Browse publications by year: 2023

Challenges and Strategies for Improving Access to Cancer Drugs in Malaysia: Summary of Opinions Expressed at the 2nd MACR International Scientific Conference 2022

Tan SC, Poh WT, Yong ACH, Chua EW, Ooi J, Mahmud R, et al.

Cancer Manag Res, 2023;15:851-862.
PMID: 37636030 DOI: 10.2147/CMAR.S420890

Considerable progress has been made in cancer drug development in recent decades. However, for people in low- and middle-income countries, including Malaysia, many of these drugs are not readily available. During the 2nd Malaysian Association for Cancer Research (MACR) International Scientific Conference, a forum discussion was held to address these challenges and explore strategies to improve access to cancer medicines in the country. This paper presents the results of the said forum discussion. A few challenges to cancer drug access were highlighted, including lengthy approval and regulatory practices, cost of medicines, and manufacturing barriers. Besides, a few strategies for mitigating some of these challenges were proposed, such as mechanisms for cost reduction, uptake of biosimilars and generics, local manufacturing, public-private partnerships, strengthening the role of insurance companies, funding and regulation, and advocacy for fair pricing, by drawing examples from cancer medicines access initiatives in Malaysia and initiatives for different disease groups. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and strategies for improving access to cancer medicines in Malaysia and provides valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, the pharmaceutical industry, cancer patients, cancer support groups, and other stakeholders working on this important issue.
Fulltext Histopathology imagery dataset of Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm

Mohamad Yusof UK, Mashohor S, Hanafi M, Md Noor S, Zainal N

Data Brief, 2023 Oct;50:109484.
PMID: 37636134 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109484

Tumorous cancer has been a widely known and well-studied medical phenomenon; however, rare diseases like Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) have received less attention, leading to delayed diagnosis. Despite the availability of advanced technology in diagnostic tools that can boost the procedure, the morphological assessment of bone marrow trephine (BMT) images remains critical to confirm and differentiate MPN subtypes. This paper reports a histopathological imagery dataset that was created to focus on the most common MPN from the Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph)-negative type, namely Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), Polycythemia Vera (PV), and Primary Myelofibrosis (MF). The dataset consisted of 300 BMT images that can be used to enable computer vision applications, such as image segmentation, disease classification, and object recognition, in assisting the classification of the MPN disease. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health, Malaysia and the bone marrow trephine images were captured using a digital microscope from the Olympus model (BX41 Dual head microscope) with x10, x20, and x40 lens types. The development of comprehensive tools deployed from this dataset can assist medical practitioners in diagnosing diseases, thus overcoming the current challenges.
Myoclonus-Ataxia Syndrome Associated with Hyperprolinemia Type I

Ong TL, Lau YH, Ngu LH, Hadi D, Lau KM, Mawardi AS

Mov Disord Clin Pract, 2023 Aug;10(Suppl 3):S38-S40.
PMID: 37636236 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13780
Fulltext Navigating the tourism digital landscape: The interrelationship of online travel sites' affordances, technology readiness, online purchase intentions, trust, and E-loyalty

Mior Shariffuddin NS, Azinuddin M, Yahya NE, Hanafiah MH

Heliyon, 2023 Aug;9(8):e19135.
PMID: 37636344 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19135

This study investigates the relationship between online travel sites' affordances (OTSA), technology readiness (TR), and their impact on tourists' online purchase intentions (OPI), as well as the moderating role of trust on OPI and e-loyalty. The survey was conducted online from September 2022 until November 2022 on 306 participants who were selected purposively. The collected data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Analysis (PLS-SEM). The findings indicated that OTSA has a greater influence on OPI in comparison to TR. Specifically, OTSA's level of interactivity and stickiness had a noteworthy impact on OPI, while only the innovativeness of TR had a positive effect on OPI. The results of the moderating role of trust indicated that OPI negatively affects e-loyalty in the presence of trust. The research conducted in this study has yielded valuable insights that hold theoretical and practical significance, particularly for local governments and tourism agencies operating in the realm of online travel sites. A key finding of the study emphasizes the importance of improving technology adoption and user experience to facilitate greater comfort and confidence among tourists in using these platforms. Establishing trust between tourists and online travel sites emerges as a critical factor in shaping the success of the tourism industry. By prioritizing trust and transparency, tourism agencies and online travel sites can forge robust relationships with their customers and promote the growth of the tourism industry toward digitalization.
Fulltext A call to action: Unpacking the challenges to implementing social sustainability initiatives in a developing country city

