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Fulltext Analytical study on couple stress flow of GO-EG and GO-W nanofluid over an extending cylinder along with variable viscosity

Rehman A, Khun MC, Salleh Z, Khan W, Albely MS, Jan R, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Dec;9(12):e22491.
PMID: 38076163 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22491

The main goal of this research is to present the concept of enhancing heat transfer within emerging technology. To achieve this, tiny metal and nonmetal particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm in size are introduced into base liquids. These nanoscale particles are utilized to improve the thermal performance of the liquids, leading to what are termed nanofluids. The utilization of these fluids and the examination of the flow of thin films have valuable implications across various sectors such as engineering, technology, and industries. This research focuses on analyzing the convective flow behavior of nanofluids, specifically, graphene oxide-ethylene glycol (GO-EG) and graphene oxide-water (GO-W) on a moving surface. The study investigates the impacts of magnetic fields and varying viscosity. By making use of the thermophysical characteristics of the base fluid and the nanofluid, as well as implementing a similarity transformation within the fundamental equations that govern energy and momentum, we formulate a 5th order nonlinear ordinary differential equation (NODE) to describe the velocity profile. This is combined with a second-order NODE that describes the distribution of temperature. To solve this derived NODE, we employ a method known as the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) for analytical solution. The impact of the relevant factors, Prandtl number, including magnetic field parameter, thickness of the liquid, couple stress parameter, temperature distribution, dynamic viscosity, and Eckert number, on the skin friction, velocity profile, and Nusselt's number are interrogated through graphical representation. The velocity field exhibits a decline as the couple stress parameter, magnetic field parameter, liquid thickness, and dynamic viscosity experience an increase. Conversely, the temperature field displays a rise as the Eckert number and dynamic viscosity experience an increase. To ensure the convergence of the issue, dual solutions of the problem are employed, and this is verified through the utilization graphs and tables. Due to the considerable challenge encountered in heat transfer applications for cooling diverse equipment and devices across industries like automotive, microelectronics, defense, and manufacturing, there is a strong expectation that this theoretical methodology could make a favorable contribution towards enhancing heat transfer efficiency. This improvement is sought to meet the requirements of the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Fulltext Ephedra alte extracts' GC-MS profiles and antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens (MRSA)

Ayyal Salman H, Yaakop AS, Al-Rimawi F, Ahmad Makhtar AM, Mousa M, Semreen MH, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 15;10(5):e27051.
PMID: 38444505 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27051

The extracts of E. alte offer promising potential as renewable resources for various chemical derivative products aimed at addressing antibiotic resistance. These extracts exhibited significant activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a strain known for its resistance to multiple antibiotics. The extracts were found to be effective against several common antibiotics, including Imipenem, Ampicillin, Penicillin G, Oxacillin, and Amoxicillin-clavulanate. GC-MS analysis revealed that the phytoconstituents of E. alte extracts, obtained using both methanol and ethyl acetate, consist of a diverse range of 83 and 160 phytocompounds, respectively. These organic compounds serve as important biochemical precursors for the synthesis of vitamins E and K1, and exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in both plants and microorganisms. Notable compounds identified include fatty acids (such as palmitic acid, dodecanoic acid, sebacic acid, pentadecanoic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, and linoelaidic acid), phytosterols (Campesterol, β-sitosterol, Stigmast-5-ene), sugars (D-fructose, Fructofuranans), terpenoids (Phytol, citronellol), and phenolic acids (Protocatechoic acid, shikimic acid). The antimicrobial activity of all E. alte extracts was found to be superior to that of mupirocin and ciprofloxacin, as observed in susceptibility testing against MRSA ATCC 43300 and other pathogenic bacteria and fungi. It is likely that the combined action of the antimicrobial components within the E. alte extract bypasses the mechanisms employed by MRSA to protect itself from antibiotics. Further experiments are needed to investigate the individual effects of each pure compound and their potential synergistic interactions, which may enhance their overall performance.
Fulltext Associations between meteorological variation and hospitalisations for rotavirus infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Khoo MS, Ahmad Azman AH, Ismail NAS, Abdul Wahab A, Ali A

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28574.
PMID: 38596105 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28574

