Average Range Research Articles

FP6.2 - A survey of the estimated cost of consumables amongst UK medical students

Abstract Aims With increasing financial difficulties for the NHS, clinician’s awareness of the cost of consumable items utilised is vital. Despite this, clinician’s cost-awareness and exposure to health economics amongst students is limited. We hence undertook this survey to assess cost-awareness amongst medical students. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to London medical students. Participants were asked their demographic data and to estimate the cost of 10 consumable items. Each item’s actual cost was compared with the average, median and interquartile range of the estimated price. An estimate was deemed ‘correct’ if it was within 20% of the actual price. Results Across all items 9.63% of estimates were ‘correct’. There was no correlation between medical school or academic year and accuracy of cost-estimation. The most accurately estimated item cost was the ‘10ml syringe’ (19.55%), the least was the ‘1 litre bag of intravenous normal saline’ (0.50%). The most overestimated item cost was the ‘vial of 1.2g intravenous co-amoxiclav’ (median estimate/actual cost = 9.43), the ‘pair of standard sterile surgical gloves’ was the only underestimated item cost (median estimate/actual cost = 0.97). Conclusions We found a poor understanding of the cost of consumables amongst medical students. Whilst a lack of year 6 students and the London geographic limited this study, we believe this is the first large-scale survey assessing the cost of consumables amongst UK students. By providing a benchmark of current knowledge, this survey could serve as a catalyst for the inclusion of health economics in medical school curricula, improving cost-awareness amongst students and doctors.

Odor Fences Have No Effect on Wild Boar Movement and Home Range Size.

Wild boars are an opportunistic wildlife species that has successfully colonized the human-modified landscape in Europe. However, the current population boom has negative consequences, which result in a rapid increase in human-wildlife conflicts and disease transmission, including African swine fever (ASF). The increasing frequency of conflicts requires adequate solutions for these issues through various measures. Application of deterrents is a common non-lethal measure whose effects have been insufficiently verified until recently. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of odor fences, often applied as a barrier against wild boar movement. For this purpose, 18 wild boars were marked with GPS collars. After 22 days of initial monitoring, 12 sections of odor fences were installed on their home ranges. The monitored wild boars crossed the area 20.5 ± 9.2 times during the pre-installation period and 19.9 ± 8.4 times after the odor fence installation. Moreover, the average home range varied between 377.9 ± 185.0 ha before and 378.1 ± 142.2 ha after the odor fence installation. Based on GPS telemetry results, we do not support using odor repellent lines for crop protection or for limiting wild boar movement to lessen ASF outbreaks.

Understanding University Students’ Foreign Language Learning Attitudes: An Analysis Based on Stereotypes

The study aims to understand university students’ perceptions of stereotypes in foreign language learning in Cyprus, a multilingual and multicultural island. The goal is to comprehend how stereotypes impact foreign language education, enabling educators to tailor teaching environments and methodologies accordingly. The research question probes the extent and the influencing variables of stereotypes held by students in Cyprus during their language learning journey. This quantitative descriptive study involved 832 students from various faculties of a private North Cyprus university during the 2021–2022 academic year. A sample of 550 students, comprising 269 males and 281 females, was randomly selected. The stereotyped thought scale for a foreign language, a tool developed by Ünal in 2015 with 42 items across 8 sub-dimensions, was employed to gauge students’ stereotypical thoughts. The study’s results revealed an average score of 2.99 out of 5 on the scale, indicating that students’ stereotyped thinking falls within the average range. Notably, several variables, including gender, age, education, family, and language proficiency, significantly influence the stereotypes students hold during their language learning process.

Self-Regulated Learning Level of University Students and Educational Revelation

Self-regulated learning is a crucial component of students' competitiveness and is strongly linked to their academic achievement and performance. The study, which involved polling 309 Chinese university students, revealed that their level of self-regulated learning fell within the average range. Specifically, the analysis of the average scores for several self-regulated learning components revealed that participants exhibited the greatest requirement for social and environmental resources. In contrast, their motivation to learn scored the lowest. To enhance student support and guidance, the teacher's perspective offers educational recommendations to improve students' self-regulated learning skills and foster their overall development in the learning journey.