Razia S, Abu Bakar Ah SH

Heliyon, 2023 Aug;9(8):e19085.
PMID: 37636356 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19085

With cities sprawling and populations booming in developing regions, ensuring social sustainability in urban areas has become more urgent. This study investigates the challenges of implementing social sustainability initiatives for cities in developing countries, focusing on Dhaka as a representative city. A mixed-method approach involving structured questionnaire surveys and key informant interviews was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The study identified eighteen challenges to implementing social sustainability initiatives in Dhaka city, including a lack of poor urban governance, an inefficient city management system, a lack of political stability, a long delay in the planning approval process, etc. Additionally, experts identified additional challenges that require attention. The study offers empirical evidence to assist government officials, policymakers, and urban planners overcome these challenges and implement social sustainability effectively. To address the identified challenges, the study recommends revisiting the Structure Plan, Urban Area Plan, Detailed Area Plan, and Urban Sector Policy-2011. It highlights the crucial role of community social workers in mitigating specific issues in socially sustainable urban development. Eventually, the study will contribute to the implementation of SDG-11 in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by bridging the gap between urbanization and socially sustainable cities.
Fulltext Mobile technology features and technostress in mandatory online teaching during the COVID-19 crisis

Khlaif ZN, Sanmugam M, Hattab MK, Bensalem E, Ayyoub A, Sharma RC, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Aug;9(8):e19069.
PMID: 37636397 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19069

Technostress is defined as any unhealthy condition caused by dealing with modern technology in various harmful ways; examples of technostress include addiction and stress. Even though technostress has been extensively studied in the literature, little attention has been paid to investigating technostress among academics who work in exceptional circumstances, such as crises, and who might be experiencing different psychological states due to those circumstances. To fill the gap, this study aims to explore the factors influencing technostress among school teachers. The study examined technostress's level and factor graphics structure among 692 academics from different Arab countries during COVID-19. The technostress factors and their stories were explored and measured using sequential mixed methods and confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis. The study discusses various factors' direct and indirect effects on mobile technology integration in education and the theoretical and practical implications of managing technostress in online classes. A model of techno-stressors among Arab academics was found to include: schedule overload, complexity, uncertainty, uselessness, invasion, and compulsion. The direct effect of various factors on mobile technology integration in education is mainly positive, while indirect effects are more varied. The theoretical and practical implications of managing technostress in online classes include: considering the psychological and physiological impact of technostress on students' learning performance, decreasing overall satisfaction with the learning experience, and improving the overall quality of online courses. As a result of this study's findings, a new perspective is provided on how academics in particular circumstances (in this study, the occupation of Palestine) may behave and feel toward technology in teaching.
Fulltext A novel online multi-task learning for COVID-19 multi-output spatio-temporal prediction

Wu Z, Loo CK, Obaidellah U, Pasupa K

Heliyon, 2023 Aug;9(8):e18771.
PMID: 37636411 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18771

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, predicting its trend would significantly impact decision-making. However, this is not a straightforward task due to three main difficulties: temporal autocorrelation, spatial dependency, and concept drift caused by virus mutations and lockdown policies. Although machine learning has been extensively used in related work, no previous research has successfully addressed all three challenges simultaneously. To overcome this challenge, we developed a novel online multi-task regression algorithm that incorporates a chain structure to capture spatial dependency, the ADWIN drift detector to adapt to concept drift, and the lag time series feature to capture temporal autocorrelation. We conducted several comparative experiments based on the number of daily confirmed cases in 20 areas in California and affiliated cities. The results from our experiments demonstrate that our proposed model is superior in adapting to concept drift in COVID-19 data and capturing spatial dependencies across various regions. This leads to a significant improvement in prediction accuracy when compared to existing state-of-the-art batch machine learning methods, such as N-Beats, DeepAR, TCN, and LSTM.
Fulltext Unlocking the secrets of exchange rate determination in Malaysia: A Game-Changing hybrid model

