Growing volumes of solid waste from industrial and agricultural sources continue to raise environmental concerns. One such waste stream is silica gel, frequently used in packaging and typically discarded, despite its high silica content. In this study, discarded silica gel was employed as a silica source for the synthesis of sodium-form zeolites, namely NaA, NaX, and NaY. The resulting materials were assessed for their performance in carbon dioxide adsorption. Crystalline zeolite phases were successfully formed, with CO₂ uptake capacities of 4.10, 5.84, and 4.39 mmol/g for NaA, NaX, and NaY, respectively. These synthesized zeolites showed adsorption properties on par with those of commercially available analogues. The findings support the transformation of silica gel waste into effective, affordable, and sustainable materials for CO₂ capture applications.

The SEA-αO thalassemia is common in Thailand. Carriers of this type of thalassemia can be found in microcytic blood samples. Although several laboratory tests are performed to screen the carriers of this type of thalassemia, it is questioned if only RBC parameters can effectively screen the carriers of SEA-aO-thalassemia. This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of IC strip, OFT, HbH-IB test, Hemolysis Area and RBC parameters in screening for SEA-αO thalassemia carriers in microcytic blood samples. Fifty-four (54) non-anemic blood samples having MCV <80 fL were tested for OFT, HbH-IB test, HA, IC strip test and RBC indices. An algorithm of RBC indices for the SEA-αO-thalassemia carrier screening was established by the RapidMiner software. The Gap-PCR was carried out to detect the SEA-αO thalassemia genotype. A variety of RBC indices was observed. In screening for SEA-aO thalassemia, the OFT, HA and IC strip tests had 95.47%, 95.4% and 100% sensitivity, and 53.1%, 50%, and 43.7% specificity, respectively, while the conventional and modified HbH inclusion body tests had 45.4%, 69.1% sensitivity and 100%, 93.7% specificity, respectively. A newly established algorithm [MCH(£23.0 pg) -> Hct(>36.5 %) ->HA(£70.0 units)] was found to have 80% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV and 92.8% NPV, infinite positive LR and 0.002 negative LR in screening for SEA-aO thalassemia. Therefore, OFT, HA, IC strip, but not HbH-IB test, were still effective in screening for carriers of SEA-aO-thalassemia in the microcytic blood samples. Due to its ease of use, the newly established algorithm was an additional means to predict the carriers of SEA-aO thalassemia in the microcytic cohort.

Levetiracetam (Lev) is a widely used antiepileptic drug known for its excellent solubility and permeability. The present study aimed to statistically optimize the formulation of gastro-retentive floating tablets using Design-Expert software. A central composite design (CCD) was employed to evaluate the effects of three independent variables: Methocel K100M Premium (X1), Methocel K15M Premium (X2), and cetostearyl alcohol (X3). The prepared tablets were assessed for swelling–erosion behavior, buoyancy, dissolution characteristics, and drug release kinetics. Comparisons were made between the optimized formulation, formulation F9, and the marketed tablet (Levipil, manufactured by Sun Pharma). Additional analyses included response surface plots and counter plots. The order of drug dissolution among the tested formulations was as follows: F13 > F1 = F3 = F5 = F6 = F8 = F10 = F11 = F15 > F7 = F12 > F2 = F9 > F4 = F14. The marketed tablet achieved 100% drug release within 10 min, while formulation F13 and the optimized formulation released 100% of the drug in 7.0 h and 9.5 h, respectively. The optimized formulation followed zero-order release kinetics and exhibited non-Fickian diffusion (diffusion exponent = 0.54), indicating a controlled and sustained release mechanism. These findings demonstrate that the optimized gastro-retentive floating tablet is well suited for extended-release delivery of Lev. The optimized formulation was further validated through statistical analysis, confirming that it met all dissolution criteria and theoretical predictions.

