19672 research outputs found
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Enhancing rate capability of amorphous nickel phosphate supercapattery electrode via composition with crystalline silver phosphate
No full textThe performance of a supercapattery depends on its energy density, rate capability of charge and discharge and stability of electrode. Here in, a sonochemical method followed by calcination was applied to synthesize nickel phosphate-silver phosphate (Ni3(PO4)2–Ag3PO4) nanocomposites. Morphological studies revealed that crystalline Ag3PO4 (∼10 nm) was intimately anchored on the surface of amorphous Ni3(PO4)2, which benefits efficient charge transfer between the two metal phosphates. The optimized Ni3(PO4)2–Ag3PO4 nanocomposite electrode exhibited a significant boost in rate capability from 29% (Ni3(PO4)2) to 78% capacity retention with the maximum specific capacity of 478C/g at 1 A/g in 1 M KOH electrolyte. The enhancement of rate capability originated from a more rapid electron-transfer rate and an augmentation of electroactive sites for electrolyte ion diffusion from the interfaces of porous Ni3(PO4)2 and an improvement in the electrical conductivity of crystalline Ag3PO4. The fabricated Ni3(PO4)2–Ag3PO4//activated carbon-based supercapattery exhibited an energy density of 32.4 Wh/kg at 399.5 W/kg and excellent cyclic stability (∼82% capacity retention after 5000 cycles)
A path analysis approach on the factors of human development among Muslims in Nigeria
No full textPurpose: One area of concern for Islamic economics is the challenges and discrimination experienced in Muslim societies and the lower human development indices compared to the Western counterparts. It is possible that the application of the theory of Maqāsid al Sharī’ah (TMS) could provide some insight on the problems and probably offer some support to the policymaker on the direction to take. The purpose of this paper is to apply TMS to validate the factors of human development. Design/methodology/approach: The primary data were collected using a questionnaire. The target respondents were Muslims from Nigeria. Both stratified and purposeful random sampling techniques were used to collect the data, and the analyses were done by SPSS and AMOS statistical software. Findings: In validating factors that contribute to human development, TMS framework is used, and the model integrates five factors which are considered most likely to have influence on human development. The model proposes that individual factors such social justice and human rights have effects on the factors of human development. Originality value: This study provides understanding on the contributing factors to the persistent challenges of human development in predominantly Muslim settings. Previous research which has applied TMS focused more on its financial relevance and has not attempted to understand the situation and proffer solution
Synthesis and characterization of γ-Fe2O3 NPs on silicon substrate for power device application
No full textMaghemite nanoparticles (γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs) were synthesized using Massart procedure. The formation reaction were optimized by varying the concentration of ferric nitrate solution (Fe(NO 3 ) 3 ) (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 M). All samples were characterized by means of x-ray Diffractometer (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Alternating Gradient Magnetometer (AGM). The smallest size of the NPs were chosen to be deposited on Silicon (100) substrate by spin coating technique. Annealing process of the samples were performed in Argon ambient at different temperatures (600, 700, 800 and 900°) for 20 min. Metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors were then fabricated by depositing Aluminium as the gate electrode. The effect of the annealing process on the structural and electrical properties of γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs thin film were investigated. The structural properties of the deposited thin film were evaluated by XRD analysis, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Raman Analysis. On the other hand, the electrical properties was conducted by current-voltage analysis. It was revealed that the difference in the annealing temperature affect the grain size, surface roughness, distribution of the nanoparticles as well as the electrical performance of the samples where low annealing temperature (600 °C) gives low leakage current while high annealing temperature (900 °C) gives high electrical breakdown
Polyisoprenylated Acylphloroglucinols from Garcinia nervosa
No full textTwo new polyisoprenylated acylphloroglucinols, 7-epi-isoxanthochymol and 7-epi-cycloxanthochymol (1 – 2), were isolated from the barks of Garcinia nervosa together with their 7-epimers isoxanthochymol (3) and cycloxanthochymol (4). Their structures were determined on the basis of NMR spectroscopic data. The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds against HL-60, MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma) and HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cells were evaluated, and all compounds showed cytotoxic activity against all cell lines
Ischaemic Haemorrhagic Stroke in a Child with New Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
No full textCerebral oedema is the most common neurological complication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, ischaemic and haemorrhagic brain injury has been reported infrequently. A 10-year old girl who was previously well presented with severe DKA. She was tachycardic with poor peripheral perfusion but normotensive. However, two fast boluses totalling 40 ml/kg normal saline were given. She was transferred to another hospital where she was intubated due to drowsiness. Rehydration fluid (maintenance and 48-hour correction for 7.5% dehydration) was started followed by insulin infusion. She was extubated within 24 hours of admission. Her ketosis resolved soon after and subcutaneous insulin was started. However, about 48 hours after admission, her Glasgow Coma Scale score dropped to 11/15 (E4M5V2) with expressive aphasia and upper motor neuron signs. One dose of mannitol was given. Her symptoms improved gradually and at 26-month follow-up she had a near-complete recovery with only minimal left lower limb weakness. Serial magnetic resonance imaging brain scans showed vascular ischaemic injury at the frontal-parietal watershed regions with haemorrhagic transformation. This case reiterates the importance of monitoring the neurological status of patient's with DKA closely for possible neurological complications including an ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke
What publishers can take away from the latest early career researcher research