Butt S, Ramzan M, Wong WK, Chohan MA, Ramakrishnan S

Heliyon, 2023 Aug;9(8):e19140.
PMID: 37636448 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19140

Nominal exchange rate determination is a puzzling phenomenon throughout the literature. Thus, the study aims to analyze the nominal exchange rate determination with a hybrid approach of macroeconomic and microstructure determinants, i.e., interest rate differential, oil price, order flow, and bid-ask spread over the long- and short-run horizons in the context of Malaysia. The dataset consists of high-frequency daily data from 2010 to 2017, employing a nonlinear ARDL approach. The results indicate that the bid-ask spread and interest rate differential were found to be key determinants of exchange rate dynamics in the long and short run. The findings show strong evidence of long-run asymmetry in the interest rate differential, while short-run asymmetry effects exist between microstructure determinants and the exchange rate. In addition, it indicates that the bid-ask spread holds informative content to explain the dynamics of the exchange rate in Malaysia. Additionally, the negative changes in the oil price could potentially act as macroeconomic news announcements and the bid-ask spread as liquidity determinants in Malaysia, which play a significant role in exchange rate determination. The study concluded that the prominent short-run asymmetry effects captured in cumulative order flow and bid-ask spread While a long-run asymmetry exists between the oil price and exchange rate in Malaysia. The empirical results allow for long-run and short-run asymmetric pricing impacts of a hybrid approach on the nominal exchange rate in Malaysia. This study is helpful in providing policy direction and practical implications for monetary authorities and market dealers. The bid-ask spread and oil price could be considered influential exchange rate determinants in the short run in Malaysia.
Fulltext Elevating athletic performance: Maximizing strength and power in long jumpers through combined low-intensity blood flow restriction and high-intensity resistance training

Sarfabadi P, Rizvi MR, Sharma A, Sami W, Sajid MR, Arora S, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Aug;9(8):e19068.
PMID: 37636460 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19068

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-intensity blood flow restriction (BFR) training and high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT) on the leaping performance of long-jumpers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Long jump players were divided into two groups; one group (group A) receiving HI-RT (n = 8) and the other group (group B) receiving combined low-intensity BFR training plus HI-RT (n = 8). Muscle power and knee muscle strength was assessed at baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks of intervention.
RESULTS: 1-RM was found to be significantly different between Group A and Group B at 3 and 6 weeks. Further, IKDQR, IKDHR and IKDQL was significantly improved in group B as compared to group A both at 3 and 6 weeks. There was significant time effect, group effect and time-group interaction in the strength of quadriceps and hamstring of both left and right leg measured through isokinetic device. Post-hoc analysis for 1-RM in group B showed a significant improvement at baseline and 6 weeks and the broad jump was significant at baseline and 3 weeks and at baseline and 6 weeks.
CONCLUSION: The combined effects of low-intensity BFR training and HI-RT is effective in improving the muscle strength and power of lower limbs in long jumpers.
A Rare Case of Complicated Sinonasal Meliodosis Mimicking Sinonasal Lymphoproliferative Disease

Cheah Y, Jumastapha H, Tang IP

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2023 Sep;75(3):2564-2567.
PMID: 37636706 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03792-4

Unilateral nasal obstruction with purulent nasal discharge is one of the presentations for sinonasal melioidosis. However, it may mimic nasal NK/T cell lymphoma. Both causing tissue destruction involving nasal septum, lateral nasal wall and palate. Here, we report a case of disseminated melioidosis involving sinonasal mimicking nasal lymphoma in a 32-year-old immunocompetent lady. She presented with prolonged fever, unilateral nasal blockage, painful facial swelling and knee pain. Clinical findings revealed extensive necrotic tissue and crusting involving right lateral wall of nasal cavity. Tissue and blood culture and sensitivity (C + S) grew Burkholderia pseudomallei. Recovery was complete after surgery and antibiotics.
A Rare Cause of Acute Dyspnoea: Reinke Oedema

