Browse publications by year: 2024

Forecasting the strength of preplaced aggregate concrete using interpretable machine learning approaches

Javed MF, Fawad M, Lodhi R, Najeh T, Gamil Y

Sci Rep, 2024 Apr 10;14(1):8381.
PMID: 38600161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57896-0

Preplaced aggregate concrete (PAC) also known as two-stage concrete (TSC) is widely used in construction engineering for various applications. To produce PAC, a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and admixtures is injected into a mold subsequent to the deposition of coarse aggregate. This process complicates the prediction of compressive strength (CS), demanding thorough investigation. Consequently, the emphasis of this study is on enhancing the comprehension of PAC compressive strength using machine learning models. Thirteen models are evaluated with 261 data points and eleven input variables. The result depicts that xgboost demonstrates exceptional accuracy with a correlation coefficient of 0.9791 and a normalized coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9583. Moreover, Gradient boosting (GB) and Cat boost (CB) also perform well due to its robust performance. In addition, Adaboost, Voting regressor, and Random forest yield precise predictions with low mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) values. The sensitivity analysis (SA) reveals the significant impact of key input parameters on overall model sensitivity. Notably, gravel takes the lead with a substantial 44.7% contribution, followed by sand at 19.5%, cement at 15.6%, and Fly ash and GGBS at 5.9% and 5.1%, respectively. The best fit model i.e., XG-Boost model, was employed for SHAP analysis to assess the relative importance of contributing attributes and optimize input variables. The SHAP analysis unveiled the water-to-binder (W/B) ratio, superplasticizer, and gravel as the most significant factors influencing the CS of PAC. Furthermore, graphical user interface (GUI) have been developed for practical applications in predicting concrete strength. This simplifies the process and offers a valuable tool for leveraging the model's potential in the field of civil engineering. This comprehensive evaluation provides valuable insights to researchers and practitioners, empowering them to make informed choices in predicting PAC compressive strength in construction projects. By enhancing the reliability and applicability of predictive models, this study contributes to the field of preplaced aggregate concrete strength prediction.
Fulltext Acceptability of COVID-19 booster vaccine in malaysia: a cross-sectional study

Khoo CMJ, Dea EZQ, Law LY, Wong SST, Ng KY, Bakhtiar A

Sci Rep, 2024 Apr 10;14(1):8421.
PMID: 38600166 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59195-0

Despite the high efficacy and safety demonstrated in clinical trials, COVID-19 booster vaccination rates in Malaysia remain below 50% among the general public. This study explores the factors influencing public acceptance of the COVID-19 booster vaccine among the Malaysian population. The questionnaire included variables on sociodemographics, knowledge, and the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs. Based on the Chi-squared test of contingencies, a t-test and multivariate logistic regression analysis on 411 collected responses, the findings revealed that older participants, individuals of Chinese ethnicity, and those with higher education levels and incomes were more willing to accept booster vaccinations. The analysis further identified perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and perceived barriers as significant predictors influencing booster vaccination acceptance rates. Healthcare policymakers may consider targeting interventions to diminish the obstacles associated with booster vaccinations. These intervention strategies include implementing health intervention programmes, such as public health awareness initiatives, to raise awareness of the risks and severity of COVID-19, ultimately encouraging higher uptake of booster vaccines.

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Vaccination; Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Critical assessment of the effectiveness of different dust control measures in a granite quarry

Saka MB, Hashim MHBM

J Public Health Policy, 2024 Jun;45(2):212-233.
PMID: 38600319 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-024-00481-6

The exposure to respirable crystalline silica found in granite dust presents significant health hazards to quarry workers and nearby communities, including silicosis and various respiratory ailments. This study evaluates the efficacy of various pollution control measures implemented in granite quarries. It aimed to provide a comprehensive critical assessment of the effectiveness of various dust control measures, considering their mechanisms, impact on air quality, and implications for worker health and community welfare. The strategy involved compiling and systematically analysing existing research articles, literature, and industry reports. The investigation identified three primary categories of measures: engineering controls, water-based suppression methods, and technological solutions. The study highlighted the significance of environmental impact and sustainability factors in selecting measures. These factors include water and energy consumption, production of secondary pollutants, long-term ecological effects, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Operators and policymakers should utilize integrated, context-specific, inventive, and interdisciplinary strategies to efficiently control particle emissions from granite quarrying.