OBJECTIVES: Rotavirus (RoV) infections have emerged as a significant public health concern around the world. Understanding the relationship between climatic conditions and hospitalisations due to RoV infections can help engage effective prevention strategies. This study aims to investigate the potential associations between meteorological variability and RoV-related hospitalisations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
METHODS: Hospitalization data from a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur over a twelve-year period were retrospectively collected. Concurrently, meteorological data were obtained from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) including variables of temperature, humidity, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure to further demonstrate relationship with RoV-associated hospitalisations.
RESULTS: The results indicated positive correlations between increased rainfall, rainy days, humidity, and RoV-related hospitalisations, suggesting the influence of environmental factors on the transmission of RoV.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights positive associations between meteorological variations and hospitalizations for RoV infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Further investigations, including national-level data, are needed to deepen our understanding of these associations, particularly within the context of Malaysia and to develop targeted interventions for disease prevention and control.
Fulltext Fabrication of biosensor for the assessment of radon and lead levels in the blood

Almayahi BA, Ali AH

Heliyon, 2023 Sep;9(9):e19591.
PMID: 37681124 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19591

This study aimed to develop and test a biosensor for detecting radioactive radon gas and lead ions in blood samples collected from donors in Iraq. The biosensor was made up of aptamer, acetic acid, malachite green, and TRIS-HAC, and results were measured using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. This study found that 222Rn in the blood varied between individuals, with higher levels in males and smokers, and the highest concentration found in a male patient with cancer. The biosensor used to detect 222Rn in the blood was effective, sensitive, and low-cost, and the levels detected were within the limits set by the WHO. The study also looked at pb+2, a toxic metal, and found that levels were within permissible limits. The biosensor was also effective in detecting pb+2. The correlations between the variables are generally weak to moderate, and there are some negative relationships between humidity and other variables. There are also some strong positive relationships between temperature (Tin) and temperature (Tout). The results suggest that these variables are not strongly correlated with each other, which is an important finding for understanding their potential effects on health outcomes. However, further validation and testing may be necessary before its widespread use in clinical settings. This study highlights the importance of monitoring these substances in the blood, especially for individuals with occupational exposure to radiation. The biosensor was found to be sensitive, cost-effective, fast to manufacture, and efficient compared to other detection devices. Therefore, the study recommends the use of this biosensor for measuring radon and lead ions in blood samples. The biosensor used in this study could be a useful tool for such monitoring.
Fulltext Impact of religiosity on purchase intentions towards counterfeit products: investigating the mediating role of attitude and moderating role of hedonic benefits

Yaakop AY, Hafeez HM, Faisal MM, Munir M, Ali M

Heliyon, 2021 Feb;7(2):e06026.
PMID: 33644436 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06026

This study was aimed at exploring the impact of religiosity on purchase intention towards counterfeit products by investigating the mediating role of consumer attitude. This study investigated religiosity as an independent variable, attitude towards counterfeit as a mediator while predicting the purchase intentions of the consumers. A self-administered questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was used to collect data from the sample of 420 respondents who were from twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) of Pakistan. Structural equation modeling technique was used to achieve the set objectives. The results reveal a statistically significant effect of religiosity along with the significant mediating role of consumer attitude and the significant moderating role of hedonic benefits while predicting the purchase intentions of the consumers. This study also provides important insights for the researchers and the practitioners.
Fulltext The relationship between mass customization and sustainable performance: The role of firm size and global E-commerce

Hui G, Al Mamun A, Masukujjaman M, Makhbul ZKM, Ali MH

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27726.
PMID: 38509960 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27726

The formation of mass customization competencies is crucial for the increasing number of manufacturing companies in modern times. This study assessed the relationship between mass customization capability and its determinants on sustainable performance. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of mass customization capability and sustainable performance, while also examining the moderating effects of firm size and cross-border eCommerce in these associations. The study used online survey data from 339 manufacturing small-to-medium-sized enterprises in China to test the hypothesized relationships. The collected data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling and necessary condition analysis. The results indicated that flexible manufacturing competencies, modular product architecture, and customer relationship management are significantly and positively connected to mass customization capability. Moreover, the study observed that mass customization capability and competitive pressure have a significant positive influence on the sustainable performance of Chinese manufacturing SMEs. The findings also revealed that firm size and cross-border e-commerce engagement have a negative and positive moderating effect, respectively, between mass customization capability on sustainable performance, which confirms a relatively higher effect of customization capability on sustainable performance among smaller firms and firms engaged in cross-border eCommerce. Fundamentally, these findings can lead to the development of a comprehensive framework to promote mass customization capability, cross-border e-commerce, and sustainable development of manufacturing small-to-medium-sized enterprises China.
Fulltext First-principles calculations to investigate structural, electronic, elastic and optical properties of radium based cubic fluoro-perovskite materials