Cheah SC, Yee LW, Kok WL, Nazri Zamri FI, Baki MM

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2023 Sep;75(3):2420-2422.
PMID: 37636736 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03714-4

Reinke oedema is a benign condition due to fluid collection within subepithelial space of the true vocal fold. This phenomenon is predisposed by chronic smoking, alcohol consumption and contribution of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Although benign, it may be life threatening when bilateral vocal folds are affected causing airway obstruction. In this report, awake tracheostomy was performed for a 65- year- old lady with stridor secondary to severe Reinke oedema. The importance of establishing a definitive airway is highlighted here in securing a difficult airway.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03714-4.
Primary Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma of the Submandibular Gland in A Young Patient: A Case Report

Ishak AI, Kong LS, Yunus MRM, Bakar MZA

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2023 Sep;75(3):2577-2580.
PMID: 37636741 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03663-y

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) is a rare entity of malignancy. It has been associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and in regions where it is endemic, such as Southeast Asia, EBV is typically associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The incidence of such malignancies in the young population is unusual. Here we report a 17-year-old with a 5-year history of a painless right submandibular mass presenting with a sudden increase in size for one month before surgery. Neck examination revealed a firm right submandibular gland measuring five by five cm, with an irregular surface, non-tender with normal overlying skin. We performed a fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and he underwent computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck. He underwent a right submandibulectomy. Lymph nodes from levels I and II were also removed. The final histopathology was reported as LEC. Following this tissue diagnosis, another follow-up surgery, a modified radical neck dissection, was carried out for locoregional clearance. Postoperatively, he completed chemoradiotherapy treatment and is now on regular follow-up.
Fulltext Cooling of a PVT System Using an Underground Heat Exchanger: An Experimental Study

Majeed SH, Abdul-Zahra AS, Mutasher DG, Dhahd HA, Fayad MA, Al-Waeli AHA, et al.

ACS Omega, 2023 Aug 22;8(33):29926-29938.
PMID: 37636923 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07900

In the recent decades, the researchers have been focused on the use of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems that provide the best performance and cooling for the photovoltaic panels. In this study, a PVT system consisting of a monocrystalline PV panel and a spiral heat exchanger was connected to an underground heat exchanger that is buried at a depth of 4 m below the surface of the earth. The procedure of the current study can be considered the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region (based on the researchers' knowledge). The study was carried out on agricultural land in Baghdad-Iraq during months of July and August-2022, which are considered the harshest weather conditions for this city. The heat exchanger consists of a copper tube with a length of 21 m and formed in the shape of 3U, and it was buried in the earth and connected with a PVT system. The results of the study showed that the site chosen to bury the heat exchanger (4 m deep) has a stable soil temperature at 22.5 °C. From various volumetric flow rates, a flow rate of 0.18 l/s was selected which is considered the highest flow rate that can show vibration in the PVT system which may harm the system. The practical measurements showed that the largest difference in the surface temperatures of standalone PV and PVT was around 20 °C in favor of the latter. The electrical efficiency of the studied PVT system also increased to outperform the standalone PV system by 127.3%. By comparing the results of the current study with studies of water-cooled PVT systems from the literature, it is clear that the proposed system is feasible and has an acceptable efficiency in such harsh weather conditions tested during the experiment.
Fulltext Implications of Organic Matter Input, Sedimentary Environmental Conditions, and Gas Generation Potential of the Organic-Rich Shale in the Onshore Jiza-Qamar Basin, Yemen

Hakimi MH, Kahal A, Rahim A, Naseem W, Alsomid W, Al-Buraihi A, et al.