MeSH terms: Air Pollution/prevention & control; Humans; Silicon Dioxide*; Occupational Exposure/prevention & control
Neratinib could be effective as monotherapy or in combination with trastuzumab in HER2-low breast cancer cells and organoid models

Arshad M, Azad A, Chan PYK, Vigneswara V, Feldinger K, Nafi SNM, et al.

Br J Cancer, 2024 Apr 10.
PMID: 38600326 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02665-z

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that patients with HER2-low breast cancers do not benefit from trastuzumab treatment although the reasons remain unclear.
METHODS: We investigated the effect of trastuzumab monotherapy and its combination with different HER2 targeting treatments in a panel of breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived organoids (PDOs) using biochemical methods and cell viability assays.
RESULTS: Compared to sensitive HER2 over-expressing (IHC3 + ) breast cancer cells, increasing doses of trastuzumab could not achieve IC50 in MDA-MB-361 (IHC 2 + FISH + ) and MDA-MB-453 (IHC 2 + FISH-) cells which showed an intermediate response to trastuzumab. Trastuzumab treatment induced upregulation of HER ligand release, resulting in the activation of HER receptors in these cells, which could account for their trastuzumab insensitivity. Adding a dual ADAM10/17 inhibitor to inhibit the shedding of HER ligands in combination with trastuzumab only showed a modest decrease in the cell viability of HER2-low breast cancer cells and PDOs. However, the panHER inhibitor neratinib was an effective monotherapy in HER2-low breast cancer cells and PDOs, and showed additive effects when combined with trastuzumab.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that neratinib in combination with trastuzumab may be effective in a subset of HER2-low breast cancers although further validation is required in a larger panel of PDOs and in future clinical studies.
Regulatory landscape and public perception for gene-edited bananas in the Southeast Asian region

Mat Jalaluddin NS, Ahmad Fuaad AA, Othman RY

Transgenic Res, 2024 Apr 10.
PMID: 38600337 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-024-00379-9

Banana is a premier fruit crop in many parts of the world especially Southeast Asia. The demand for banana has contributed to significant national income to primary banana producers in the SEA region such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. However, the widely traded banana industry is plagued by numerous threats including pests and diseases, post-harvest issues and extreme climate vulnerability. To address these challenges, new breeding techniques such as gene editing have been explored for breeding programs to develop improved banana varieties. The first gene-edited non-browning banana has been deregulated in the Philippines recently, and more regulatory applications are expected to submit for approvals soon. Hence, it is timely to review the policy options for gene editing that have been adopted and discussed in the Southeast Asian countries and highlight the implications of differing regulatory approaches to gene editing for trading activities. Positive stakeholders' perceptions and public acceptance are key factors in allowing the benefits of gene editing and thus appropriate outreach strategies are important to gain acceptance and avoid the "GMO stigma" that may be associated with gene-edited products.
Whole genome sequencing analysis of Komagataeibacter nataicola reveals its potential in food waste valorisation for cellulose production

Nasharudin MIH, Siew SW, Ahmad HF, Mahmud N

Mol Biol Rep, 2024 Apr 11;51(1):503.
PMID: 38600404 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09492-8

BACKGROUND: Komagataeibacter nataicola (K. nataicola) is a gram-negative acetic acid bacterium that produces natural bacterial cellulose (BC) as a fermentation product under acidic conditions. The goal of this work was to study the complete genome of K. nataicola and gain insight into the functional genes in K. nataicola that are responsible for BC synthesis in acidic environments.
METHODS AND RESULT: The pure culture of K. nataicola was obtained from yeast-glucose-calcium carbonate (YGC) agar, followed by genomic DNA extraction, and subjected to whole genome sequencing on a Nanopore flongle flow cell. The genome of K. nataicola consists of a 3,767,936 bp chromosome with six contigs and 4,557 protein coding sequences. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree and average nucleotide identity analysis confirmed that the bacterial isolate was K. nataicola. The gene annotation via RAST server discovered the presence of cellulose synthase, along with three genes associated with lactate utilization and eight genes involved in lactate fermentation that could potentially contribute to the increase in acid concentration during BC synthesis.
CONCLUSION: A more comprehensive genome study of K. nataicola may shed light into biological pathway in BC productivity as well as benefit the analysis of metabolites generated and understanding of biological and chemical interactions in BC production later.

