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1 – 8 of 8Khalid Rabaeh and Molham Eyadeh
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the dosimetric properties of N-(3-methoxypropyl) acrylamide (NMPA) polymer gel dosimeter using UV-vis spectrophotometry as a simple and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the dosimetric properties of N-(3-methoxypropyl) acrylamide (NMPA) polymer gel dosimeter using UV-vis spectrophotometry as a simple and low-cost method.
Design/methodology/approach
The gel samples have been irradiated to various doses using a medical linear accelerator with 6 MV beam energy. The optical density of un-irradiated and irradiated NMPA polymer gel dosimeters in terms of absorbance at 500 nm was investigated by UV-vis spectrophotometry.
Findings
The absorbance values of the gel samples were increased linearly with increasing dose in the dose range between 2 and 20 Gy. A remarkable improvement in the dose response was noticed after the addition of various concentrations of glycerol. The impact of dose rate, beam energy and the post-stability of the exposed gels was studied and found consistent with the previous study using nuclear magnetic resonance results (energy independent and dose rate independent, stable up to one week).
Practical implications
The results of the independent experimental spectrophotometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses indicate that the NMPA polymer gel dosimeter has good and consistent dosimetric features for radiotherapy dosimetry.
Originality/value
The ionizing radiation-induced polymerization of gel samples leads to a change in the absorbance of the irradiated gel samples. This study introduces the first characterization of NMPA gel dosimeter by means of UV-vis spectrophotometer.
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Ayesha Ghalib, Valeed Khan, Sumaira Shams and Ruqiya Pervaiz
ß-thalassemia is a hereditary disorder due to mutation in the ß-globin gene on chromosome 11. Out of 200 known ß-globin gene chain mutations recognized, it is better to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
ß-thalassemia is a hereditary disorder due to mutation in the ß-globin gene on chromosome 11. Out of 200 known ß-globin gene chain mutations recognized, it is better to identify the most common mutation in specific regions and ethnicity for cost-effective molecular diagnosis of this disorder. Therefore, this study aims to practice multiplex-amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) PCR on patients with thalassemia in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to investigate the most common mutations in the ß-globin chain gene.
Design/methodology/approach
Twenty-two individuals (patients, their parents and non-affected siblings) with signed consent were studied from six consanguineous families of ß-thalassemia. Blood samples were collected for DNA isolation. For the detection of mutations in the ß-globin gene, ARMS-PCR was used. The amplicon was visualized through 2% Agarose Gel.
Findings
The most common mutations among different ethnic groups in the study area residents were Fr 8-9 (+G) and IVS 1-5 (G> C). The prominent enhancing factors for ß-thalassemia are inter-family marriages and lack of awareness.
Practical implications
Multiplex ARMS_PCR is the most valuable technique for assessing multiple mutations in a single reaction tube.
Social implications
Due to extensively found ethnic and regional variations and a high rate of consanguinity, the Pashtun population has a great risk of mutations in their genome. Therefore, ARMS-PCR is a cost-effective mutational diagnostic strategy that can help to control disease burden.
Originality/value
Limited studies using ARMS-PCR for mutational analysis in the ß-globin gene are conducted. This study is unique as it targeted consanguineous families of KP Pakistan.
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Yang Liu, Qian Zhang, Jialing Wang, Yawei Shao, Zhengyi Xu, Yanqiu Wang and Junyi Wang
The purpose of this paper is to enhance the compatibility of titanium dioxide in epoxy resins and thus the corrosion resistance of the coatings.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to enhance the compatibility of titanium dioxide in epoxy resins and thus the corrosion resistance of the coatings.
Design/methodology/approach
In this work, TiO2 was modified by the mechanochemistry method where mechanical energy was combined with thermal energy to complete the modification. The stability of modified TiO2 in epoxy was analyzed by sedimentation experiment. The modified TiO2-epoxy coating was prepared, and the corrosion resistance of the coating was analyzed by open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and neutral salt spray test.
Findings
High-temperature mechanical modification can improve the compatibility of TiO2 in epoxy resin. At the same time, the modified TiO2-epoxy coating showed better corrosion resistance. Compared to the unmodified TiO2-epoxy coating, the coating improved the dry adhesion force by 61.7% and the adhesion drop by 33.3%. After 2,300 h of immersion in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution, the coating resistance of the modified TiO2 coating was enhanced by nearly two orders of magnitude compared to the unmodified coating.
Originality/value
The authors have grafted epoxy molecules onto TiO2 surfaces using a high-temperature mechanical force modification method. The compatibility of TiO2 with epoxy resin is enhanced, resulting in improved adhesion of the coating to the substrate and corrosion resistance of the coating.
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Gomaa Abdel-Maksoud, Aya Abdallah, Rana Youssef, Doha Elsayed, Nesreen Labib, Wael S. Mohamed and Medhat Ibrahim
This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of using some polymers at different concentrations in the consolidation of vegetable-tanned leather artifacts.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of using some polymers at different concentrations in the consolidation of vegetable-tanned leather artifacts.
Design/methodology/approach
New vegetable-tanned leather samples were prepared. The consolidants used were polyacrylamide (PAM) and polymethyl methacrylate/hydroxyethyl methacrylate (MMA-HEMA). Accelerated heat aging was applied to the untreated and treated samples. Analytical techniques used were Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), digital microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), change of color and mechanical properties.