Shahzad MK, Hussain S, Farooq MU, Laghari RA, Bilal MH, Khan SA, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Feb;9(2):e13687.
PMID: 36873152 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13687

Perovskite materials play a vital role in the field of material science via experimental as well as theoretical calculations. Radium semiconductor materials are considered the backbone of medical fields. These materials are considered in high technological fields to be used as controlling the decay ability. In this study, radium-based cubic fluoro-perovskite XRaF3 (where X = Rb and Na) are calculated using a DFT (density functional theory). These compounds are cubic nature with 221 space groups that construct on CASTEP (Cambridge-serial-total-energy-package) software with ultra-soft PPPW (pseudo-potential plane-wave) and GGA (Generalized-Gradient-approximation)-PBE (Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof) exchange-correlation functional. The structural, optical, electronic, and mechanical properties of the compounds are calculated. According to the structural properties, NaRaF3 and RbRaF3 have a direct bandgap with 3.10eV and 4.187eV of NaRaF3 and RbRaF3, respectively. Total density of states (DOS) and partial density of states (PDOS) provide confirmation to the degree of electrons localized in distinct bands. NaRaF3 material is semiconductors and RbRaF3 is insulator, according to electronic results. The imaginary element dispersion of the dielectric function reveals its wide variety of energy transparency. In both compounds, the optical transitions are examined by fitting the damping ratio for the notional dielectric function scaling to the appropriate peaks. The absorption and the conductivity of NaRaF3 compound is better than the RbRaF3 compound which make it suitable for the solar cell applications increasing the efficiency and work function. We observed that both compounds are mechanically stable with cubic structure. The criteria for the mechanical stability of compounds are also met by the estimated elastic results. These compounds have potential application in field of solar cell and medical.
OBJECTIVES: The band gap, absorption and the conductivity are necessary conditions for potential applications. Here, literature was reviewed to check computational translational insight into the relationships between absorption and conductivity for solar cell and medical applications of novel RbRaF3 and NaRaF3 compounds.
Fulltext Muslim young adults' financial strain and financial stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: The moderating role of religiosity

Jaffar N, Mohd Faizal S, Selamat Z, Alias N

Heliyon, 2023 Oct;9(10):e21047.
PMID: 37876443 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21047

The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone's lives and general well-being worldwide, including young adults. Young adulthood is marked by a shift in various social areas including acquiring financial independence. As the pandemic was an exceptional scenario in all nations, there is a research gap in analysing how it would affect financial experiences of young adults, particularly the Muslim young adults. These individuals may face financial stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic due to their high level of financial strain. Furthermore, little is still known about the role that religiosity may play in the relationship between the financial strain and financial stress, notably during the pandemic. The objectives of this study were to examine the level of financial strain and financial stress of Muslim young adults, assess the effect of financial strain on financial stress of Muslim young adults and investigate the moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between Muslim young adults' financial strain and financial stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey of 230 Muslim young adults was conducted in Malaysia. Results showed that thirty percent of Muslim young adults fell under high level of financial strain while majority of them fell under high level of financial stress. Additionally, financial strain had a significant positive effect on the financial stress of Muslim young adults. This means that the more financially strained, the more Muslim young adults experienced financial stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Religiosity, however, did not moderate the relationship between financial strain and financial stress. These results highlighted the significance of comprehending the level of financial strain and financial stress experienced by Muslim young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provided relevant parties insights in developing strategies for Muslim young adults to manage financial strain and financial stress to reduce the negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A systematic review of research on sitting and working furniture ergonomic from 2012 to 2022: Analysis of assessment approaches

Bai Y, Kamarudin KM, Alli H

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28384.
PMID: 38571611 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28384

This study analyses which aspects of sitting and working furniture ergonomics that may be influenced and how they are assessed. To gather information on the types and assessment techniques connected with influencing furniture ergonomics, a systematic review of the literature was conducted. The papers in the systematic review were published between 2012 and 2022. The articles applied the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines to limit the 41 papers that were eventually included (N = 41) to those containing keywords like ergonomics, human factors, comfort, working furniture, Chair, assessment and evaluation. The research objective of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of sitting and working furniture and the main findings, obtaining common assessment techniques for this type of furniture and their suitability. According to the relevant studies, the publications were categorized by summarizing factors like region, gender, research methods, ergonomic assessment techniques and methods used, correlation between assessment techniques and methods, etc. Summaries of the data extracted from the included papers are provided and the applicability of some approaches are assessed. Only a small number of authors have evaluated the ergonomics of furniture used in homes. One of the research gaps is the paucity of research on gender segregation, secular trends, and cultural contexts. These studies heavily rely on quantitative research techniques, and the articles may lack credibility due to the homogeneity of the evaluation techniques. Finally, the authors offer some suggestions for the appropriate ergonomic analysis of furniture.
Fulltext Examining the critical factors of internal audit effectiveness from internal auditors' perspective: Moderating role of extrinsic rewards