MeSH terms: Cellulose/metabolism; Food; Lactates; Phylogeny; Refuse Disposal*; Acetobacteraceae*
Correction: Patient-controlled analgesia morphine for the management of acute pain in the emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Oon MB, Hisamuddin NNAR, Noor NM, Yazid MB

Int J Emerg Med, 2024 Apr 10;17(1):54.
PMID: 38600463 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-024-00625-1
Fulltext Neurological perspectives should be integrated into the management of tardive dyskinesia - expert opinion and proposed educational initiatives in Asia

Bhidayasiri R, Phokaewvarangkul O, Lim TT, Pal PK, Watanabe H, Cho JW, et al.

J Mov Disord, 2024 Apr 11.
PMID: 38600683 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.24068
Mechanistic insights into anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of plant secondary metabolites and their therapeutic potential for rheumatoid arthritis

Yuandani, Jantan I, Salim E, Septama AW, Rullah K, Nainu F, et al.

Phytother Res, 2024 Apr 10.
PMID: 38600726 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8147

The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities of plant secondary metabolites are due to their diverse mechanisms of action against multifarious molecular targets such as modulation of the complex immune system associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review discussed and critically analyzed the potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of several phytochemicals and their underlying mechanisms in association with RA in experimental studies, including preliminary clinical studies of some of them. A wide range of phytochemicals including phenols, flavonoids, chalcones, xanthones, terpenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides have shown significant immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental RA models and a few have undergone clinical trials for their efficacy and safety in reducing RA symptoms and improve patient outcomes. These phytochemicals have potential as safer alternatives to the existing drugs in the management of RA, which possess a wide range of serious side effects. Sufficient preclinical studies on safety and efficacy of these phytochemicals must be performed prior to proper clinical studies. Further studies are needed to address the barriers that have so far limited their human use before the therapeutic potential of these plant-based chemicals as anti-arthritic agents in the treatment of RA is fully realized.
Fulltext Physical Activity with Sports Scientist (PASS) programme to promote physical activity among patients with non-communicable diseases: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial protocol

Wattanapisit A, Hemarachatanon P, Somrak K, Manunyanon S, Wattanapisit S, Amornsriwatanakul A, et al.

BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med, 2024;10(2):e001985.
PMID: 38601124 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-001985

Physical activity (PA) effectively prevents and treats non-communicable diseases in clinical settings. PA promotion needs to be more consistent, especially in busy primary care. Sports scientists have the potential to support PA promotion in primary care. The Physical Activity with Sports Scientist (PASS) programme is created to personalise PA promotion led by a sports scientist in a primary care clinic. A pragmatic randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups will be conducted at a family medicine clinic. Physically inactive participants aged 35-70 years who have type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension or dyslipidaemia will be invited. The control group (n=60) will receive usual care. The intervention group (n=60) will receive the PASS programme and usual care. The PASS programme will consist of a tailored PA prescription after the physician's consultation at the first visit and monthly phone follow-ups. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants who have achieved the PA goal defined as aerobic activity (≥150 min/week of moderate to vigorous-intensity PA), muscle-strengthening activity (≥2 days/week of moderate or greater intensity) and multicomponent PA (≥2 days/week of moderate or greater intensity). Secondary outcomes are body composition and physical fitness. The primary and secondary outcomes will be measured and compared between the control and intervention groups at visit 1 (month 0: baseline measurements), visit 2 (months 3-4: follow-up measurements), visit 3 (months 6-8: end-point measurements) and visit 4 (months 9-12: continuing measurements). The study protocol was registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry. Trial registration number: TCTR20240314001.
Fulltext Intercultural communicative competence among Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia: a qualitative exploration

Djatmika, Mohamad B, Santosa R, Wibowo AH

Front Sociol, 2024;9:1321451.
PMID: 38601218 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2024.1321451

