A novel, safe and efficient method was developed to encapsulate a blend of essential oils (EOs) into biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs). The biodegradable and biocompatible nanoparticles were made from chitosan (CH) and lecithin (LE) . The quality of the essential oils was verified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The synthesis of nanoparticles included emulsification, followed by sonication, homogenization, and extrusion. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the nanoparticles were spherical in shape with sizes ranging from 25 to 70 nm, while dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed high negative zeta potentials. The stability of the final formula was evaluated in gastric and intes

Therapeutic contact lenses TCLs is an approach used to enhance corneal residence time and reduce frequent instillation, which is a problem with eye drops.  The problem with CLs is loading of hydrophobic drugs. In this research the CLs were prepared with molecular imprinting MI to enhance the loading of itraconazole, which is used as antifungal drug for fungal keratitis. CLs using different  concentration of hydroxyethyl methacrylate HEMA and methacrylic acid MAA were prepared with and without MI using PEGDA (25 μL) and AIBN (37 mg) as crosslinker and initiator respectively. All the prepared CLs were clear and have good folding endurance. MICLs had significantly higher drug loading compared to conventional CLs. The release of i

Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) contaminated sites at Al-Rumaila Iraqi oil fields have been characterized as a part of soil remediation project. Activity of radium isotopes in contaminated soil have been determined using gamma spectrometer High Purity Germanium detector (HPGe) and found to be very high for Al-Markezia, Al-Qurainat degassing stations and storage area at Khadhir Almay region. The activity concentration of samples ranges from 6474.11±563.8 Bq/kg to 1232.5±60.9 Bq/kg with mean value of 3853.3 Bq/kg for ²²⁶Ra, 843.59±8.39 Bq/kg to 302.2±9.2 Bq/kg  with mean value of 572.9 Bq/kg for ²³²Th and 294.31±18.56 Bq/kg to 156.64±18.1 Bq/kg with mean value of 225.5 for ⁴⁰K. S

New (pentulose-?-lactone-2,3-enedibenzoate barbituric acid) (L) have been synthesized by reaction of (5-C-dimethyl malonyl-pentulose-?-lactone-2,3-enedibenzoate) with urea in alkaline media (sodium methoxide). (Ca+2, Co+2, Ni+2, Cu+2, Zn+2, Cd+2 and Hg+2) complexes of (pentulose-?-lactone-2,3-enedibenzoate barbituric acid) (L) have been prepared and characterized by (1H and 13CNMR), FTIR, (U.V-Vis) spectroscopy, Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (A.A.S), Molar conductivity measurements and Magnetic moment measurements, and the following general formula has been given for the prepared complexes [MLCl2(H2O)].XH2O, where M = (Ca+2, Co+2, Ni+2, Cu+2, Zn+2, Cd+2, Hg+2), X = five molecules with (Cd+2) complex, L = (pentulose-?-lactone-2,3

In this article, the adsorption of Cu(ll) ion from aqueous solution into polyacrylic acid
(PAA) hydrogel bead has been investigated using a batch method of different
temperature (10-30 °C) and different contact time (1-48 hr) to reach the equilibrium of
adsorption. Initial concentration and adsorption capacity of the adsorbents is presented,
the time required to reach a maximum capacity of bead was about 24hr. The temperature
effect on adsorption was studied and the experimental data have been analyzed using the
Langmuir and freundlich isotherm models. The adEsorption capacity at equilibrium was
found to be 142.68 mg/g; more than 95% of studied cation was removed by the
adsorbent. The process is very efficient es

Two novel demountable shear connectors for precast steel-concrete composite bridges are presented. The connectors use high-strength steel bolts, which are fastened to the steel beam with the aid of a special locking configuration that prevents slip of bolts within their holes. Moreover, the connectors promote accelerated construction and overcome typical construction tolerances issues of precast structures. Most importantly, the connectors allow bridge disassembly, and therefore, can address different bridge deterioration scenarios with minimum disturbance to traffic flow, i.e. (1) precast deck panels can be rapidly uplifted and replaced; (2) connectors can be rapidly removed and replaced; and (3) steel beams can be replaced, while precast

Abstract  

The aim of this paper is to investigate and discuss the mechanisms of corrosion of epoxy coatings used for potable water tanks. Two distinct types of Jotun epoxy coatings: Tankguard 412 contained polyamine cured epoxy and Penguard HB contained polyamide cured epoxy, were tested and studied using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) method. The porosity of epoxy coatings was determined using EIS method. The obtained results showed that the two epoxy coatings have excellent behavior when applied and tested in potable water of Basrah city. Polyamine is more resistance to water corrosion compared to polyamide curing epoxy and has high impedance values. Microscopic inspection after te

      The current study aims to assess the water quality of the Al-Diwaniyah River in the city of Al-Diwaniyah to drink in terms of chemical properties and heavy metals and their impact on the health of the local population. The results showed that most of the parameters in the river water are of low concentrations due to the limited human activities in polluting the river water. The study concluded that the water quality is suitable for drinking depending on major cations and anions in all seasons. The Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) showed that the river water was clean and safe, except two slightly polluted samples. The study concluded that river water for drinking or various domestic uses does not pose any danger to human heal

The presence of antibiotic residues such as ciprofloxacin (CIPR) in an aqueous environment is dangerous when their concentrations exceed the allowable. Therefore, eliminating these residues from the wastewater becomes an essential issue to prevent their harm. In this work, the potential of efficient adsorption of ciprofloxacin antibiotics was studied using eco-friendly ZSM-5 nanocrystals‑carbon composite (NZC). An inexpensive effective natural binder made of the sucrose-citric acid mixture was used for preparing NZC. The characterization methods revealed the successful preparation of NZC with a favorable surface area of 103.739 m2/g, and unique morphology and functional groups. Investigating the ability of NZC for adsorbing CIPR antibioti