17362 research outputs found
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Progress in silicon-based materials for emerging solar-powered green hydrogen (H₂) production
No full textThe imperative demand for sustainable and renewable energy solutions has precipitated profound scientific investigations into photocatalysts designed for the processes of water splitting and hydrogen fuel generation. The abundance, low toxicity, high conductivity, and cost-effectiveness of silicon-based compounds make them attractive candidates for hydrogen production, driving ongoing research and technological advancements. Developing an effective synthesis method that is simple, economically feasible, and environmentally friendly is crucial for the widespread implementation of silicon-based heterojunctions for sustainable hydrogen production. Balancing the performance benefits with the economic and environmental considerations is a key challenge in the development of these systems. The specific performance of each catalyst type can vary depending on the synthesis method, surface modifications, catalyst loading, and reaction conditions. The confluence of high crystallinity, reduced oxygen concentration, and calcination temperature within the silicon nanoparticle has significantly contributed to its noteworthy hydrogen evolution rate. This review provides an up-to-date evaluation of Si-based photocatalysts, summarizing recent developments, guiding future research directions, and identifying areas that require further investigation. By combining theoretical insights and experimental findings, this review offers a comprehensive understanding of Si-based photocatalysts for water splitting. Through a comprehensive analysis, it aims to elucidate existing knowledge gaps and inspire future research directions towards optimized photocatalytic performance and scalability, ultimately contributing to the realization of sustainable hydrogen generation
Spatial distribution and risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in western Madura strait sediments
No full textHeavy metal contamination in coastal sediments poses significant risks to marine ecosystems and human health. The western side of the Madura Strait, Indonesia, is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to urban and industrial activities. This study assesses the contamination levels and spatial distribution of heavy metals, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb), in the sediments of six locations in the western Madura Strait. Contamination was evaluated using indices such as the Contamination Factor (CF), Degree of Contamination (CD), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Enrichment Factor (EF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Sediment Pollution Index (SPI), and Ecological Risk Index (RI). Sediment samples were analyzed for metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and spatial distributions were mapped. The results indicated that the CF values for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb were 0.9, 1, 1.5, 14.4, and 2.8, respectively, signifying a range from low to very high contamination. The CD value was 20.5, indicating a considerable degree of contamination. PLI value of 11.5, which indicates that the area is polluted. EF and Igeo confirmed Cu as the dominant pollutant. ER analysis revealed that Cu posed the highest risk, categorized as moderate risk and considerable risk, particularly at Location E. Supported by the RI values (111), which indicate that the area is classified as low ecological risk category. Furthermore, SPI values between 0.6 and 1.4 categorized sediments as natural pollution levels. Silt-dominated sediments exhibited the greatest concentrations of Pb and Cr
Effects of ranibizumab on microvasculature, oxidative stress and recurrence in primary pterygium surgery
No full textPurpose To evaluate the effects of pre-operative ranibizumab injection on microvascular density (MVD), 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and recurrence after surgical excision of primary pterygium. Method This was a prospective cohort interventional study involving 52 patients with primary pterygium divided equally into control and intervention groups. The intervention group received 0.5 mg ranibizumab two weeks prior to pterygium excision surgery. All participants had pterygium excision with autologous conjunctival graft under local anaesthesia. Excised pterygium tissues were evaluated for MVD and 8-OHdG. Each participant was monitored for recurrence up to 2 years after intervention. Pearson chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to examine the differences between both groups.