Assessment of Correlation Between Glycaemic Variability Indices and Measures of Hypoglycaemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a global health burden, and India is regarded as the diabetes capital of the world. Glycaemic variability (GV) is an established risk factor for hypoglycaemia (plasma glucose concentration <70 mg/dL) and a notorious risk factor for diabetes complications. The primary aim of the study was to assess the correlation between the GV indices, HbA1c levels, and measures of hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was done for a period of 14 days in T2DM patients (n = 50). The GV indices were determined from the readings obtained from the CGM monitor. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used for correlation analyses. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to assess the effectiveness of the various GV indices in predicting hypoglycaemia. Results: A total of 50 T2DM patients had a mean (SD) age of 61.84 ± 11.88 years. Among the GV indices, high blood glucose index (HBGI), average daily risk range (ADRR), and continuous overall net glycaemic action (CONGA) had a significantly positive correlation with HbA1c levels. Average episodes of nocturnal hypoglycaemia in 8 hours of night-time had a statistically significant negative correlation with the HbA1c levels (correlation coefficient: −0.301, P = 0.034). In addition, low blood glucose index (LBGI) was found to be the best predictor for the risk of hypoglycaemia in 24 hours and nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Conclusion: Various GV indices are associated with HbA1c levels and are better predictors of hypoglycaemia.

KNEE DEFORMITIES AND KNEE REPLACEMENTS IN SAUDI POPULATION: OUR EXPERIENCE AND LITERATURE REVIEW

It takes precise alignment, adequate balance, and deformity correction to accomplish a successful total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In main TKA, this can be successfully achieved with a posterior stabilized (PS) design, either with or without sub-periosteal release. However, severe abnormalities with a major bone defect, stiffness, and instability are often associated with these disorders in some circumstances, such as knee osteoarthritis. Additional restrictive prostheses are required since it is extremely difficult to balance these anomalies with soft tissue release alone, even after main TKA. In this situation, the constrained condylar knee (CCK) design is the optimum choice. This studys primary objectives were to characterize the clinical outcomes, function recovery, and complications of patients who underwent primary CCK-TKA for severe knee osteoarthritis related knee deformity. The secondary aim was to find out the mid-term prostheses survival. Methods: Between March 2021 and March 2022, 36 consecutive patients with knee osteoarthritis had cemented primary CCK-TKA. Twenty-Eight women and eight men, totaling 36 patients, had at least a 6 month follow-up for this retrospective analysis. We used the Knee Society Score (KSS), the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and the roentgenographic evaluation form to assess the patients. The survival of prosthesis was assessed using Kaplan-Meiers survival analysis. The patients follow-up periods averaged 12 month. The KSS knee score rose from 44 points (23–68) to 91 points (76–100) following surgery [P < 0.001]. Following the procedure, the mean KSS functional score rose from 20–75 points to 91 points (65–100) [P < 0.001]. The average HSS score rose from 51 points (27–83) to 91 points (75–100) following surgery [P < 0.001]. The average range of motion (ROM) also increased after surgery, going from 68.09° ± 35.99° (0°–120°) to 113.68° ± 8.90° (100°–130°) [P < 0.001]. The average hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle was 180.24° ± 1.77° (175°–184°) following surgery, compared to 176.88° ± 14.48° (135°–199°) before to surgery. Radiolucencies were seen in thirteen knees, mostly on the tibial side. After an average follow-up of 12 month, 94.7% of prosthesis were still in use. Despite severe deformity, instability, and stiffness at a relatively young age, the mid-term follow-up of primary CCK-TKA in knee osteoarthritis gives satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes with 94.7% prosthesis survival. However, there are a few issues.

