The Scientific World Journal最新文献

Effective municipal solid waste management is a critical aspect of urban development. This study investigated the waste generation rate, composition, and current solid waste management plan in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. A two-stage random sampling technique was implemented. Data collection involves onsite data collection, structured questionnaires, and semistructured interviews. The result indicated that retail trade emerges as the leading sector, generating nearly half of the total solid waste (49%), and the food service sector stands second. In terms of solid waste type, food waste constitutes a significant portion of the waste stream, with a daily generation of 10,817.51 kg. The paper and cardboard waste in the market centers were the second waste, accounting for 762.684 kg per day. The amount of plastic waste generated per day ranges from 157.946 to 493.253 kg, and because of its high volatile matter content (68.95%), it might be used to produce energy. Food waste and yard waste had a high moisture content of 63.25% and 40.14%, respectively, which makes them ideal for composting and biogas production. Among the seven study sites, Kebele 04 had a huge waste generation, which was 47% of the total waste generation, indicating a spatial disparity in waste production in the city. The results highlighted the immense potential for waste reuse and recycling, emphasizing the circular economic opportunities associated with sustainable waste management practices. The findings contribute valuable insights to urban planners and policymakers to implement sustainable solid waste management plans in the country.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate, by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), the shaping ability and reduction of dentin thickness in mesial and distal surfaces of the ProTaper Gold (PTG; Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and R-Motion (RM; FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) systems in long-oval canals of lower incisors. Materials and Methods: Twenty long-oval lower incisors were selected, compared anatomically, and scanned by micro-CT (SkyScan 1172, Bruker Micro-CT, Kontich, Belgium). The teeth were divided into two groups (n = 10) according to instrumentation technique: PTG and RM. The following morphometric measurements were made on images recorded before and after preparation: volume, surface area, structure model index (SMI), unprepared walls, and dentin thickness parameters were calculated. The Shapiro-Wilk test and Student t-test were used for comparison of the data between the two groups at a significance level of 5%. Results: Significant differences were found in volume (127.60% vs. 69.22%) and reduction in dentin thickness on the distal surface of the root canal, with higher values for PTG compared to RM, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in surface area (34.79% vs. 26.93%), SMI, and the percentage of unprepared areas (9.43% vs. 12.22%). Conclusion: Although GTP resulted in a greater reduction in dentin thickness on the distal surface and volume, there was no difference in the percentage of contact surface and unprepared areas between the two systems, confirming that neither technique was able to completely prepare the long-oval canals of the lower incisors. Clinical Relevance: Despite the technological advances in instruments launched on the market, exhibiting greater flexibility due to their metallurgical properties and short sequences, there is little scientific evidence regarding the new RM instrument, manufactured by FKG Dentaire, and its root canal modeling capacity.

Background: Patient safety (PS) is a worldwide concern affecting countries at all health system stages. Three million people die each year worldwide due to medical errors and unsafe care. Medical malpractice cases have increased in the Sultanate of Oman, although the reasons for this increase are poorly understood, and there are not many studies on PS. Aim: This study is aimed at assessing PS culture among healthcare professionals in Oman's healthcare facilities. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a national PS culture database maintained by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Health. The data was collected using a validated hospital survey on PS culture tool with Cronbach's alpha of 0.87 in the English version which was distributed online to 1599 full-time healthcare professionals in Oman; the response rate was 99%. A stratified random sampling technique was used. The study examined the relationship between items using t-tests, chi-squared tests, regression, and odds ratio. Results: Out of the 1599 healthcare professionals who participated in the study, 16 were excluded and only 1583 healthcare professionals were included; the majority 842 (53.2%) were working in nonprimary healthcare (non-PHC). The global average proportion of reported adverse events' positive response rates (PRRs) was significantly higher in the PHC group compared to the non-PHC group (50.0% vs. 47.6%) (p < 0.04). Staffing (OR 1.55; 95% CI [1.24-1.93]), teamwork across units (OR 1.37; 95% CI [1.07-1.75]), and organizational learning (OR 1.26; 95% CI [1.02-1.57]) were significantly higher than other domains. The female group showed significantly higher PRR in "staffing" (OR 1.27; 95% CI [1.00-1.62]) (p < 0.05). Similarly, older age demonstrated higher PRR in "nonpunitive response to errors" (OR 1.28; 95% CI [1.05-1.57]) (p < 0.02), the nursing profession exhibited higher PRR in "communication openness" (OR 1.57; 95% CI [1.24-1.98]) (p < 0.001), and advanced work experience was significantly higher in "management support" (OR 1.30; 95% CI [1.07-1.60]) (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The study reports that primary healthcare professionals in Omani healthcare institutions have higher PRRs in critical PSC domains like teamwork, supervisor expectations, organizational learning, and staffing compared to non-PHC professionals. They also scored highest in communication openness and management support. The study suggests interventions focusing on staffing adequacy, teamwork, and communication strategies can enhance PS culture among healthcare professionals.