Results The intervention group demonstrated significantly lower MVD (p < 0.001) and recurrence rates (p < 0.001). In the intervention group, 53.8% (n = 14) of patients had MVD 1 + , and 46.2% (n = 12) had MVD 2 + , which was notably lower than the control group, where 53.8% (n = 14) of patients had MVD 3 + and 4 + . No significant difference in 8-OHdG scores was observed between the groups (p = 0.482). In the intervention group, 84.6% (n = 22) of patients had an 8-OHdG score of 3 + , while 76.9% (n = 20) of patients in the control group also had 8-OHdG scores of 3 + . 46.2% (n = 12) of patients from the control group experienced recurrent pterygium, while no cases of pterygium recurrence were observed in the intervention group. Reduction in MVD was significantly associated with lower frequency of pterygium recurrence (p = 0.004). Conclusion Pre-operative intralesional ranibizumab decreases pterygium recurrence rate after surgical excision via modulation of vascularity. Ranibizumab may be considered as an adjunctive treatment in pterygium surgery with high risk of recurrence
Compositional analysis and nutritional profiling of Southeast Asian fermented fish products: Insights into macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds
No full textThis study evaluated the nutritional quality of Traditional Southeast Asian fermented fish products, such as fish sauces (Budu, Nampla,) and shrimp pastes (Bagoong Alamang, Kapi, Belacan, Terasi) through proximate analysis, mineral content evaluation, fatty acid profiling, and amino acid composition assessment. Shrimp pastes exhibited higher protein and fat content compared to fish sauces. Fish sauces had higher sodium (4.45 mg/l) and calcium (14.46 mg/l) levels, while shrimp pastes had elevated mineral contents, including potassium (706.61 mg/l), magnesium (351.43 mg/l), and phosphorus (621.06 mg/l). Fatty acid analysis revealed that Terasi had the highest alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (2.9%) and Belacan had the highest linoleic acid (LA) (5.3%). Amino acid analysis revealed that Terasi was rich in essential amino acid content and higher chemical and amino acid scores, indicating a high-quality protein source. The results highlight that traditional Southeast Asian shrimp pastes offer higher nutritional benefits in terms of protein, fat, and minerals compared to fish sauces
Virtual reality technology in electronic cigarette prevention and cessation intervention: A systematic review
No full textPurpose of Review The rising prevalence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) use, especially among adolescents and young adults, underscores the need for novel and innovative strategies to promote cessation. Various reviews have demonstrated the effectiveness of VR in treating substance use disorders. In smoking interventions, VR is utilized to deliver cue exposure therapy, acceptance-avoidance tasks, behavioral training, and skill development. However, it remains uncertain whether these approaches can be effectively adapted for e-cigarette cessation. This review aims to examine the characteristics, effectiveness, and implementation of virtual reality (VR) interventions for e-cigarettes prevention and cessation. Recent Findings Upon searching four databases between 2003 until December 2023, this review included four documents detailing two game-based VR interventions for e-cigarette prevention among adolescents. The studies demonstrated promising outcomes in improving adolescents’ knowledge and perceptions on e-cigarettes and in maintaining low intention to experiment with e-cigarette use. Users feedback indicated a generally positive user experience with the VR interventions. Summary While these VR interventions have been well-received and show promise in supporting abstinence among non-users, the existing evidence is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions, highlighting key research gaps. Notably, existing interventions focus mainly on prevention among adolescents in high-income countries, lack standardized implementation outcome measures, and seldom incorporate physiological verification for cessation. Addressing these gaps is essential for optimizing VR interventions and ensuring their effectiveness across diverse populations and settings
Enhancing medical student training during psychiatry clerkship through a school-based mental health approach: A qualitative study
No full textPurpose: This study evaluated a school-based mental health program within a psychiatry clerkship to enhance medical students’ competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and adaptability. The program aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills through experiential learning in a real-world, community-based setting. Methods: The study utilized convenience sampling to select 32 medical students from the 2023–2024 psychiatry clerkship cohort. Four focus group discussions, each lasting 60–90 minutes, provided qualitative data, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in Atlas.ti (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Germany) to identify themes related to professional development. Results: Five key themes emerged, highlighting significant gains in context-sensitive communication, empathy, and mental health literacy specific to adolescent issues. The students reported increased clinical confidence, enhanced resilience through psychological techniques such mindfulness and motivational interviewing, and benefited from sustained engagement and peer support, fostering collaboration and stress management. Conclusion: The school-based mental health program enhanced essential competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and practical skills for medical students. By integrating experiential learning into medical education, the program addressed training gaps, equipping future healthcare providers with the skills necessary for holistic and patient-centered mental healthcare across diverse clinical settings. The approach showed potential for broader applications in medical education to prepare students for comprehensive mental health support skills
Characterisation of a ssDNA aptamer with inhibitory activity on interaction between SARS-COV-2 spike 1 protein and human ACE2 protein as a potential treatment for Covid-19