Antenatal education incorporating complementary medicine techniques for labour and birth to reduce the rates of epidural in primiparous women: A randomised control trial

ProblemGlobally medical management of labour and birth has significantly increased, with epidurals attributed to the cascade of interventions. BackgroundThere are few randomised control trials that evaluate the effectiveness of antenatal education programs. A previous trial at two Australian hospitals found an antenatal program of integrative complementary therapies significantly reduced rates of interventions for low-risk primiparous women. AimTo reduce rates of intervention in labour and birth, with a primary outcome of decreased epidural use during labour. MethodsLow to moderate risk primiparous women were randomised at 24–36 weeks’ gestation to the intervention group and standard care, or standard care alone. Clinical and psychological measures were analysed by intention-to-treat. Trial registration ACTRN12618001353280 FindingsIn total, 178 women participated (n = 88 intervention, n = 90 Standard care), demographic characteristics were similar between groups, almost half (49 %) reported a pre-existing medical condition, and wellbeing scores fell within the average range. Epidural use was lower in the intervention group (47.7% vs 56.7 %) with higher rates of vaginal birth (52.3% vs 42.2 %), however, no statistical differences for birth outcomes were found between groups. Attitude to childbirth scores were statistically higher for women who attended the intervention (59.1 vs 54.3 p00.001). DiscussionHigher psychometric scores demonstrated women in the intervention group felt an increased sense of coping and control. Antenatal education that includes complementary therapies can reduce fear and improve attitudes about childbirth. ConclusionsReplicating study protocols enabled the generalisability of findings to a more diverse group of women, and data will contribute to a larger meta-analysis design to detect smaller treatment effects for operative birth.

Population dynamics of the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus Linnaeus 1758) in the Narmada estuary on the west coast of India

The population dynamics of flathead grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, were evaluated using length-frequency data collected from the Narmada estuary monthly between January 2018 and December 2019. The population parameters were assessed and calculated using the FiSAT-II software tool (FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools) after the estimation data were divided into 10 mm class intervals. A total of 419 specimens were collected, with an average length range of 171.14±58.15 mm and an average weight of 58.15±45.65 g, respectively. The length-weight relationships were established as W = 0.0105 L2.979. Length-frequency data revealed that length groups 140–149 (15.75 %) and 130–139 mm (13.37 %) dominated the commercial catches of M. cephalus at the Narmada estuary. Different growth parameters were estimated as L∞ = 309.75 mm, K = 0.41 yr−1 and t0 = −0.0013 years. The estimated values of mortality coefficients Z, M, and F were 1.06 yr−1, 0.52 yr−1 and 0.54 yr−1, respectively. The value of exploitation ratio (E) by using the length-converted catch curve method was established as 0.51, which was found to be a little high from the optimum value (0.50). The recruitment was found to be continuous almost throughout the year, with two peaks, once during February to May and another during August to October. The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) was estimated at 970.218 t if the suggested length at first capture (Lc = 123.44 mm TL) is maintained throughout the capture periods. The fishing pressure was found to be slightly excessive for the current stocks, which should be considered for proper management of the fishery in the Narmada estuary.

The recovery and independence of elbow flexion and forearm supination after Oberlin II transfer in brachial plexus injuries: a long term follows up study.

The Oberlin II double fascicular nerve transfer has been evaluated extensively for objective outcomes for elbow flexion in brachial plexus injuries (BPI). However, there is limited information available on the recovery pattern of supination and patient-reported activity in the long-term. Our study aimed to assess the functional results with a minimum of five years of follow-up. We evaluated patients with a minimum of five years after the Oberlin II procedure for post-traumatic BPI. They were evaluated using MRC grading, range of active movements, QuickDASH score and activity to check elbow flexion and forearm supination independent of finger and wrist flexion. 18 out of 26 patients responded with a mean follow-up of 79.4months (range: 61-98). 16 (88.9%) (p < 0.000) patients recovered to achieve active elbow flexion and forearm supination of either MRC grade 3 power or more. The average range of active elbow flexion was 113.9° (range: 0-140°) and active supination was 67.8° (0-90°). Patients who achieved grade 3 flexion or higher were found to regain supination after a delay. The recovery continues even after two years of surgery. The mean QuickDASH score was 21.8 (range: 2.3-63.6). There's a significant inverse correlation between QuickDASH with both flexion and supination (p < .001 and < 0.05). 15 patients (83.3%) could demonstrate a dissociation of elbow and forearm movements from digital and wrist movements. Our study demonstrated reliable functional results with independent elbow flexion, forearm supination and acceptable patient-reported outcomes for Oberlin II procedure in BPI.