Millions of Indonesian migrant workers have sought employment in Malaysia during the last three decades. Many of them are skilled and unskilled laborers, and their incorporation into the host society's labor market has the potential to improve their own quality of life while also contributing significantly to the country's economy. However, Indonesian migrant workers encounter numerous problems in their professional and personal lives. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the intercultural communicative competence (ICC) factors as one of the Indonesian migrant workers' strategies. This is qualitative exploratory research on the factors of ICC in the integration of Indonesian migrant workers into the Malaysian labor market. Focus groups were used to obtain data from 16 Indonesian migrant workers who had already successfully integrated into the Malaysian workforce as well as newcomers who were in the process of integrating into the local culture. In addition, interviews have been conducted with the 13 employers to complement the data from the migrant workers. The data was analyzed using rounds of deductive and inductive coding and analysis based on the five components of Byram's model. The findings suggest that practicing intercultural communication skills can help migrant employees overcome cultural difficulties in the Malaysian labor market. The Indonesian migrant workers and their employers also indicated that they have an advantage in cultural integration due to the cultural similarities. The paper discusses the implications of the findings in terms of ICC training offered to migrant workers themselves (culture and language) and to professionals who work with them, with the goal of facilitating and promoting Indonesian migrant workers' labor market integration.
Fulltext Plastic pollution and degradation pathways: A review on the treatment technologies

Zaini N, Kasmuri N, Mojiri A, Kindaichi T, Nayono SE

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28849.
PMID: 38601511 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28849

In recent years, the production of plastic has been estimated to reach 300 million tonnes, and nearly the same amount has been dumped into the waters. This waste material causes long-term damage to the ecosystem, economic sectors, and aquatic environments. Fragmentation of plastics to microplastics has been detected in the world's oceans, which causes a serious global impact. It is found that most of this debris ends up in water environments. Hence, this research aims to review the microbial degradation of microplastic, especially in water bodies and coastal areas. Aerobic bacteria will oxidize and decompose the microplastic from this environment to produce nutrients. Furthermore, plants such as microalgae can employ this nutrient as an energy source, which is the byproduct of microplastic. This paper highlights the reduction of plastics in the environment, typically by ultraviolet reduction, mechanical abrasion processes, and utilization by microorganisms and microalgae. Further discussion on the utilization of microplastics in the current technologies comprised of mechanical, chemical, and biological methods focusing more on the microalgae and microbial pathways via fuel cells has been elaborated. It can be denoted in the fuel cell system, the microalgae are placed in the bio-cathode section, and the anode chamber consists of the colony of microorganisms. Hence, electric current from the fuel cell can be generated to produce clean energy. Thus, the investigation on the emerging technologies via fuel cell systems and the potential use of microplastic pollutants for consumption has been discussed in the paper. The biochemical changes of microplastic and the interaction of microalgae and bacteria towards the degradation pathways of microplastic are also being observed in this review.
Fulltext Effect of banana tree leaves ash as cementitious material on the durability of concrete against sulphate and acid attacks

Bhutto S, Abro FU, Ali M, Buller AS, Bheel N, Gamil Y, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e29236.
PMID: 38601592 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29236

The construction industry's rapid growth poses challenges tied to raw material depletion and increased greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, alternative materials like agricultural residues are gaining prominence due to their potential to reduce carbon emissions and waste generation. In this context this research optimizes the use of banana leaves ash as a partial cement substitution, focusing on durability, and identifying the ideal cement-to-ash ratio for sustainable concrete. For this purpose, concrete mixes were prepared with BLA replacing cement partially in different proportions i.e. (0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, & 20 %) and were analyzed for their physical, mechanical and Durability (Acid and Sulphate resistance) properties. Compressive strength, acid resistance and sulphate resistance testing continued for 90 days with the intervals of 7, 28 and 90 days. The results revealed that up to 10 % incorporation of BLA improved compressive strength by 10 %, while higher BLA proportions (up to 20 %) displayed superior performance in durability tests as compared to the conventional mix. The results reveal the potentials of banana leave ash to refine the concrete matrix by formation of addition C-S-H gel which leads towards a better performance specially in terms of durability aspect. Hence, banana leaf ash (BLA) is an efficient concrete ingredient, particularly up to 10 % of the mix. Beyond this threshold, it's still suitable for applications where extreme strength isn't the primary concern, because there may be a slight reduction in compressive strength.
Fulltext Designing a pedagogical framework for mobile-assisted language learning