Er³⁺-doped phospho–tellurite glasses were synthesized via the melt-quenching technique and investigated for their structural and optical properties. XRD confirmed the amorphous nature, while FTIR spectra revealed characteristic vibrational modes associated with P–O and Te–O bonds. The optical absorption spectra exhibited multiple 4f–4f transitions of Er³⁺ ions, with a prominent band at 1536 nm corresponding to the 4I₁₃⁄₂ → 4I₁₅⁄₂ transition. Judd–Ofelt analysis yielded intensity parameters following the trend Ω₂ > Ω₆ > Ω₄, indicating a moderately asymmetric environment and rigid glass network. The 1.5 mol% Er₂O₃-doped sample demonstrated a high stimulated emission cross-section (33.68 × 10⁻²² cm²), a branching ratio greater than 0.5, and a broad emission bandwidth around 1.53 μm. These characteristics suggest suitability for optical amplification. McCumber analysis revealed positive gain for population inversion levels exceeding 60%, supporting the material's potential for C-band optical communication. Overall, the investigated glass system is a promising candidate for use in near-infrared “eye-safe” lasers and optical amplifiers operating at 1.53 μm.

A peptic ulcer is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes discomfort, morbidity, and mortality in humans as a result of unhealthy food, smoking, alcohol intake, frequent use of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and a sedentary lifestyle. Ulceration forms in the stomach, or duodenum, when there is an imbalance between the protective factors of the gastroduodenal mucosa, such as bicarbonate and mucus, and the offensive factors, such as stomach acid and pepsin synthesis. This results in the development of tiny lesions that cause pain. So, it requires effective therapeutic strategies. There are several approaches for assessing the anti-ulcer activity of natural or synthetic drugs. These strategies are known as experimental animal models. The primary objective of this review is to explain the different types of models, such as in vivo and in vitro, that have been utilized to produce gastric and duodenal ulcers to identify the healing features and properties of various innovative and current medications. This review also discusses the principles, procedures, applications, and parameters of different types of models. In addition, it also delves into the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges related to the use of these screening models.

Dust explosions pose a significant risk across various industries worldwide, leading to injuries, fatalities, property damage, and environmental consequences. Accurate risk assessment techniques are essential for identifying hazards and implementing preventive measures to mitigate the risk of dust explosions. This research and development study aims to evaluate dust explosion risks using the Risk Assessment Matrix (RAM) to identify and prioritize hazards, and controls were applied using the Hierarchy of Controls which prioritizes risk reduction strategies from elimination to personal protective equipment. Data were collected from a tapioca starch factory in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, between June 2023 and March 2024. The RAM assessment indicated a very high risk (level 4) of dust explosions. Key contributing factors included the presence of combustible dust, oxygen, confinement, dust dispersion, and ignition sources. Notably, the primary ignition risks were associated with human error (violations of safety procedures) and mechanical failure (bolts, nuts, and bearing malfunction). Risk mitigation measures were developed and implemented based on the Hierarchy of Controls. Following the intervention, the overall risk was reduced by 52.71%. Elimination and engineering controls were more effective in preventing dust explosions than administrative controls. These findings suggest that integrating RAM with the Hierarchy of Controls provides a practical and reliable approach to reducing explosion risks and enhancing safety in dust prone industrial environments.

Background: Vision plays a fundamental role in a child's development, yet paediatric vision disorders often go undetected due to the limitations of conventional screening methods. Question-based vision screening tools have emerged as an early identification of vision problems in children. Nevertheless, the conceptual domains and key items used in the existing tools vary, leading to inconsistent screening outcomes. Objectives: This systematic review aims to identify the core conceptual domains and key items essential in existing question-based paediatric vision screening tools. Methods: This systematic review protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines and is registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD420251006529). A comprehensive literature search will be conducted across four databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCOhost MEDLINE Complete for peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 to 2024, restricted to publications in English and Malay. Eligibility criteria will be based on the Population, Interest, and Context (PICo) framework, focusing on studies examining the conceptual domains and key items in question-based vision screening tools for children aged 4 to 12 years. Two independent reviewers will screen and assess the studies for methodological quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data will be synthesised using thematic synthesis methods to identify the conceptual domains and key items. Anticipated outcomes: This systematic review will offer a comprehensive synthesis of the core conceptual domains and key items employed in question-based paediatric vision screening tools.