Genetic engineering has revolutionized the field of agriculture, providing innovative solutions to enhance crop productivity and resilience against diseases. Among the various crops, cereals hold a pivotal position in global food security, feeding a significant portion of the world population. Genetic engineering, in cereal crop breeding, has opened new avenues for yield improvement and the development of disease-resistant varieties. Growing population and climate change, traditional breeding methods alone are insufficient to meet the increasing demand for food while ensuring sustainability. Genetic engineering offers a precise and efficient approach to introduce desirable traits into cereal crops, thereby improving yield and reducing the impact of diseases. One of the primary objectives of genetic engineering in cereal crops is to enhance yield potential. This can be achieved by modifying genes associated with key traits such as photosynthetic efficiency, stress tolerance, and nutrient use efficiency. For instance, genetic engineering can be used to increase the efficiency of light capture and conversion into biomass, thereby boosting yield. Disease resistance is another critical area where genetic engineering can make a significant impact. Pathogens and pests pose a constant threat to cereal crops, leading to significant yield losses. Genetic engineering techniques allow the introduction of genes encoding resistance to diseases, such as those from wild relatives or from other organisms. Here, evidence shows that the incorporation of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes into maize has effectively controlled corn borer infestations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This not only reduces yield losses but also minimizes the development of pathogen resistance to single-gene interventions.

Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) is a significant complication for diabetic patients, often linked to poor glycemic control and elevated levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). High serum levels of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, and an increase in T-lymphocytes are crucial factors in developing neuropathic complications. Research suggests that substances like opiates and methadone can provide pain relief for these patients. This literature review is aimed at exploring the advantages and disadvantages of prescribing methadone to individuals with diabetes. We conducted a search of several databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. We used keywords such as "diabetes," "neuropathic pain," "methadone," "opioids," "inflammation," and "neuroimmunomodulation." Ultimately, we identified 19 articles suitable for a more detailed examination. Studies have revealed that the visual analog scale (VAS) index and serum glucose levels decreased in patients who had taken low-dose methadone. Additionally, the production of N-chlorotaurine, a crucial component for innate immunity, was increased in these individuals. Methadone, in a dose-dependent manner, is accountable for increasing serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) and a high number of monocyte CD14⁺. In conclusion, there were several advantages to taking methadone in a dose-dependent manner, compared to opioids.

Chronic wounds have a significant impact on patients' quality of life, necessitating the management of pain, infection, bleeding, and emotional challenges. Debridement, which involves the removal of nonviable tissue, is crucial for promoting wound healing. In addition to surgical methods, cost-effective alternatives such as local solutions and ointments with biological properties have been explored. The use of natural compounds with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and collagen-synthesizing abilities holds promise for wound healing. This in vitro and in vivo preclinical study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of a wound healing ointment containing bioactive ingredients derived from medicinal plants (extracts, essential oils, and vegetable oils). The chemical composition of the ointment was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to gain insights into its synergistic action. Preclinical tests were conducted following standardized protocols. FTIR analysis revealed similarities between the product's spectrum and that of bioactive compounds. The in vitro tests demonstrated that all formulations of the ointment induced no cell death, DNA damage, or acute toxicity in cell cultures (p < 0.05). No lethal dose was observed, indicating the safety of the ointment at all concentrations. The ointment also stimulated a notably more organized, significantly higher collagen production compared to control groups (p < 0.05). In vivo preclinical analyses also demonstrated no adverse responses being effective in the healing process compared to the control group (silver sulfadiazine) in terms of wound contraction and ulcer re-epithelization (p < 0.05). Significantly higher means of wound contraction were observed in the groups treated with the bioactive-containing ointment when compared to both the positive control group (sulfadiazine) and the control untreated groups (p < 0.05). The regenerative ointment exhibited excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity in in vitro and in vivo studies, contributing to the development of innovative and sustainable wound management therapies.