Alqudah H, Amran NA, Hassan H, Lutfi A, Alessa N, Alrawad M, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Oct;9(10):e20497.
PMID: 37842607 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20497

An effective internal auditor can support an organization in achieving its goals and protect its assets and funds. However, to be effective, the internal auditors need to be empowered with relevant resources. This study aims at probing the influence of the empowerments (management support, external auditors' collaboration, independence, size of internal audit units, and extrinsic rewards) on the internal auditors' effectiveness, and to examin whether extrinsic rewards moderate the association between respective empowerments and the effectiveness of Jordanian public sector internal auditors'. The current work relied on 117 surveys collected from Jordan's internal audit and financial managers in the public sectors. According to the Resource-Based View (RBV), the findings show that management support, external auditors cooperation, independence, and extrinsic rewards all have a significant influence on the effectiveness of internal auditor. The of the Internal Audit Department (IAD) size was discovered to be insignificant. Also, the results have revealed partial support for the influence of the extrinsic reward as a moderator. Because of the prominence of the public sector in the Jordanian market, this current research expands on the idea of enabling internal auditor (IA) to accomplish their assigned objectives. The findings might help authorities develop new norms and legislation for the internal audit profession. These empowering characteristics may also improve internal auditors' capacity to execute their duty in saving public monies and limiting corrupt practices inside public sector organizations.
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 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 pH-induced wurtzite-zinc blende heterogeneous phase formation, optical properties tuning and thermal stability improvement of green synthesized CdS nanoparticles

Sheng CK, Alrababah YM

Heliyon, 2023 May;9(5):e15908.
PMID: 37206008 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15908

This is the first paper to report on the pH response to heterogeneous wurtzite/zinc blende phase transformation, optical tunability and thermal stability advancement of the CdS nanoparticles synthesized via co-precipitation, followed by subsequent thermal treatment at a desired annealing temperature of 320 °C, while the solution pH was varied during CdS synthesis by adjusting the ammonium salt concentration. The surface morphology, crystalline structure, functional groups, optical properties and thermal stability of CdS were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible spectrophotometer, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The results show that a dominant sharp band occurs in the FTIR spectra, which authenticates the presence of Cd-S bonds. XRD results reveal that as the pH declines, CdS in the initial cubic phase has gradually transformed into a heterogeneous phase with the coexistence of cubic and hexagonal structures. As observed from the SEM images, the CdS nanoparticles display a homogeneous, smooth and spherically shaped morphology. Optical absorption characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry denotes that the band gap decreases proportionally with pH, which could be attributed to the formation of larger grain sizes from the aggregation of many small nanocrystallites. TGA and DSC analyses demonstrate an improvement in the thermal stability of CdS with increasing pH values. Consequently, the present findings dictate that pH tunability could be a valuable approach to procuring the desired properties for the respective applications of CdS in diverse fields.
Fulltext A discursive presentation of community pharmacies: Premises, storage, staff, documentation and legal compliance

Aziz MM, Alboghdadly A, Rasool MF, Shaalan MS, Goresh HK, Najjar MF, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Dec;9(12):e23112.
PMID: 38144360 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23112