ACS Omega, 2023 Aug 22;8(33):30483-30499.
PMID: 37636926 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03691

The Jiza-Qamar Basin is one of the most important exploration sedimentary basins in Yemen. For over a decade, the exploration of hydrocarbons has been occurring in this basin. Late Cretaceous age rocks are the most occurring organic-rich sediments in this basin, including coals, coaly shales, and shales. The studied organic-rich shale beds are from the Late Cretaceous Mukalla Formation and associated with coal seams. These organic-rich shales can serve as source rocks for hydrocarbon generation potential. The current study investigates the geochemical characteristics, including assessing the organic matter (OM) input, sedimentary environmental conditions, and hydrocarbon generation potential of the organic-rich shale within the Mukalla Formation from three well locations in the onshore Jiza-Qamar Basin using organic geochemistry, biomarker, and carbon isotope measurements. The studied shale samples have high OM content with total organic carbon values between 0.74 and 19.48 wt %. Furthermore, they contain mainly hydrogen-poor Types III and IV kerogen, indicating the presence of the gas-prone source rock. The presence of these types of kerogen indicates the abundance of vitrinite and inertinite macerals, as established by microscopic investigation. However, the studied organic-rich shales had biomarker features, including high Ph/Ph ratio between 3.82 and 7.46, high Tm/Ts ratio of more than 7, and high C29 regular steranes compared to C27 and C28 regular steranes. Apart from the biomarker results, the studied Mukalla shales are characterized by the abundance of land-derived OM that deposited in fluvial to fluvial deltaic environments under highly oxic conditions. The finding of the considerable concentration of terrigenous OM is probably confirmed by the bulk carbon isotope and maceral composition data. The maturity indicators show that the examined organic-rich shale samples in the studied wells exhibit low VR values of up to 0.71%, and thereby, they have not been yet reached the high maturity for gas generation. This low maturity level in the studied wells is probably attributed to shallow burial depth, exhibiting depth of up to 2835 m. Therefore, the substantial gas exploration operations from the organic-rich shale source rock system of the Late Cretaceous Mukalla Formation can be recommended in the deeper stratigraphic succession in the offshore Jiza-Qamar Basin.
Fulltext Synthesis of 1-(4-Bromobenzoyl)-1,3-dicyclohexylurea and Its Arylation via Readily Available Palladium Catalyst-Their Electronic, Spectroscopic, and Nonlinear Optical Studies via a Computational Approach

Maqbool T, Younas H, Bilal M, Rasool N, Bajaber MA, Mubarik A, et al.

ACS Omega, 2023 Aug 22;8(33):30306-30314.
PMID: 37636953 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03183

In this study, we reported the synthesis of 1-(4-bromobenzoyl)-1,3-dicyclohexylurea by the reaction of DCC (N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide) with 4-bromobenzoic acid. Subsequently, we further synthesized a new series of 1-(4-arylbenzoyl)-1,3-dicyclohexylurea (5a-g) derivatives using a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction between 1-(4-bromobenzoyl)-1,3-dicyclohexylurea (3) and various aryl/heteroaryl boronic acids (4). Thus, density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to examine the electronic structure of the synthesized compounds (3, 5a-g) and to calculate their spectroscopic data. Moreover, optimized geometries and thermodynamic properties, such as frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO, LUMO), molecular electrostatic potential surfaces, and reactivity descriptors, were also calculated at the PBE0-D3BJ/def2-TZVP/SMD1,4-dioxane level of theory to validate the structures of the synthesized compounds.
Fulltext Optimizing MWCNT-Based Nanofluids for Photovoltaic/Thermal Cooling through Preparation Parameters

Chaichan MT, Kazem HA, Al-Ghezi MKS, Al-Waeli AHA, Ali AJ, Sopian K, et al.