Findings
The characteristic FTIR bands showed the effect of accelerated heat aging on the molecular structure of the studied samples, but treated and aged treated samples used were better than aged untreated samples. Microscopic investigations (digital and SEM), and mechanical properties proved that 2% was the best concentration for polymers used. The change in the total color difference of the treated and aged treated samples was limited.
Originality/value
This study presents the important results obtained from PAM and poly(MMA-HEMA) used for the consolidation of vegetable-tanned leather artifacts. The best results of the studied polymers can be applied directly to protect historical vegetable-tanned leathers.
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Ali Katebi, Amirhossein Mohammadhosseini, Mohammad Najmeddin and Peyman Homami
The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the cost of concrete component prefabrication using the moderating role of organizational readiness…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the cost of concrete component prefabrication using the moderating role of organizational readiness, compatibility and competitive pressure.
Design/methodology/approach
The information collected in this study was obtained from 188 questionnaires filled out online by civil engineers active in the Iranian construction industry. Data analysis was performed by partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results reveal that perceived risk has the greatest impact on cost of using precast concrete components (PCC). Furthermore, the organizational readiness, competitive pressure and compatibility variables have moderating role in the relationship between perceived risk and perceived usefulness. The results can help policymakers and managers to apply the appropriate perspective and strategy to promote this method by illustrating the factors affecting the cost of using PCC in the building construction.
Originality/value
Using the variables of perceived risk, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use to predict factors affecting the cost of using PCC is considered as an innovation in this research. In addition to identifying the most important factors affecting the cost of PCC prefabrication in the construction industry, this research tries to identify the impact of environmental factors on the model by examining the moderating role of organizational readiness, competitive pressure and compatibility.
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Adib Bin Rashid, Abu Saleh Md. Nakib Uddin, Fahima Akter Azrin, Khondker Safin Kaosar Saad and Md Enamul Hoque
The main objective of this paper is to illustrate an analytical view of different methods of 3D bioprinting, variations, formulations and characteristics of biomaterials. This…
Abstract
Purpose
The main objective of this paper is to illustrate an analytical view of different methods of 3D bioprinting, variations, formulations and characteristics of biomaterials. This review also aims to discover all the areas of applications and scopes of further improvement of 3D bioprinters in this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviewed a number of papers that carried evaluations of different 3D bioprinting methods with different biomaterials, using different pumps to print 3D scaffolds, living cells, tissue and organs. All the papers and articles are collected from different journals and conference papers from 2014 to 2022.
Findings
This paper briefly explains how the concept of a 3D bioprinter was developed from a 3D printer and how it affects the biomedical field and helps to recover the lack of organ donors. It also gives a clear explanation of three basic processes and different strategies of these processes and the criteria of biomaterial selection. This paper gives insights into how 3D bioprinters can be assisted with machine learning to increase their scope of application.
Research limitations/implications
The chosen research approach may limit the generalizability of the research findings. As a result, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed hypotheses further.
Practical implications
This paper includes implications for developing 3D bioprinters, developing biomaterials and increasing the printability of 3D bioprinters.
Originality/value
This paper addresses an identified need by investigating how to enable 3D bioprinting performance.
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In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/poly[acrylic acid (AAc)-co-acrylamide (AM)] composite hydrogel was prepared by radical copolymerization in the presence of Fe3+…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/poly[acrylic acid (AAc)-co-acrylamide (AM)] composite hydrogel was prepared by radical copolymerization in the presence of Fe3+ freezing-thawing method. The swelling behavior of the hydrogel was investigated. The novel synthesized hydrogel was used as an adsorbent for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions. In this paper, methylene blue and maxilon blue 5G were selected as representative cationic dyes. In addition, adsorption isotherm models were used to describe the dye adsorption process.
Design/methodology/approach
The prepared composite hydrogel was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy and UV–visible.
Findings
The prepared hydrogel exhibited excellent adsorption ability for both dyes. Various experimental conditions affecting the dye adsorption were explored to achieve maximum removal of both dyes. In addition, adsorption isotherm models were used to describe the dye adsorption process.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, synthesis of PVA/poly(AAc-co-AM) composite hydrogel in the presence of Fe3+ and investigation of the removal of methylene blue and maxilon blue 5G dyes is done for the first time successfully.
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Reasmy Raj, Amirul Syafiq, Vengadaesvaran Balakrishnan, Shakeel Ahmad, Nasrudin Abd Rahim, Pouya Hassandarvish, Sazaly Abu Bakar and A.K. Pandey
This paper aims to fabricate a polymer-based polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating with acrylic resin as a binder that can show antiviral activity against the feline coronavirus…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to fabricate a polymer-based polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating with acrylic resin as a binder that can show antiviral activity against the feline coronavirus (FCov) on the glass substrate.
Design/methodology/approach
The PEG/acrylic coating systems of different weight percentages were coated on the glass substrates using the spray-coating method and cured at room temperature for 24 h.
Findings
The coating system containing 20 Wt.% of PEG exhibits the highest antiviral activities as high as 99.9% against FCov compared with other samples.
Research limitations/implications
Findings will be useful in the development of antiviral coating for PPE fabrics by using the simple synthesis method.
Originality/value
Application of PEG as an antiviral agent in the antiviral coating system with high antiviral activities about 99.9%.