Descriptions of Child Developmental Disorders Living Around Gold Mining

Living around the gold mining area, at risk of exposure to mercury (Hg). Pregnant women exposed to Hg alkyl can cause fetal brain damage so that the baby is born with d efects. This is due to the target toxicity of Hg, especially the organic metal compounds are the nervous system. Based on a child development screening questionnaire, ±100 children were questioned about their development, motor development, language and social interaction. This research was to see a picture of the development of children living around the Gold Mining village of Kalirejo, Kokap district, Kulon Progo District, Yogyakarta. The Longitudinal Observational Research Method with serial measurement measured the level of child development in five domains: cognitive, linguistic, motor, social, emotional and behavioral (adaptive behavior) with the Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition (BSID III) against 16 infants in the age range of 2-14 weeks (stage I) and 14-26 weeks. (tahap II). The baby's development observations resulted in an average composite development score of 85. Stage I obtained composite scores of cognitive domain; 102.81, language; 107.38, motor: 98.94, social emotional: 100,63 and behavioral: 90.00, while Stage II of each domain had the same scores as 105.94 : cognitive, 105.38: language, 104.81: motor, social-emotional: 98,69 and behavioural: 92.44. The conclusion that the composite child development score was in the average range of 90 - 109 for all domains, means that the child development composite score was still within the normal range (85-115), indicating that there is no developmental impediment. It is recommended to reduce Hg exposure, provide optimal nutrition to the baby and enhance developmental interventions with stimulation to stimulate auditorium, visual, tactile and kinesthetic, thereby improving the quantity and quality of brain cell synapses, to optimize brain function.

Reading achievement and deaf students with cochlear implants

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the reading outcomes of a Canadian cohort of school-aged deaf learners with cochlear implants (CIs). The goal was to investigate whether achievement approached that of hearing age peers and identify demographic factors influencing performance. Methods Participants represent a subset of 13 students with CIs from a larger sample of 70 deaf students in grades four through 12 educated in inclusive settings within a large school board in central Canada. Data sources included demographic information, teachers’ ratings on the Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP), and scores from the Woodcock-Johnson III Diagnostic Reading Battery [WJ III-DRB]. Results/Discussion: Participants performed within the low average range in all areas except for Phonological Awareness, which was in the low range; however, there was wide variability in scores across participants. None of the demographic variables (e.g. home language, additional disabilities) had a statistically significant association with performance, although older students had higher mean scores on the Phonological Awareness cluster. Conclusion These findings add to the body of research on literacy achievement and cochlear implantation, providing evidence that this technology has a significant positive effect on outcomes for a population that has heretofore underperformed in this area.

Attention and executive functioning in children and adolescents treated for high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group (COG).