No full textKey points Early career researchers (ECRs) consider journals the central form of communication – but are concerned about pressure to publish. ECRs want to share but currently accept the closed publishing system because of the need to build a traditional reputation. ECRs know – and appear to care – little about publishers but trust them as publishing and reviewing facilitators. Editors are criticized for not managing peer review with better selection of reviewers. Megajournals are not seen as the future journal form and criticized for lack of selectivity. ECRs want open access/science in principle but are circumspect about their contribution to it. ResearchGate is a key force for change as ECRs consider it a mainstay communication and reputation platform
Genomic characterization of endemic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Salmonella enterica serovar I 4,[5],12:i:- isolated in Malaysia
No full textSalmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) and the monophasic variant Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- are two clinically-important non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars worldwide. However, the genomic information of these two organisms, especially the monophasic variant, is still lacking in Malaysia. The objective of the study was to compare the genomic features of a monophasic variant and two endemic S. Typhimurium strains isolated from humans. All three strains were subjected to whole genome sequencing followed by comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses. Extensive genomic deletion in the fljAB operon (from STM2757 to iroB) is responsible for the monophasic phenotype of STM032/04. The two S. Typhimurium genomes (STM001/70 and STM057/05) were essentially identical, despite being isolated 35 years apart. All three strains were of sequence type ST19. Both S. Typhimurium genomes shared unique prophage regions not identified in the monophasic STM032/04 genome. Core genome phylogenetic analyses showed that the monophasic STM032/04 was closely-related to the S. Typhimurium LT2, forming a distinctive clade separated from the two endemic S. Typhimurium strains in Malaysia. The presence of serovar Typhimurium-specific mdh gene, conserved Gifsy and Fels-1 prophages, and the close genomic resemblance with S. Typhimurium LT2 suggested that the monophasic STM032/04 was originated from an LT2-like S. Typhimurium ancestor in Malaysia, following an evolutionary path different from the S. Typhimurium strains. In conclusion, the monophasic Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- and the S. Typhimurium strains isolated in Malaysia descended from different phylogenetic lineages. The high genomic resemblance between the two S. Typhimurium strains isolated for at least 35 years apart indicated their successful evolutionary lineage. The identification of multiple virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants in the Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- and S. Typhimurium genomes explained the pathogenic nature of the organisms
Antifungal and anti-biofilm effects of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) aqueous extract on Candida albicans
No full textIntroduction: The limited option to combat fungal threat has raised the interest in seeking alternative anti-fungal compounds. This study aimed to determine the antifungal property of aqueous-extracted shallot (Allium ascalonicum) against Candida albicans, a medically important yeast pathogen. The anti-biofilm property of A. ascalonicum aqueous extract was also investigated. Methods: The antifungal effect of A. ascalonicum aqueous extract on C. albicans was screened using disc diffusion assay and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using broth macrodilution. Subsequently, the anti-biofilm property of A. ascalonicum aqueous extract was investigated using 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2 H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) reduction assay, crystal violet (CV) assay, and microscopic examination. Results: A zone of C. albicans growth inhibition was observed at 10 and 20 g/mL of A. ascalonicum aqueous extract. The MIC of A. ascalonicum aqueous extract was found at 10 g/ mL. Significant differences were found between A. ascalonicum aqueous extract -treated and non-treated C. albicans in term of biofilm formation activity (XTT assay) and the quantity of biofilm formed (CV assay). Conclusion: Using a simple and inexpensive extraction procedure, this study revealed the antifungal property of A. ascalonicum aqueous extract, which could be useful in exploring novel antifungal compound
Patient-adjusted versus health professional-adjusted insulin dosing for type 2 diabetes mellitus
No full textThis is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of patient-adjusted versus health professional-adjusted insulin dosing in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Analgesic Activity, Chemical Profiling and Computational Study on Chrysopogon aciculatus
No full textPresent study was undertaken to evaluate the analgesic activity of the ethanol extract of Chrysopogon aciculatus. In addition to bioassays in mice, chemical profiling was done by LC-MS and GC-MS to identify phytochemicals, which were further docked on the catalytic site of COX-2 enzymes with a view to suggest the possible role of such phytoconstituents in the observed analgesic activity. Analgesic activity of C. aciculatus was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing reflex method and hot plate technique. Phytochemical profiling was conducted using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In docking studies, homology model of human COX-2 enzyme was prepared using Easy Modeler 4.0 and the identified phytoconstituents were docked using Autodock Vina. Preliminary acute toxicity test of the ethanol extract of C. aciculatus showed no sign of mortality at the highest dose of 4,000 mg/kg. The whole plant extract significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited acetic acid induced writhing in mice at the doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg. The extract delayed the response time in hot plate test in a dose dependent manner. LC-MS analysis of the plant extract revealed the presence of aciculatin, nudaphantin and 5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-diene-3β-ol. Three compounds namely citronellylisobutyrate; 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one and nudaphantin were identified in the n-hexane fraction by GC-MS. Among these compounds, six were found to be interacting with the binding site for arachidonic acid in COX-2 enzyme. Present study strongly supports the traditional use of C. aciculatus in the management of pain. In conclusion, compounds (tricin, campesterol, gamma oryzanol, and citronellyl isobutyrate) showing promising binding affinity in docking studies, along with previously known anti-inflammatory compound aciculatin can be held responsible for the observed activity