ACS Omega, 2023 Aug 22;8(33):29910-29925.
PMID: 37636957 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07226

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were employed as added particles for nanofluids in this practical investigation. To identify the most appropriate nanofluid for cooling PVT systems that are functional in the extreme summer environment of Baghdad, the parameters of base fluid, surfactant, and sonication time used for mixing were examined. Water was chosen as the base fluid instead of other potential candidates such as ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PG), and heat transfer oil (HTO). Thermal conductivity and stability were important thermophysical qualities that were impacted by the chosen parameters. The nanofluid tested in Baghdad city (consisting of 0.5% MWCNTs, water, and CTAB with a sonication period of three and a quarter hours) resulted in a 119.5, 308, and 210% enhancement of thermal conductivity (TC) for water compared with EG, PG, and oil, respectively. In addition, the nanofluid-cooled PVT system had an electrical efficiency that was 88.85% higher than standalone PV technology and 44% higher than water-cooled PVT systems. Moreover, the thermal efficiency of the nanofluid-cooled PVT system was 20% higher than the water-cooled PVT system. Finally, the nanofluid-cooled PVT system displayed the least decrease in electrical efficiency and a greater thermal efficiency even when the PV panel was at its hottest at noon.
Fulltext Zircon-Type CaCrO4 Chromite Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Application for Sunlight-Induced Degradation of Rhodamine B

Akbar N, Javed M, Arif Khan A, Masood A, Ahmed N, Mehmood RY, et al.

ACS Omega, 2023 Aug 22;8(33):30095-30108.
PMID: 37636959 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02457

The degradation of organic dye pollutants is a critical environmental issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years. To address this problem, we investigated the potential of CaCrO4 chromite (CCO) as a photocatalyst for the degradation of cationic and anionic dye solutions under sunlight irradiation. CaCrO4 was synthesized via a sol-gel auto-combustion route and sintered at 900 °C. The Rietveld refined XRD profile confirmed the zircon-type structure of CaCrO4 crystallized in the tetragonal unit cell with I41/amd space group symmetry. The surface morphology of the sample was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), which revealed the polyhedral texture of the grains. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies were carried out to analyze the elemental composition and chemical states of the ions present in the compound. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis revealed the vibrational modes corresponding to the tetrahedral and dodecahedral metal oxide bonds. The optical band gap was approximated to be in the range of 1.928 eV by using the Tauc relation. The CaCrO4 catalyst with different contents (5, 20, 35, and 50 mg) was investigated for its photocatalytic performance for the degradation of RhB dye solution under sunlight irradiation using a UV-Vis spectrometer over the experimental wavelength range of 450-600 nm. The degradation efficacy increased from 70.630 to 93.550% for 5-35 mg and then decreased to 68.720% for 50 mg in 140 min under visible light illumination. The comparative study demonstrates that a higher degradation rate was achieved for cationic than anionic dyes in the order RhB > MB > MO. The highest deterioration (93.80%) was achieved for the RhB dye in 140 min. Equilibrium and kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of 21.125 mg/g was observed for the catalyst concentration of 35 mg. From the cyclic test, it has been observed that the synthesized photocatalyst is structurally and morphologically stable and reusable. The radical trapping experiment demonstrated that superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were the primary species engaged in the photodegradation process. A possible mechanism for the degradation of RhB has been proposed. Hence, we conclude that CaCrO4 can be used as an efficient photocatalyst for the remediation of organic dye pollutants from the environment.
Fulltext Impact of Cobalt Doping on the Structural, Optical, and Dielectric Properties of MgAl2O4 Spinel Material

Ullah K, Khan SA, Zaman A, Sarker MR, Ali A, Tirth V, et al.

ACS Omega, 2023 Aug 22;8(33):29959-29965.
PMID: 37636967 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00541