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess compliance with legal requirements, safe medication storage and staffing standards in community pharmacies in Punjab, Pakistan.
METHOD: We conducted a three-step cross-sectional study using observations, questionnaires and face-to-face interviews in 544 systematically-selected community pharmacies. We used descriptive statistic and one-way ANOVA to assess the data.
RESULTS: Only 23 (4.2 %) pharmacies had accurate area and only 3.9 % had appropriate walls. In total, 23.3 % had glass-fronted shelves and 38.2 % had a glass door. More than half (53.8 %) had separate narcotics shelves and 43.0 % a separate shelf of expired medicines. Less than half (47.5 %) of the pharmacies were able to maintain hygiene. About 36.2 % of the pharmacies segregated different types of product. Drugs were protected from direct sunlight in most (61.3 %) pharmacies, but the refrigerator was working properly in less than half (43.4 %) and only a very small number (2.4 %) had an alternative power supply for the refrigerator. Only 37 (6.8 %) were able to maintain an appropriate room temperature. The vast majority (93.0 %) displayed a valid drug sale license, but a qualified person/pharmacist was only present in 4.8 %. The average number of employees was 4.2, and more than 71.0 % of staff had 10-12 years of formal education. Only 0.2 % of employees could explain term "PRN", although 57.3 % explained "IV" correctly. About 22.8 % replied correctly about the room temperature but the vast majority (97.6 %) did not know about cold chain temperature. The location of the pharmacy (p-value = 0.045) affected its performance.
CONCLUSIONS: Noncompliance with legal requirements, unsafe drug storage and limited human resources reflect the poor enforcement of drug laws in Pakistan. The findings suggest that there is a need to strengthen inspection and management of community pharmacies.
Fulltext Run! This road has no ending! A systematic review of PLS-SEM application in strategic management research among developing nations

Shela V, Ramayah T, Aravindan KL, Ahmad NH, Alzahrani AI

Heliyon, 2023 Dec;9(12):e22476.
PMID: 38125546 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22476

Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is emerging as a prominent methodological tool in strategic management research. Although it offers various advancements to stay relevant with growing research needs, the pace of PLS-SEM adoption may differ in different parts of the world. In this paper, we conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA framework and extracted from the top-ranking strategic management journals 120 articles published between 2011 and 2022 that presented a microscopic view on developing nations. Our findings reveal that despite the astounding methodological solutions offered by PLS-SEM, the studies from developing nations are still trailing behind developed nations in terms of fully exploiting the advancements of PLS-SEM to provide substantial insights to strategic management literature. This review identifies discrepancies in the current application of the method, discusses the most recent advancements and provides the best practices, standard guidelines and recommendations for the best use of PLS-SEM in strategic management research.
Carotenoid composition and antioxidant potential of Eucheuma denticulatum, Sargassum polycystum and Caulerpa lentillifera

Balasubramaniam V, June Chelyn L, Vimala S, Mohd Fairulnizal MN, Brownlee IA, Amin I

Heliyon, 2020 Aug;6(8):e04654.
PMID: 32817893 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04654

Three species of Malaysian edible seaweed (Eucheuma denticulatum, Sargassum polycystum and Caulerpa lentillifera) were analyzed for their carotenoid composition using a combination of high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS), while the antioxidant capacities were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. The HPTLC analysis exhibited a distinct carotenoid pattern among the three seaweed groups. The UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis showed fucoxanthin as the major carotenoid present in S. polycystum while lutein and zeaxanthin in E. denticulatum. For C. lentillifera, β-carotene and canthaxanthin were the major carotenoids. Some of the carotenoids, such as rubixanthin, dinoxanthin, diatoxanthin and antheraxanthin, were also tentatively detected in E. denticulatum and S. polycystum. For antioxidant activity, S. polycystum (20 %) and E. denticulatum (1128 μmol TE/g) showed the highest activity in the DPPH and ORAC assays, respectively. The findings suggest the three edible varieties of seaweeds may provide a good dietary source with a potential to reduce antioxidative stress.
Fulltext A comprehensive review of flexible cadmium telluride solar cells with back surface field layer

Ahmad NI, Kar YB, Doroody C, Kiong TS, Rahman KS, Harif MN, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Nov;9(11):e21622.
PMID: 38027707 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21622

Recent advancements in CdTe solar cell technology have introduced the integration of flexible substrates, providing lightweight and adaptable energy solutions for various applications. Some of the notable applications of flexible solar photovoltaic technology include building integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV), transportation, aerospace, satellites, etc. However, despite this advancement, certain issues regarding metal and p-CdTe remained unresolved. Besides, the fabrication of a full-working device on flexible glass is challenging and requires special consideration due to the unstable morphology and structural properties of deposited film on ultra-thin glass substrates. The existing gap in knowledge about the vast potential of flexible CdTe solar cells on UTG substrates and their possible applications blocks their full capacity utilization. Hence, this comprehensive review paper exclusively concentrates on the obstacles associated with the implementation of CdTe solar cells on UTG substrates with a potential back surface field (BSF) layer. The significance of this study lies in its meticulous identification and analysis of the substantial challenges associated with integrating flexible CdTe onto UTG substrates and leveraging Cu-doped ZnTe as a potential BSF layer to enhance the performance of flexible CdTe solar cells.
Fulltext How has rural tourism influenced the sustainable development of traditional villages? A systematic literature review