The rise in urban temperature has several impacts on the urban population. It manifests in water consumption, quality, and availability; energy consumption; greenhouse gas emissions; ecological disturbances; and human health. Studies have been conducted on the severity of the impact of surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) on these variables at different scales in different parts of the world. The majority of the studies in Ethiopia considered the effect of per capita income on per capita water and energy consumption, disregarding the effect of temperature. However, this study tried to investigate the impact of SUHII on these utilities. It tested to see future trends in consumption in line with future SUHII patterns from 2024 to 2040. The present impacts were investigated using the path model and the future trends in consumption with autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA). The models' efficiency was checked using the sum of square error (SSE), mean square error (MSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), root mean square error (RMSE), and archaic information criterion corrected (AICC), respectively. The best ARIMA models for SUHII, water, and electricity consumption were (3, 1, 1), (2, 1, 2), and (1, 1, 2) with AICC values of 13.72, -5.44, and 17.67, respectively. The result of the path model analysis buttressed that SUHII has a more significant impact on water (2.378 m³/1°C/annum) than electricity (1.616 kW/1°C/annum). The ARIMA model confirmed an increase in future water and electricity consumption. These results suggest that urban planners should consider the effects of SUHII on water and energy demand when they evaluate growth strategies and use incentives to encourage efficiency and sustainability.

Quarry waste is a fine rock aggregate produced as a by-product of the rock-crushing process in quarries which is environmentally hazardous when poorly disposed. This paper presents the results of a study carried out to explore the feasibility of recycling basaltic quarry waste (BQW) with waste high-density polyethylene (HDPE) into sustainable construction materials. Recycled HDPE/BQW formulations were melt-mixed in a single-screw extruder and then transfer-moulded into experimental samples. No significant chemical transformations were detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analyses showed an improvement in the thermal stability of HDPE with the addition of BQW. Scanning electron microscopy imaging revealed generally poor adhesion between the two phases. Both tensile and impact strength initially increased but decreased at higher filler loading. However, stiffness, compressive strength, compressive modulus, density, and hardness improved with filler content for all particle sizes. The increase in water absorption with increasing filler content was not significant. This study demonstrates that BQW is a suitable filler for HDPE and the resulting material may be used to make roofing tiles and paving blocks.

Background: The relationship between smoking and human health is a well-researched and continuously evolving field. The impact of smoking on semen quality, and consequently on male fertility, has also been explored, though most studies have primarily focused on cigarette smoking rather than hookah smoking. Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate and compare the effects of hookah and cigarette smoking on semen parameters in a sample of Jordanian males. Methods: A total of 558 participants were prospectively recruited, including 300 cigarette smokers, 95 hookah smokers, and 163 nonsmokers (control). Semen analysis was performed approximately 1 h after ejaculation following the World Health Organization guidelines (2021). Results: Interestingly, semen volume was significantly decreased in hookah smokers (p = 0.0097) but not in cigarette smokers when compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed in semen volume, progressive sperm motility, total motility, sperm count, sperm morphology (p = 0.2714, p = 0.8752, p = 0.6671, p = 8614, and p = 0.9261, respectively), and sperm vitality between hookah and cigarette smokers. Furthermore, except for semen volume, these semen parameters were not statistically different in both tested groups when compared to the control group. Conclusions: Hookah smokers demonstrated lower semen volume compared to the control group. Additionally, no significant differences were found in sperm count, percentage of sperm motility, normal forms of sperm, and sperm vitality between hookah and cigarette smokers or between these groups and the control group.

Sandalwood is one of the exotic species of Nepal. Among all, Sandalwood (Santalum album) is found cultivated in a private land by local farmers. Sandalwood oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and pharmaceuticals. The research was carried out to assess the growth performance of Sandalwood in particular soil condition in the Pyuthan district of Nepal. Four villages of Swargadwari municipality, Ward No. 3 of the Pyuthan district where large numbers of Sandalwood plants have been planted by local households on their private land, were selected. The objective of the study was to document the growth performance of sandalwood in terms of mean annual volume increment. Data collection was carried out through primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected through the diameter and height measurement of the Sandalwood tree by using a diameter tape, Abney's level, and a linear tape. As supportive data source, secondary data were collected from different journal articles, yearly publications of the Division Forest Office, Pyuthan, Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, and Ministry of Forest and Environment. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results were presented in the form of a map, table, and bar graph. The highest mean annual height increment was 0.51 m/year at the age of 10 years; similarly, the lowest mean annual height increment was 0.44 m/year at the age of 16 years. The highest mean annual diameter increment was 1.009 at the age of 15 years; similarly, the lowest mean annual diameter increment was 0.97 m/year at the age of years. The highest mean annual volume increment was 0.004 m³/year at the age of 15 years, and the lowest mean annual volume increment was 0.001 m³/year at the age of 9 years. The result shows a gradual increase in the mean annual volume increment with age from the age of 9-15 years, and it shows a slight reduction at the age of 16 years as compared to that of 15 years.