Wang X, Hamat AB, Shi NL

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28102.
PMID: 38601617 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28102

With the high penetration of mobile devices and wide coverage of wireless networks, mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) has been widely utilized to enhance language teaching and learning. However, the integration of MALL into language pedagogy has been hampered by a lack of a cohesive and unified framework for MALL pedagogy. Most of the existing frameworks were not specifically designed for language pedagogy and failed to balance the technological and pedagogical dimensions of MALL pedagogy. This study sought to promote the incorporation of MALL and tertiary EFL pedagogy by designing a pedagogical framework for MALL (PF4M) using design-based research (DBR) as the overarching research methodology. The DBR investigation adopted a mixed research approach, incorporating systematic review, expert survey, thematic analysis, and expert review. The resulting PF4M is anticipated to aid in the integration of MALL into language pedagogy by offering practical and theoretical guidance for effective teaching and learning. The findings may also suggest future directions for pedagogical innovations in MALL.
Fulltext A review of the discussions on cultivated meat from the Islamic perspective

Hamdan MN, Abdul Jalil R, Ramli MA, Ramli N, Ibrahim MNA, Ab Rahman MF, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28491.
PMID: 38601623 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28491

Since the introduction of the cultivated meat burger in 2013, numerous discussions have transpired between researchers and consumers, manifesting in various forms such as academic publications, opinions on personal websites and interactions on social platforms. For Muslim consumers, a primary concern revolves around the halal status of cultivated meat, given the pivotal role of adhering to a halal diet as a divine obligation in their lives. Therefore, this article seeks to systematically review the existing literature on cultivated meat from an Islamic perspective as articulated by Muslim scholars, whether these perspectives are issued by an established fatwa organisation or representations of personal views. The sources incorporated into this analysis span from academic publications, newspaper articles, fatwa bodies, personal websites and interviews. Employing thematic analysis, five principal themes were discerned within the discourse among Muslim scholars regarding cultivated meat: (i) the ontological status of cultivated meat, (ii) the status and source of stem cells used in the cultivation process, (iii) the theological implications of cultivated meat production on altering God's creation, (iv) foundational principles for halal cultivated meat production, and (v) the contemporary necessity of cultivated meat from the perspective of al-maqasid al-shariah. It is duly recommended that international fatwa organisations such as the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) engage in discussions and deliberations on this matter of growing significance within the food industry. The fatwas and resolutions issued by IIFA are frequently cited as the most recognised authority in many Islamic countries.
Fulltext Determinants of accounting information system effectiveness and moderating role of external consultants: Empirical research in the Ben Tre Province of Vietnam

Nguyen HT, T R, Kweh QL, Tran PTK, Tran Duong Minh H

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28847.
PMID: 38601644 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28847

The characteristics of accounting information systems (AISs) within organizations and the factors affecting their effectiveness are investigated in this study. In particular, how external consultants moderate the relationship between the determinants and AIS effectiveness is examined. A total of 167 agricultural companies in the Ben Tre Province of Vietnam were surveyed using a regression-based partial least squares structural equation model. Then, the influence of these determinants on AIS effectiveness was evaluated. The findings showed that managers' involvement and managers' accounting knowledge positively affect AIS effectiveness. Furthermore, the involvement and knowledge of managers are mitigated by external consultants, which reduces the negative influence of such involvement on AIS effectiveness. This study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on the determinants affecting AIS effectiveness by providing agricultural companies in Ben Tre and Vietnam with insights into the effectiveness of their respective AIS activities.
Fulltext Modeling of success factors of using PU coats in concrete construction projects

Waqar A, Shafiq N, Bheel N, Benjeddou O, Hamah Sor N, Hu JW, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28908.
PMID: 38601646 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28908

