتمع القطري، مع تقديم البدائل الشرعية التي تحقق الطمانينة والسعادة وتؤمن عقيدة المجتمع مما يفسدها أو يضعف من فاعليتها وتأطيرها لسلوك الفرد والمجتمع. اقتضت خطة البحث أن أتبع المنهج التاريخي لتوضيح الجذور الدينية والفكرية لهذه الممارسات منذ ظهورها إلى انتشارها حديثا، كما وظفت المنهج التحليلي والوصفي عبر رصد ظاهرة الممارسات الروحية المعاصرة في دولة قطر واستقراء كيفيات وأسباب انتشارها في المجتمع القطري مع شرح أبرز الممارسات الروحية المعاصرة ونقدها في ضوء القرآن الكريم والتفاسير الموثوقة، ثم تقديم البدائل الشرعية. ولقد توصلت إلى عدة نتائج أهمها : إن الممارسات الروحية المعاصرة لها جذور فلسفية وثنية مخالفة للعقيدة الإسلامية، ولها آثار خطيرة على التدين الإسلامي، كما أن القرآن الكريم أبطل المعتقدات الباطنية في عدة مواضع ووضح خطورتها، وقد ثبت لدينا أن نسبة انتشار هذه الممارسات في المجتمع القطري ضئيلة ومعظم ممارسيها من المقيمين الأجانب، وأن المجتمع القطري يتأثر بهذه الظواهر من خلال مصادر خارجية إلا أنه لا يتبناها بصورة عملية وتطبيقية ظاهرة، وأن الإسلام غني جدا بممارسات روحية تؤدي إلى السعادة الحقيقية باتباع الشريعة وهدي النبي. ومن أهم التوصيات تتبع أشهر دعاة الممارسات الروحية المعاصرة ونقد أقوالهم بالأدلة الشرعية والعقلية والاهتمام بالتوعية الاجتماعية الكاشفة لخطر هذه الممارسات.This study examines a significant doctrinal issue that has emerged in contemporary Muslim societies and poses a challenge to the creed of Islamic monotheism (tawhid), namely contemporary spiritual practices. It explores their religious and intellectual backgrounds and analyzes their impact on Islamic religiosity, with Qatari society serving as a case study. The research aims to uncover the origins of these practices, clarify their risks to Islamic creed, and critically assess their beliefs and applications using both revealed (scriptural) and rational evidence. It also investigates the extent of their prevalence in Qatari society and proposes legitimate Islamic alternatives that foster inner peace, true happiness, and the protection of religious belief at both the individual and societal levels. The study employs the historical method to trace the development of contemporary spiritual practices from their early religious and philosophical roots to their modern manifestations. In addition, analytical and descriptive approaches are used to examine the forms, motives, and channels through which these practices spread within the State of Qatar. The research further analyzes prominent contemporary spiritual practices and critiques them in light of the Qur’an and authoritative Qur’anic exegesis, before presenting authentic Islamic spiritual alternatives. The findings reveal that contemporary spiritual practices are rooted in philosophical and pagan traditions that fundamentally contradict Islamic creed and exert serious negative effects on Islamic religiosity. The Qur’an refutes esoteric beliefs in multiple passages and warns against their dangers. The study also concludes that the prevalence of these practices in Qatari society is limited and largely confined to foreign residents. While Qatari society is exposed to such practices through external influences, it does not widely adopt them in practical or applied forms. The study affirms that Islam provides a comprehensive and authentic spiritual framework that leads to genuine wellbeing through adherence to Islamic law and the Prophetic guidance. Among the key recommendations is the systematic monitoring of leading advocates of contemporary spiritual practices and the critical evaluation of their claims in light of revealed and rational evidence, in addition to strengthening societal awareness of the risks posed by such practices
The Conversion of Non-Muslim Places of Worship into Mosques: A Foundational and Maqāṣid-Based Study