Survivors of childhood B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) are at risk for difficulties with attention and executive functioning (EF) as a late effect of treatment. The present study aimed to identify treatment and demographic factors associated with risk for difficulties with EF in youth treated for high-risk B-ALL. Children and adolescents with B-ALL treated on Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocol AALL0232 were randomized to high-dose or escalating-dose methotrexate (MTX), and either dexamethasone or prednisone during the induction phase. Neuropsychological functioning was evaluated via protocol AALL06N1, including performance-based and parent-report measures, for 177 participants (57% female, 81% white; mean age at diagnosis=8.4 years; SD=5.0) 8-24 months following treatment completion. Mean scores for all attention and EF measures were within the average range, with no significant differences as a function of MTX delivery or steroid treatment (all p >0.05). In multivariable models, participants with US public insurance exhibited significantly greater parent-reported EF difficulties than those with US private or non-US insurance (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, participants diagnosed under 10 years of age performed significantly more poorly on measures of attention (i.e., continuous performance task, p ≤ 0.05) and EF (i.e., verbal fluency and tower planning task, p≤0.05). For survivors of pediatric B-ALL, treatment-related factors were not associated with attention or EF outcomes. In contrast, outcomes varied by demographic characteristics, including age and insurance type, an indicator of economic hardship. Future research is needed to more directly assess the contribution of socioeconomic status on cognitive outcomes in survivors.

Modification of proximal row carpectomy (PRC) technique for adaptive wrist collapse (pilot study)

Introduction Proximal carpal row resection has been used for many decades as a “salvage procedure” for progressive wrist collapse. Improving the technique of its implementation, as well as introducing various modifications of the technique into practice are an important area for achieving better results of surgical treatment.The purpose of this work was to demonstrate aspects of the modified proximal row carpectomy (PRC) technique and the immediate results of its use.Materials and methods Eight patients aged from 24 to 57 years (seven men and one woman) were treated with the modified PRC technique. Treatment results were assessed using an adapted QuickDASH questionnaire, a visual analogue scale (VAS), based on patient satisfaction and radiographic results.Results The average duration of surgical intervention was (149.0 ± 35.5) minutes. In the postoperative period, six patients (75 %) underwent fixation with an Ilizarov apparatus, the rest with a plaster splint. The average range of motion of flexion and extension was (67.5 ± 18.3)°, range: 40–95°. The patients had an average of (35.6 ± 16.13)° extension, range: 10–65° and (31.87 ± 10.9)° flexion, range: 10–45°. Patients reported decreased grip strength after surgery. Pain syndrome according to VAS at rest was equal to 0–1 points and 3–4 points when the affected limb was loaded. Six patients completed the QuickDASH survey, with a mean score of (14.83 ± 4.25) points. All patients are satisfied with the result of treatment and the absence of pain at rest. Patients returned to their usual work.Discussion Unlike the conventional dorsal approach through the III–IV tendon canals, the use of two mini-approaches provides a better cosmetic effect and makes it easier to restore the integrity of the tendon canals, which are important for the prevention of desmogenic contractures. The use of the Ilizarov apparatus has proven to be the method of choice, providing absolute stability and reduction of pain in the postoperative period. For patients under 45 years of age with increased functional demands, a balanced approach is required when choosing PRC or intercarpal arthrodesis, depending on which functional parameters are more important to the patient.Conclusion The analysis of short-term results of using the modified PRC technique shows that it reduces the invasiveness of the operation, improves its esthetic result, provides pain relief and a satisfactory range of motion and grip strength.

Resolving the BWR Stability Paradox of Space-Dependent Decay Ratios

Noise signals obtained from local power range monitors and average power range monitors are routinely used for extracting stability information for boiling water reactors. The stability parameters of decay ratio (DR) and natural frequency are produced by signal processing algorithms. While theoretically a dynamical system like a reactor core composed of coherently coupled components possesses a unique DR, noise measurements from different detectors have been reported in several published works to produce different DRs, creating the impression that a DR is not unique at a given operating state but rather is space dependent. This paper is an attempt to reconcile theory with measurements and resolve the space-dependent DR paradox that was encountered afresh in the course of designing a new high-fidelity online stability monitor. As such, the issue of space dependence could not be overlooked as attributable to variability within the uncertainty of noise analysis algorithms.