No full textIntroduction: In late 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged, rapidly evolving and causing the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Current antiviral treatments for Covid-19 are expensive and often lead to adverse side effects, necessitating the discovery of a new treatment strategy. All SARS-CoV-2 variants utilise the spike 1 (S1) protein to bind to human cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, making disruption of this S1-ACE2 interaction using ACE2-targeting aptamer a promising Covid-19 treatment strategy. Materials and methods: ACE2-targeting single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) aptamers were isolated using magnetic bead-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) meth- od. The isolated aptamers were predicted for their structure and interaction with ACE2 using in-silico analysis. Those aptamers bound to the ACE2 site recognised by the S1 were evaluated for binding properties by quantitative poly- merase chain reaction (qPCR). Subsequently, the aptamer demonstrating specificity and the highest affinity toward ACE2 was further assessed for its inhibitory potential on the S1-ACE2 interaction using a competitive-based ELISA approach. Results: Seventeen aptamers were successfully isolated with seven of them binding to the site recognised by the S1 protein. One of the aptamers, Apt 17, exhibited binding specificity to ACE2 and showed the highest binding affinity with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 64.53 ± 18.39 nM. This aptamer effectively inhibits the S1-ACE2 inter- action (p<0.01). Conclusion: Apt 17 serves as a promising therapeutic candidate for future Covid-19 therapy or for addressing emerging diseases mediated by viruses utilising ACE2 for cell entry
A SmartPLS4-based CB-SEM confirmatory factor analysis: A case of speaking needs for Chinese business English undergraduates
No full textOver the past decade, there has been an increasing emphasis on English for Specific Purposes (ESP) within China’s higher education language programs. However, the shift towards ESP presents a multifaceted challenge, particularly for business English teaching at higher education, where speaking proficiency is crucial yet often falls below expectations. Considering these issues, the authors of this study developed a scale based on relevant literature to pinpoint students' needs for Oral Business English (OBE) instruction, and to explore the interplay among constructs within the scale that define these needs. This quantitative study employed a two-phase approach, utilizing separate datasets and different sample sizes of Chinese business English undergraduates selected through simple random sampling. Phase one (N = 52) leveraged SPSS 29 for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), while phase two (N = 396) utilized SmartPLS4 for covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) in confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The findings reveal that the undergraduate respondents grapple with a total of five distinct needs related to OBE instruction. These include three target needs: difficulties in oral communication, oral challenges in collaborative engagement, and required speaking activities. Additionally, there are two learning needs: perceived learning styles and perceived course satisfaction. Significantly, as perceived by these undergraduate respondents, each of these needs was found to have a substantial impact on the effectiveness of OBE instruction in China
Enhancing soft soil strength by using jute fibre and human hair fibre as reinforcing materials
No full textClayey soil often displays unfavourable soil properties, rendering it unsuitable for construction endeavours due to its low load-bearing capacity and high compressibility, particularly when utilised as a subgrade layer. Hence, it is crucial to do soil stabilisation before commencing construction works, and typical stabilising materials, including fly ash, coir fibre, cement, and lime, are commonly utilised, which may involve cost and environmental impact since fly ash is known as a hazardous material to human health. The objective of this study is to examine the application of jute fibre in conjunction with human hair fibre as a stabiliser to improve the characteristics of clay soil, hence enhancing the unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Various experiment tests are conducted, including sieve analysis tests, Atterberg limit tests, and standard proctor tests. These tests are conducted to confirm that the soil sample collected from the west coast of Malaysia is soft clay soil and suitable for this study. The unconfined compressive test is performed to examine the effect of using jute fibre and human hair fibre on increasing the UCS of soft soil. Various soil specimens were prepared, including a controlled sample and various combinations of jute fibre (0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, 2%, and 2.5%) with human hair fibre (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%). Utilising jute fibre and human hair fibre as stabilisers for soft clay soil resulted in a significant increase in shear strength. The use of 1.2% jute fibre combined with 1.5% human hair fibre led to an enhancement in compressive strength from 1209.101 kN/m2 to 1465.896 kN/m2 following a curing period of 7 and 14 days. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that incorporating jute fibre and human hair fibre into the soft soil enhances soil strength performance. Nevertheless, exceeding the quantity of fibres mixed into the soil results in the opposite effect. Optimal soil stabilisation occurs when the jute fibre content is 1.2% combined with 1.5% of human hair fibre
A GIS-based multi-tier framework for assessing the ecological potential of urban vacant land
No full textUrban vacant land possesses significant yet untapped ecological potential (capac- ity to support biodiversity, ecological processes, and ecosystem functions) for enhancing urban sustainability and resilience. However, the absence of structured and adaptable frameworks for ecological assessment limits its effective integration into urban planning. This study introduces a novel multi-tier ecological assessment framework, combining expert-driven criteria established through the Fuzzy Delphi Method with GIS-based spatial analysis. The framework ensures flexibility and scalability, enabling planners to perform rapid preliminary assessments and progressively detailed evaluations depending on avail- able resources and specific planning objectives. A case study in Sentul-Manjalara, Kuala Lumpur, demonstrates the framework’s practical application, resulting in an ecological potential map categorising vacant parcels into high, medium, and low revitalisation priori- ties. This approach effectively connects theoretical ecological insights and actionable urban planning, providing policymakers and planners with an evidence-based decision-making tool for strategically prioritising vacant land revitalisation efforts. The outcome enhances urban biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and long-term urban resilience