IFN-γ is a complex cytokine that plays a major role in immune system regulation. In addition to strengthening host defence, IFN-γ also causes autoantibodies, activates autologous cytotoxic T cells, and kills target cells, all of which contribute to a chain of several diseases. The current study enrolled 30 gallstone patients and 30 healthy controls. Blood and serum concentrations were considered for quantifying relative mRNA expression levels, followed by evaluation of serum concentration for the IFN-γ gene by comparing it with healthy controls. The current study has shown significant expression of mRNA levels for the IFN-γ gene with a 3.4008 fold change difference, having a P<0.008. At the same time, serum concentrations of gallstone patients found high levels of IFN-γ (17.06 vs 33.12) when compared to Healthy controls with a (P<0.0001). Along with these safety parameters like ALP (P<0.004), Bilirubin (P<0.00001), Urea (P<0.0010) serum creatinine (P<0.00001), cholesterol, HDL and VLDL (P<0.0005, P<0.0002 and P< 0.00001) and Hematological tests like RBC, Lymphocytes and ESR (P<0.0035, P<0.0046, P<0.00001 and P<0.00006) shown significant increase in patients having gallstone disease when compared with healthy controls. This study has shown a significant mRNA expression and serum levels of IFN-γ in patients when compared to healthy controls. This findings may be a risk aspect for the development of gallstone disease, signifying that it might be utilised as a marker to measure disease activity and pave the way for future disease treatment strategies.

An essential part of gas turbines is the combustion system, which burns the fuel and air mixture to produce thrust or power. Anomalies in combustors, such as problems with fuel nozzles, excessive vibration from acoustic waves and oscillations in the release of heat, and non-compliant emissions, are frequently caused by instability in combustion and uneven fuel distribution. To overcome these issues, FBO-LSTM is developed to predict combustion efficiency and power influence. A can combustor was designed with a 150 mm diameter casting, 210 mm length, and a 170 mm long combustor model, featuring variations in casting angle and dump gap. With a flow rate of 0.473 kg/s and 0.0096 kg/s, it has a vertical fluid and air input. Six scenarios were explored, varying casting angles and dump gap to analyse temperature, static pressure, velocity, power, and combustion efficiency. To normalize the input data, these simulated data are gathered. The data are then pre-processed using Sigmoid Normalization. Next, the LSTM is used to estimate the combustion power and efficiency using the pre-processed data. The Football Optimization (FBO) approach is utilized to select the optimal learning rate and batch size of the LSTM classifier. This technique achieved 96.2% of accuracy, 93.5% of selectivity, 89.7% of MCC and 3.8% of error, demonstrating considerable improvements in the findings. The error difference between the turbulence intensity of the dump gap and casting angle is 2% and 0.4%. Thus, this FBO-LSTM approach is a better choice to predict the power and efficiency of the combustor.

Background: Long-term stress and inadequate coping mechanisms are widely recognized as important psychosocial factors in the advancement of non-communicable diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Coronary artery disease (CAD) (Riise et al., 2025). Objectives: This study examines perceived stress, coping strategies, and the predictive role of age, gender, and occupation in individuals with T2DM and CAD. Methods: A total of 100 patients with both T2DM and CAD participated in this cross-sectional study via purposive sampling. Stress and coping were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Brief COPE Questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, regression, and cluster analysis. Results: Over 78% reported moderate to high stress, with significant differences by gender (p = 0.003) and occupation (p = 0.021). Stress was positively correlated with maladaptive coping (r = 0.678, p<0.01) and negatively with adaptive coping (r = -0.523, p<0.01). Cluster analysis revealed three groups Adaptive, Maladaptive, and Mixed Copers each comprising about one-third of participants. Conclusion: Coping styles and demographic factors significantly predict stress levels in individuals with T2DM and CAD. The findings support the value of psychosocial assessments and interventions to reduce stress and promote adaptive coping in chronic disease management.