This work demonstrated a simple and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing silica-supported copper nanocubes (CuNCs/SiO2). The copper nanocubes, with a size of 15 ± 5 nm, were synthesized using green reagents and conditions. Ascorbic acid, water, and di-n-butyl sulfide were employed as reducing agent, solvent, and stabilizing ligand, respectively. The designed nanoscale catalyst was utilized for the esterification of acetic acid to methyl acetate at room temperature. The catalyst exhibited high efficiency, converting 80% of the reactant to the desired product (methyl acetate) after 24 hours of reaction at room temperature. The size and shape of copper nanocubes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction to characterize the formation of copper nanocubes, while the esterification product was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is considered a parasitic contagion resulting from the flagellated parasite belonging to the genus of Leishmania. Also, cutaneous leishmaniasis is a zoonotic ailment transmitted through the bloodsucking sand-flies bite (belonging to the Phlebotomus genus). The disease's reservoirs included wild or semi-domesticated animals, in general rodents and dogs. Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is one of the extracellular matrix proteins that have a role in vessel wall degeneration and aneurysm development. In addition, it belongs to the zinc-dependent endopeptidases family that are involved in the degradation of connective tissues proteins which are included in vascular integrity maintenance. The Ge
... Show MoreBackground: The anticancer impact of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) the highly active polyphenol of green tea was abundantly studied. Though, the exact mechanism of its cytotoxicity is still under investigation. Objectives: Hence, the current study designed to investigate the molecular target of EGCG in HepG2 cells on thirteen autophagy- and/or apoptosis- related genes. Methods: The apoptosis detection analyses such as flow cytometry and dual apoptosis assay were used. The genes expression profile was explored by the real-time quantitative-PCR. Results: EGCG increases G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and the real-time apoptosis markers proteins leading to stimulate apoptos
... Show MoreThis study is pointed out to estimate the effectiveness of two solvents in the extraction and evaluating the active ingredients and their antioxidant activity as well as anti-cancer efficiency. Therefore, residues from four different Brassica vegetables viz. broccoli, Brussels sprout, cauliflower, and red cherry radish were extracted using two procedures methods: methanolic and water crude extracts. Methanol extracts showed the highest content of total phenolic (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and total tannins (TT) for broccoli and Brussels sprouts residues. Methanolic extract of broccoli and Brussels sprouts residues showed the highest DPPH· scavenging activity (IC50 = 15.39 and 18.64 µg/ml). The methanol and water ex
... Show MoreDue to a party's violation of his obligations or responsibilities indicated in the contract, many engineering projects confront extensive contractual disputes, which in turn need arbitration or other forms of dispute resolution, which negatively impact the project's outcome. Each contract has its terms for dispute resolution. Therefore, this paper aims to study the provisions for dispute resolution according to Iraqi (SBDW) and the JCT (SBC/Q2016) and also to show the extent of the difference between the two contracts in the application of these provisions. The methodology includes a detailed study of the dispute settlement provisions for both contracts with a comparative analysis to identify the differences in the appli
... Show MoreIn this article, the casting method was used to prepare poly(methyl methacrylate)/hydroxyapatite (PMMA/HA) nanocomposite films incorporated with different contents (0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt%) of graphene nanoplatelets (Gnp). The chemical properties and surface morphology of the PMMA/HA blend and PMMA/HA/Gnp nanocomposite were characterized using FTIR, and SEM analysis. Besides, the thermal conductivity, dielectric and electrical properties at (1–107 Hz) of the PMMA/HA blend and PMMA/HA/Gnp composites were investigated. The structural analysis showed that the synthesized composites had a low agglomerated state, with multiple wrinkles of graphene flakes in the PMMA/HA blend. The thermal conductivity was improved by more than 35-fold its value for
... Show MoreBackground: Since carbapenems are currently the preferred treatment for severe infections brought on by multidrug-resistant bacteria which can create Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBLs), it is extremely concerning that Gram-negative bacteria are becoming resistant to carbapenem. It has been demonstrated that Klebsiella pneumoniae produces a beta-lactamase that hydrolyses the β-lactam ring in antibiotics, making it one of the few bacteria which are currently exhibiting a high value of resistance because of changing in the organism's core genome. Methods: For the current study, 50 samples were gathered from different water sources, and based on morphological and biochemical testing, 10 isolates were determined to be K. pneumoniae. Accord
... Show MoreThis paper is focused on studying the effect of cutting parameters (spindle speed, feed and depth of cut) on the response (temperature and tool life) during turning process. The inserts used in this study are carbide inserts coated with TiAlN (Titanum, Aluminium and Nitride) for machining a shaft of stainless steel 316L. Finite difference method was used to find the temperature distribution. The experimental results were done using infrared camera while the simulation process was performed using Matlab software package. The results showed that the maximum difference between the experimental and simulation results was equal to 19.3 , so, a good agreement between the experimental and simulation results was achieved. Tool life w
... Show MoreIn this study, high-performance solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with different compositions were investigated for next-generation lithium-based energy storage and flexible electronics technology applications. The SPE films were prepared by the solution casting method using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and lithium sulfate (Li2SO4 ). The obtained films were flexible and transparent, hence suitable for structural, optical, electrical, and thermal characterizations. The XRD pattern of HPMC indicated a broad peak at 2 theta approximate to 20 degrees, while the films HPMC/PEG- Li2SO4 showed sharp peaks assigned to the crystalline nature of Li2SO4 . Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed O-H vibra
... Show MoreThis study was to examine the effect of a mental training program, including a combination of autogenic training and imagery, on a number of mental skills and on the development of personality traits-psychological hardiness as well as conscientiousness, openness to experience, and neuroticism-in Adolescent male volleyball players. 60 adolescent male volleyball players (aged 15–17) participated in a two-group, pretest-posttest design. The experimental group (n = 30) completed 8-week mental skills training program, including imagery, self-talk, attention control, and relaxation, while the control group (n = 30) followed regular training. Psychological hardiness and selected personality traits were measured pre-and post-intervention using va
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