Yanan L, Ismail MA, Aminuddin A

Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e25627.
PMID: 38384513 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25627

Rural tourism has been widely recognized as a means of promoting the revival of traditional villages and has been supported by numerous researchers. It has the potential to provide significant social and economic advantages, making it a popular strategy for rural development in both developed and developing countries. Nevertheless, a growing body of research has substantiated the significant disruptions that rural tourism has imposed on traditional villages. This study employed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) qualitative method to systematically analyze 92 papers from WOS and SCOPUS that investigate the impact of rural tourism on traditional villages. The papers were categorized into five groups: spatial, economic, sociocultural, and holistic. This categorization allowed for the identification of the purpose, theme, sub-topics, research methods, and data sources used in these papers, which in turn provided an overview of the characteristics and overall trends in research in this field. It compensates for the deficiencies of lesser reviews that just emphasize rural tourism as the primary catalyst for the sustainable development of traditional villages. Based on a thorough investigation, this paper asserts that the development of tourism in traditional villages should be differentiated from typical rural tourism sites that prioritize the preferences of tourists. The primary objective should be to prioritize the preservation of community values, with a strong emphasis on community participation. This should be done while considering the interests of various stakeholders and promoting a diverse range of livelihoods that are rooted in traditional practices. By doing so, the essence of authenticity in traditional villages can be reinforced, leading to a greater sense of connection and loyalty among tourists. The preservation of traditional village genes fosters a symbiotic relationship with rural tourism, resulting in a mutually beneficial cycle.
Fulltext Experimental study on the eco-friendly plastic-sand paver blocks by utilising plastic waste and basalt fibers

Iftikhar B, Alih SC, Vafaei M, Ali M, Javed MF, Asif U, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Jun;9(6):e17107.
PMID: 37484238 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17107

Plastic waste poses a significant hazard to the environment as a result of its high production rates, which endanger both the environment and its inhabitants. Similarly, another concern is the production of cement, which accounts for roughly 8% of global CO2 emissions. Thus, recycling plastic waste as a replacement for cementitious materials may be a more effective strategy for waste minimisation and cement elimination. Therefore, in this study, plastic waste (low-density polyethylene) is utilised in the production of plastic sand paver blocks without the use of cement. In addition to this, basalt fibers which is a green industrial material is also added in the production of eco-friendly plastic sand paver blocks to satisfy the standard of ASTM C902-15 of 20 N/mm2 for the light traffic. In order to make the paver blocks, the LDPE waste plastic was melted outside in the open air and then combined with sand. Variations were made to the ratio of LDPE to sand, the proportion of basalt fibers, and sand particle size. Paver blocks were evaluated for their compressive strength, water absorption, and at different temperatures. Including 0.5% percent basalt fiber of length 4 mm gives us the best result by enhancing compressive strength by 20.5% and decreasing water absorption by 50.5%. The best results were obtained with a ratio of 30:70 LDPE to sand, while the finest sand provides the greatest compressive strength. Moreover, the temperature effect was also studied from 0 to 60 °C, and the basalt fibers incorporated in plastic paver blocks showed only a 20% decrease in compressive strength at 60 °C. This research has produced eco-friendly paver blocks by removing cement and replacing it with plastic waste, which will benefit the environment, save money, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and be suitable for low-traffic areas, all of which contribute to sustainable development.
Fulltext Improving teachers' professional development through professional learning community: Voices from secondary school teachers at Malaysian Chinese independent schools

Wang N, An BG

Heliyon, 2023 Jun;9(6):e17515.
PMID: 37416686 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17515

The impact of the professional learning community on teachers' professional development has been studied in different contexts. However, the number of studies on the voices of secondary teachers in Malaysian Independent Chinese Secondary Schools [MICSS) needs to be more detailed. This study aimed to investigate how teachers in MICSS view the impact of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) on their professional development. Data for this study was collected using semi-structured interviews with eight MICSS teachers selected from two different-scale MICSSs. The patterns were analyzed by repetitive data reading, data coding, and theme creation. The findings show that with the help of PLC, MICSS teachers may improve their professional development more effectively, particularly in enhancing their knowledge of their subject, students, effective teaching methodology, and sense of occupational belonging. Moreover, collective learning and classroom observation procedures are the most effective among all the PLC activities in the MICSS context. The findings have practical implications for teachers and trainers to improve teachers' profession by establishing professional learning groups.

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