Prediction of uniform temperature effect on rectangular hollow concrete pier based on measured temperature data

In order to accurately and easily predict the variation of the average temperature of the concrete rectangular hollow pier. Firstly, the temperature distribution of the concrete rectangular hollow pier of Changjiahe Special Bridge was observed for 212 days. Then, based on the observation data, the functional relationship between the average concrete hollow pier temperature and the outside air temperature, and the air temperature inside the hollow pier was studied. Finally, based on this functional relationship, a prediction model for the range of variation of the mean temperature of the hollow pier was given and verified. The results of the study show that: the change of external shade temperature can be regarded as the superposition of different cyclic changes and random changes; the change rule of the average temperature of the concrete hollow pier is the same as that of the air temperature, both presenting day-by-day cyclic and step changes; the linear correlation coefficients between the daily maximum and daily minimum average hollow pier temperature and the daily average air temperature are R = 0.980 and R = 0.973, respectively; the daily average air temperature, the daily average air temperature inside the pier and daily average hollow pier temperature are R = 0.980, R = 0.998; the daily variation of the average hollow pier temperature and the daily variation of the air temperature are approximately linear, with a correlation coefficient of R = 0.899; assuming that the average temperature of the concrete hollow pier is a folding change, based on the above relationship, a method of predicting the time-by-time average temperature of the concrete hollow piers is proposed, as well as two methods of predicting the average temperature of the test piers. Average temperature change range method. Comparing the predicted values with the measured values, it is found that the predicted values are in good agreement with the measured values.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN CORTICAL BONE AFTER BOMBARDMENT WITH LOW-ENERGY HYDROGEN IONS

Radiobiological studies focused mainly on tracking the effects of photons (X and gamma rays) and high-energy charged particles over low energy ions, which raises interest in studying their biological effects. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the interaction of low-energy hydrogen ions beam with xcortical bovine bone as a biological model. A hydrogen ions beam was used to bombard cortical bone with different fluences; 45, 70 and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ions/cm2 at low energy of 5[Formula: see text]keV. The interaction of hydrogen ions with cortical bone was estimated theoretically by the SRIM/TRIM code. The obtained results showed that the average distribution range and the maximum depth for 5[Formula: see text]keV hydrogen ions are 91 and 150[Formula: see text]nm respectively. The energy losses from incident ions are 4.45[Formula: see text]keV for ionization, 170[Formula: see text]eV for phonons and 18[Formula: see text]eV for vacancies. Also, the energy losses from the recoil atoms are 119[Formula: see text]eV for ionization, 234[Formula: see text]eV for phonons and 8[Formula: see text]eV for vacancies. At the same time, the effect of low-energy hydrogen ions bombardment on the structure of bone was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR.

Intelligent long jump evaluation system integrating blazepose human pose assessment algorithm in higher education sports teaching

There are issues in current higher education long jump teaching, e.g., assessment relies on teachers' experience, lacks scientific evaluation, and can't quantitatively give performance feedback to students. To address these issues, this research first divides the long jump process into the approach run and mid-air phases. Secondly, it proposes a method for measuring approach run speed based on virtual line velocity algorithm. Subsequently, by combining the BlazePose human pose assessment algorithm with posture matching algorithms, a technique for assessing mid-air long jump movements integrated with BlazePose human pose assessment algorithm is designed. Finally, an intelligent long jump evaluation system incorporating the BlazePose human pose assessment algorithm is established. The research findings demonstrate that the average accuracy of video at 120FPS reaches a maximum of 94.47%. The assessment accuracy of mid-air long jump movements integrated with the BlazePose human pose assessment algorithm is highest, with accuracies of 94%, 90%, and 88% for the takeoff, hip extension, and abdominal contraction key movements respectively. Additionally, the method shows a scoring result with an average error range of 3 points compared to evaluations by professional teachers. In the practical application of the BlazePose human pose assessment algorithm's intelligent long jump evaluation system, evaluation scores and long jump proficiency receive scientifically objective assessments, while teachers provide targeted corrective feedback, achieving good application results. In summary, the proposed intelligent long jump evaluation system exhibits good performance, complete functionality, and can provide quantifiable data references for both teachers and students.

Non-linear ground deformation detection and monitoring using time series InSAR along the coastal urban areas of Pakistan.