Nanomaterials (NMs) with structural, optical, and dielectric properties are called functional or smart materials and have favorable applications in various fields of material science and nanotechnology. Pure and Co-doped MgAl2O4 were synthesized by using the sol-gel combustion method. A systematic investigation was carried out to understand the effects of the Co concentration on the crystalline phase, morphology, and optical and dielectric properties of Co-doped MgAl2O4. X-ray diffraction confirmed the cubic spinel structure with the Fd3̅m space group, and there was no impurity phase, while the surface morphology of the samples was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The dielectric properties of the synthesized material are investigated using an LCR meter with respect to the variation in frequency (1-2 GHz), and their elemental composition has been examined through the energy-dispersive X-ray technique. The existence of the metal-oxygen Mg-Al-O bond has been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The value of the dielectric constant decreases with the increasing frequency and Co concentration. The optical behaviors of the Co2+-doped MgAl2O4 reveal that the optical properties were enhanced by increasing the cobalt concentration, which ultimately led to a narrower band gap, which make them exquisite and suitable for energy storage applications, especially for super capacitors. This work aims to focus on the effect of cobalt ions in different concentrations on structural, optical, and dielectric properties.
Fulltext Exploring the efficacy of 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACCA) as a natural compound in strengthening maize resistance against biotic and abiotic stressors: an empirical computational study

Debnath S, Elgorban AM, Bahkali AH, Eswaramoorthy R, Verma M, Tiwari P, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2023;14:1232086.
PMID: 37637126 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1232086

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand plant-bacteria interactions that enhance plant resistance to environmental stressors, with a focus on maize (Zea mays L.) and its vulnerability to various pathogenic organisms. We examine the potential of 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACCA) as a compound to boost maize's resilience against stressors and pathogens.
BACKGROUND: With the growing global population and increased food demand, the study of endophytes, comprising bacteria and fungi, becomes crucial. They reside within plant tissues, affecting their hosts either beneficially or detrimentally. Agrobacteria are of specific interest due to their potential to contribute to developing strategies for plant resistance enhancement.
METHODS: We conducted exhaustive research on the defense-related proteins and mechanisms involved in maize-pathogen interactions. The efficacy of ACCA as a natural-compound that could enhance maize's resistance was examined.
RESULTS: Our research indicates that ACCA, having a binding energy of -9.98 kcal/mol, successfully strengthens maize resistance against pathogenic assaults and drought stress. It plays a crucial protective role in maize plants as they mature, outperforming other ligands in its effectiveness to improve productivity and increase yield.
CONCLUSION: Applying ACCA to maize plants has considerable potential in enhancing their resilience and tolerance to stress, proving to be an effective strategy to boost crop yield and productivity. This could help address the increasing global food demand. However, more research is needed to optimize ACCA application methods and to gain a comprehensive understanding of its long-term effects on maize cultivations and the environment.
Fulltext Understanding mental fatigue and its detection: a comparative analysis of assessments and tools

Kunasegaran K, Ismail AMH, Ramasamy S, Gnanou JV, Caszo BA, Chen PL

PeerJ, 2023;11:e15744.
PMID: 37637168 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15744

Mental fatigue has shown to be one of the root causes of decreased productivity and overall cognitive performance, by decreasing an individual's ability to inhibit responses, process information and concentrate. The effects of mental fatigue have led to occupational errors and motorway accidents. Early detection of mental fatigue can prevent the escalation of symptoms that may lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and other disorders. To date, in clinical settings, the assessment of mental fatigue and stress is done through self-reported questionnaires. The validity of these questionnaires is questionable, as they are highly subjective measurement tools and are not immune to response biases. This review examines the wider presence of mental fatigue in the general population and critically compares its various detection techniques (i.e., self-reporting questionnaires, heart rate variability, salivary cortisol levels, electroencephalogram, and saccadic eye movements). The ability of these detection tools to assess inhibition responses (which are sensitive enough to be manifested in a fatigue state) is specifically evaluated for a reliable marker in identifying mentally fatigued individuals. In laboratory settings, antisaccade tasks have been long used to assess inhibitory control and this technique can potentially serve as the most promising assessment tool to objectively detect mental fatigue. However, more studies need to be conducted in the future to validate and correlate this assessment with other existing measures of mental fatigue detection. This review is intended for, but not limited to, mental health professionals, digital health scientists, vision researchers, and behavioral scientists.

MeSH terms: Electroencephalography*; Mental Fatigue/diagnosis; Health Personnel; Heart Rate; Humans

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