Polyurea coatings are well recognized for their remarkable protective properties, making them highly appropriate for practical use in the field of concrete building. The use of polyurea coatings in the concrete building business is currently constrained, despite its prevalent application in industrialized nations. The limited use may be ascribed to ambiguities about the determinants of effective implementation in this particular setting, as well as the dearth of extensive study in the realm of new building materials. The primary objective of this research is to assess and conceptualize the key determinants linked to the use of polyurea coatings in concrete building endeavors. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, a comprehensive literature analysis was conducted to identify a total of 21 probable success variables. The reliability of the questionnaire was established by the administration of a pilot survey, and afterwards, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to enhance the clarity and precision of the underlying components. The researchers used structural modeling (SEM) approaches to develop a robust model using the primary data obtained from the questionnaire survey. The EFA revealed the presence of five unique constructs that have an impact on the effectiveness of polyurea coatings in concrete building projects. These constructions comprise several characteristics, including environmental considerations, functional requirements, protective properties, execution processes, and creative elements. The significance and relevance of this research are shown by the validation of the study's results using SEM. The study makes a valuable contribution towards the progression of polyurea coating use within the concrete building sector.
Fulltext A secure and privacy preserved data aggregation scheme in IoMT

Mughal MA, Ullah A, Yu X, He W, Jhanjhi NZ, Ray SK

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e27177.
PMID: 38601685 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27177

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of intelligent devices especially in healthcare-based systems. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) uses wearable sensors to collect data and transmit to central repositories. The security and privacy of healthcare data is a challenging task. The aim of the study is to provide a secure data sharing mechanism. The existing studies provide secure data sharing schemes but still have limitations in terms of hiding the patient identify in the messages exchanged to upload the data on central repositories. This paper presents a Secure Aggregated Data Collection and Transmission (SADCT) that provides anonymity for the identities of patient's mobile device and the intermediate fog nodes. Our system involves an authenticated server for node registration and authentication by saving security credentials. The proposed scheme presents the novel data aggregation algorithm at the mobile device, and the data extraction algorithm at the fog node. The work is validated through extensive simulations in NS along with a security analysis. Results prove the supremacy of SADCT in terms of energy consumption, storage, communication, and computational costs.
Fulltext Life cycle assessment of iron-biomass supported catalyst for Fischer Tropsch synthesis

Amin M, Shah HH, Naveed AB, Iqbal A, Gamil Y, Najeh T

Front Chem, 2024;12:1374739.
PMID: 38601886 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1374739

The iron-based biomass-supported catalyst has been used for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). However, there is no study regarding the life cycle assessment (LCA) of biomass-supported iron catalysts published in the literature. This study discusses a biomass-supported iron catalyst's LCA for the conversion of syngas into a liquid fuel product. The waste biomass is one of the source of activated carbon (AC), and it has been used as a support for the catalyst. The FTS reactions are carried out in the fixed-bed reactor at low or high temperatures. The use of promoters in the preparation of catalysts usually enhances C5+ production. In this study, the collection of precise data from on-site laboratory conditions is of utmost importance to ensure the credibility and validity of the study's outcomes. The environmental impact assessment modeling was carried out using the OpenLCA 1.10.3 software. The LCA results reveals that the synthesis process of iron-based biomass supported catalyst yields a total impact score in terms of global warming potential (GWP) of 1.235E + 01 kg CO2 equivalent. Within this process, the AC stage contributes 52% to the overall GWP, while the preparation stage for the catalyst precursor contributes 48%. The comprehensive evaluation of the iron-based biomass supported catalyst's impact score in terms of human toxicity reveals a total score of 1.98E-02 kg 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DB) equivalent.
Ionic liquid-mediated ethosome for transdermal delivery of insulin

Nabila FH, Islam R, Shimul IM, Moniruzzaman M, Wakabayashi R, Kamiya N, et al.

Chem Commun (Camb), 2024 Apr 09;60(30):4036-4039.
PMID: 38466016 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc06130b

Herein, we report ethosome (ET) formulations composed of a safe amount of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC)-based ionic liquid with various concentrations of ethanol as a carrier for the transdermal delivery of a high molecular weight drug, insulin. The Insulin-loaded ET vesicles exhibited long-term stability compared to conventional DMPC ETs, showing significantly higher drug encapsulation efficiency and increased skin permeation ability.

MeSH terms: Administration, Cutaneous; Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Insulin; Liposomes; Skin; Ionic Liquids*

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