Conventional geodetic methods rely on point measurements, which have drawbacks for detecting and tracking geologic disasters at specific locations. In this study, the time series Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) approach was incorporated to estimate non-linear surface deformation caused by tectonic, shoreline reclamation, and other anthropogenic activities in economically important urban regions of Pakistan's southern coast, which possesses around 270km. The shoreline is extended from the low-populated area on the premises of the Hub River in the west to the highly populated Karachi City and Eastern Industrial Zone, where we collected the Sentinel-1A C-band data from 2017 to 2023 to address urban security and threats to human life and property. The main advantage of opting for the non-linear persistent scatterer interferometric SAR (PSInSAR) approach for this study is that it exposes minute movements without any prior consideration of conventional monitoring techniques, making it valid in continuously varying regions. An average vertical displacement range of - 170 to + 82mm per year was found, which was used to investigate the potential correlation with the most effective causative parameters of deformation. The densely populated areas of the study area experience an annual subsidence of 170mm, and the less populated western region experiences an uplift of 82mm annually. Land deformation varies along the coast of the study area, where the eastern region is highly reclaimed and is affected by erosion. Groundwater table-depleting regions experienced high levels of land subsidence, and tectonic activities controlled vertical displacement in the region. Major variation was detected after an earthquake occurred along fault lines. This study was designed because a non-linear approach is required to address ground movement activities acutely, and it will make it possible to plan surface infrastructure and handle issues brought on by subsidence more effectively.

A novel sandwich electrochemical immunosensor utilizing customized template and phosphotungstate catalytic amplification for CD44 detection

A sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor was proposed for the ultra-sensitive detection of CD44, a potential biomarker for breast cancer. In this design, a customized template-based ionic liquid (1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) carbon paste electrode (CILE) served as the sensing platform, and thionine/Au nanoparticles/covalent-organic frameworks (THI/Au/COF) were used as the signal label. Moreover, an enzyme-free signal amplification strategy was introduced by involving H2O2 and phosphotungstate (PW12) with peroxidase-like activity. Under optimized conditions, the linear range is as wide as six orders of magnitude, and the detection limit is as low as 0.71 pg mL−1 (estimated based on S/N = 3). Average recoveries range from 98.16 %-100.1 %, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.42–8.27 % in mouse serum, and from 98.44 %-99.06 %, with an RSD of 1.14–4.84 % (n = 3) in artificial saliva. Furthermore, the immunosensor exhibits excellent specificity toward CD44, good stability, and low cost, indicating great potential for application in clinical trials.

Novel Ni/ZnO Nanocomposites for the Effective Photocatalytic Degradation of Malachite Green Dye

Water scarcity threatens human civilization because of rapid industrialization's damage to freshwater sources. Pollutants like dyes, which are frequently found in the paper, leather, food, plastics, textile, and cosmetics industries, must be removed to preserve water. In the present study, Zinc oxide nanocomposites impregnated with nickel (Ni/ZnO) were prepared using a wet impregnation technique. These novel materials were investigated for their ability to photocatalytically degrade malachite green (MG) under the irradiation of visible. The synthesized nanocomposite catalyst was characterized by various analytical techniques, including SEM, EDX, XRD, and BET methods of surface analysis, and revealed a high surface area of 192.88 m2g-1 with an average size range from 88-354 nm. EDX results showed efficient doping of Ni (28.9%). The composites were then used under the influence of a visible light source to degrade MG dye. The investigation also assessed the degradation of MG using a photo-Fenton reagent. Factors such as catalyst dosage, H2O2 levels, pH, and duration were optimized to understand their impact in both degradation studies. The synthesized catalyst showed stunning photocatalytic activities, as 99.4% of the 60 µg.ml-1of MG was degraded in 40 min with 100 mg of Ni/ZnO at pH 8. Ni/ZnO had a good application prospect for MG degrading and can be used as a potential photocatalyst. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-08-011 Full Text: PDF