No full textتتناول هذه الرسالة موضوعا فقهيا حضاريا يتمثل في ظاهرة تحويل معابد غير المسلمين إلى مساجد، وهي قضية تتقاطع فيها أبعاد دينية وتاريخية ومقاصدية، وقد أثارت هذه القضية نقاشا فقهيا عبر العصور ؛ لما تتضمنه من علاقة بين المسلمين وغير المسلمين في ميدان العبادة تهدف الرسالة إلى بيان الموقف الشرعي من القضية في ضوء المقاصد الكبرى للشريعة، من خلال تحليل النصوص والوقائع التاريخية، واستجلاء مقاصد التشريع في التعامل مع دور العبادة باستخدام المنهج الاستقرائي والتحليلي، والمقارن؛ وذلك بجمع النصوص ذات العلاقة بالقضية وتحليليها مع ربطها بالسياق التاريخي والفقهي ومقارنتها والترجيح بينها بحسب ضوابط الاستدلال والترجيح المعتمدة في الحقل الفقهي والمقاصدي. خلصت الدراسة إلى أن تحويل المعابد إلى مساجد ليس مقصودا لذاته، وإنما ينظر إليه في ضوء تحقيق المقاصد الكبرى للشريعة؛ فإن ترتب عليه حفظ الدين وإقامة العدل ومنع الفتنة جاز بشروطه وضوابطه، وإن أدى إلى ظلم أو إخلال بالأمن السياسي أو السلم الاجتماعي حرم سدا للذريعة ومراعاة لمآلات الأفعال، توصي الرسالة بضرورة الاعتماد على الفكر المقاصدي في دراسة المستجدات المعاصرة المرتبطة بالتعدد الديني، وتفعيل الحوار الديني الحضاري القائم على مبدأ العدل والمصلحة المشتركة.This dissertation explores a juristic and civilizational issue concerning the phenomenon of converting non-Muslim places of worship into mosques—an issue that intersects with religious, historical, and maqāṣid-based (higher objectives of Islamic law) dimensions. The subject has long been a matter of scholarly debate due to its implications for interreligious relations in the domain of worship. The primary aim of this study is to elucidate the Islamic legal stance on the matter in light of the overarching objectives of the Sharīʿah. This is achieved through the analysis of relevant textual sources and historical precedents, alongside an exploration of the legislative intents (maqāṣid al-sharīʿah) regarding places of worship. The research adopts an inductive, analytical, and comparative methodology by collecting and examining pertinent legal texts, contextualizing them historically and jurisprudentially, and weighing differing juristic opinions according to recognized principles of legal reasoning and preference in both the fields of jurisprudence and maqāṣid. The study concludes that the conversion of non-Muslim temples into mosques is not, in itself, an inherent objective of Islamic law. Rather, it should be assessed in terms of its alignment with the higher objectives of the Sharīʿah. If such conversion contributes to the preservation of religion, the establishment of justice, and the prevention of civil strife, then it may be permitted under specific conditions and legal constraints. However, if it results in injustice, political instability, or social discord, it should be prohibited on the grounds of blocking potential harm and considering the consequences of actions. The study recommends greater reliance on maqāṣid-based reasoning when addressing contemporary challenges related to religious plurality and emphasizes the importance of fostering interreligious dialogue grounded in principles of justice and shared benefits
Genetically Encoded Near-Infrared Fluorescent Proteins for Viral Imaging and Detection: A Mini-Review
No full textBacteriophytochrome-derived near-infrared fluorescent proteins (NIR FPs) provide deep tissue penetration, low autofluorescence, and endogenous biliverdin compatibility, enabling non-invasive visualization of viral processes in living systems. Engineering advances (iRFPs, monomeric miRFPs, photoactivatable PAiRFPs) have improved brightness, stability, and genetic encodability for robust use in mammalian models. These reporters support real-time tracking of infection dynamics and host-virus interactions and power diagnostic platforms including reporter viruses, CRISPR-based assays, and nanotechnology-enhanced biosensors. Multimodal integration with photoacoustic tomography and PET further extends their translational utility. Remaining challenges include brightness/photostability limits and the need for broader translational validation, yet progress in structure-guided mutagenesis, computational/AI-assisted protein design, and hybrid imaging strategies promises to close these gaps. This mini-review synthesizes the design principles, viral imaging/detection use cases, and translational prospects of bacteriophytochrome-derived NIR FPs, highlighting their potential to advance viral surveillance, therapeutic evaluation, and precision diagnostics
نبض الصحة : شهر التوعية بسرطان عنق الرحم
No full textسرطان عنق الرحم هو مرض يصيب الجزء السفلي من الرحم المعروف بعنق الرحم