Biodegradable polymers have garnered increasing attention as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-derived plastics, which pose a global environmental challenge due to their difficult recycling and slow degradation. This study focuses on the preliminary evaluation of surface functional properties of chitosan films reinforced with TiO₂ or ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). These films were prepared at different loading ratios using the solution-casting method. Structural and morphological properties were characterized using FTIR and FESEM, while functional properties were evaluated by surface wettability, UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and antibacterial activity testing. FTIR results showed significant changes in absorption peaks associated with amine and hydroxyl groups, indicating the formation of hydrogen bonds and strong surface interactions between chitosan and NPs. Morphological imaging also revealed a nanoscale surface structure that could influence wettability and surface interactions. The results of functional tests, compared to pure chitosan, showed improvements in some functional properties, like UV protection and thermal stability, while maintaining other properties, like surface wettability, within accepted functional limits. Moreover, chitosan films reinforced with TiO₂ or ZnO NPs showed statistically significant antibacterial activity, particularly against S. aureus. These results represent a preliminary evaluation of potential candidate materials for packaging applications. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of the studied samples and their suitability for practical applications requires further future studies that include tests of mechanical properties, gas permeability, biodegradability, migration and biosafety studies and performance under real-world application conditions.
Multi-carrier direct sequence code division multiple access (MC-DS-CDMA) has emerged recently as a promising candidate for the next generation broadband mobile networks. Multipath fading channels have a severe effect on the performance of wireless communication systems even those systems that exhibit efficient bandwidth, like orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and MC-DS-CDMA; there is always a need for developments in the realisation of these systems as well as efficient channel estimation and equalisation methods to enable these systems to reach their maximum performance. A novel MC-DS-CDMA transceiver based on the Radon-based OFDM, which was recently proposed as a new technique in the realisation of OFDM systems, will be us
... Show MoreDr Oluwole Ojewale, a scholar and Sahel expert based in Dakar, explores the implications of the recent Benin coup attempt for the region, the history of intervention by the Economic Community of West African States and its complicated relationship with the recently formed Alliance of Sahel States. Cooperation, even now military-led states in the Sahel, is key to stopping the descent of coups in West Africa he argues. “The region must revitalize security cooperation, even with the AES states. Isolation breeds insecurity. Niger’s withdrawal from counterterrorism coordination has created openings exploited by criminal networks and extremist groups, especially along porous borders with Nigeria and Benin,” Ojewale writes. “Without renewe
... Show MoreThe article considers the main reason for A. I. Herzen's address to obsolete words, which is their ability to acquire a stylistic coloring in the context of speech, as well as the possibility of combining, in some cases, with neutral lexemes of various functional styles. A certain stylistic effect of such characteristics of this type of vocabulary is represented, as a result of which their stylistic coloring in syntagmatic terms does not coincide with stylistic coloring in terms of paradigmatics, that is, in speech they have a completely stylistic meaning. Attention is focused on the role of outdated vocabulary, which consists in the fact that they serve to implement such features of the artistic style as imagery, emotionality, and their
... Show MorePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by anovulatory, infertility and metabolic disturbances. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity as novel biomarkers for PCOS, as well as to explore the relationship between LRG1 and XO activity across different groups. A total of 150 married women, aged 18-46 years were enrolled and divided into three groups: 50 with PCOS under treatment, 50 PCOS without treatment conditions shared by women with polycystic ovary conditions, and 50 healthy women. Serum samples were analysed to measure LRG1, xanthine oxidase (XO) activity,
... Show MoreIn this study, different methods were used for estimating location parameter and scale parameter for extreme value distribution, such as maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) , method of moment estimation (ME),and approximation estimators based on percentiles which is called white method in estimation, as the extreme value distribution is one of exponential distributions. Least squares estimation (OLS) was used, weighted least squares estimation (WLS), ridge regression estimation (Rig), and adjusted ridge regression estimation (ARig) were used. Two parameters for expected value to the percentile as estimation for distribution f
... Show MorePurpose: The current research attempts to diagnosis the reflection level of Information Technology (IT) Capabilities (Architectural, infrastructure, human resources, relationships resources, and dynamic capabilities) at Baghdad soft drinks Company/Al- Zafaraniya to achieving the competitive superiority represented by indicators (Cost, quality, flexibility, delivery and innovation). Recognizing the importance of the subjects studied, and because of the importance of the expected results of the field under consideration.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The experimental method has been used, the questionnaire used to collect th
... Show MoreThe financial analysis of the published financial statements is the means that enables businessmen, financial institutions, financial analysts and others to conduct their studies and conclusions to obtain information that helps them in the decision-making process, including decisions related to investment. National in making the decision on the investment activity, for the period from 2012 to 2018, through the information provided by the annual financial statements, by selecting a set of indicators provided by the financial statements, namely (liquidity ratio, activity percentage, profitability ratios) to measure the extent of this ability Indicators in determining their role in making an investment decision.