Optical, structural and thermal properties of hybrid PVA/CaAl2ZrO6 nanocomposite films

This report focuses on fabrication, characterization, and fundamental optical, structural and thermal properties of PVA/calcium aluminum doped zirconate (CaAl2ZrO6) nanocomposites (NCs) films. The PVA-NCs with different amounts viz., 2, 4, 6 and 8 wt% of calcium aluminum zirconate (CaAl2ZrO6) have been fabricated using solvent casting technique. The NC films structural and morphology have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, FTIR and scanning electron microscopy. TEM result indicates that the size of nanoparticles (NPs) lies in the range 10-23nm.. Thermal studies have been evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The optical properties of NCs has been investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy, where the optical study reveals an increased refractive index from 1.22 to 2.23 at a wave length of 300 nm, where as the band gap energy (E-g) is reduced from 5.01 to 3.32 eV for PVA to PVA/8wt% CaAl2ZrO6, respectively. The dielectric studies, optical conductivity measurements and Urbach energy analysis also supports the dopant dependent optical property, tuning of PVA/CaAl2ZrO6 NC films to enable effective material property engineering to suit specified application requirements

Poly (o-anisidine) Encapsulated K2ZrO3 Nano-core based Gelatin Nano Composites: Investigations of Optical, Thermal, Microcrystalline and Morphological Characteristics

A series of Gelatin/poly-o-anisidine coated K2ZrO3 polymer nanocomposite were fabricated by varying the poly-o-anisidine (POA) coated K2ZrO3 viz 0, 1, 2, and 4 wt% using the solvent casting method. From High-resolution transition electron microscopy (HRTEM) results it is cleared that the average size of the prepared nanoparticles and polymer coated nanoparticles are around 18-20 and 95-100 nm respectively, and the polymer coated nanoparticles are spherical in shape, and form a core shell. The phase purity and microcrystalline behavior of the prepared nano particles, POA coated nanoparticles and gelatin nanocomposites were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscope SEM] and energy dispersive spectroscopy EDX] were employed for the analysis of the surface morphology and the elemental composition of the prepared nanoparticles and nanocomposites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to assess the physical interactions between the components in nanocomposites. The thermal stability and effect of polymer coated nanoparticles on glass transitions temperatures were studied by using Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) respectively. From UV-Visible spectroscopy studies it is clear that, with increase in POA coated K 2ZrO (3) nanoparticles concentration from 0 to 4 wt % in a gelatin matrix, the band gap energy (E-g) value drops from 4.13 to 2.16 eV, and the refractive index rises from 1.529 to 3.25

National mapping of schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and anaemia in Yemen: Towards better national control and elimination

Background Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are known to be endemic in Yemen. However, the distribution of both diseases had not previously been assessed by a well-structured national mapping study covering all governorates. The main aim of this study was, therefore, to map the prevalence of SCH and STH in Yemen in order to better inform implementation of effective national control and elimination interventions. The assessment of the distribution of anaemia was also included as a well-known consequence of infection with both SCH and STH. Secondarily, the study aimed to provide a broad indication of the impact of large-scale treatment on the distribution of infection. Methodology and principal findings To achive these aims, 80,432 children (10–14 years old) from 2,664 schools in 332 of Yemen’s 333 districts were included, in 2014, into this national cross-sectional survey. Countrywide, 63.3% (210/332) and 75.6% (251/332) of districts were found to be endemic for SCH and STH respectively. More districts were affected by intestinal than urogenital SCH (54.2% and 31.6% respectively). SCH infection was mostly mild and moderate, with no districts reporting high infection. One quarter (24.4%) of Yemeni districts had high or moderate levels of Ascaris lumbricoides infection. Infection with Trichuris trichiura was the second most common STH (44.9% of districts infected) after A. lumbricoides (68.1%). Hookworm was the least prevalent STH (9.0%). Anaemia was prevalent in 96.4% of districts; it represented a severe public health problem (prevalence ≥ 40%) in 26.5% of districts, and a mild to moderate problem in two thirds of the districts (33.7% and 36.1% respectively). Conclusion This study provided the first comprehensive mapping of SCH, STH, and anaemia across the country. This formed the basis for evaluating and continuing the national control and elimination programme for these neglected tropical diseases in Yemen

Consanguinity and reproductive health among Arabs

Consanguineous marriages have been practiced since the early existence of modern humans. Until now consanguinity is widely practiced in several global communities with variable rates depending on religion, culture, and geography. Arab populations have a long tradition of consanguinity due to socio-cultural factors. Many Arab countries display some of the highest rates of consanguineous marriages in the world, and specifically first cousin marriages which may reach 25-30% of all marriages. In some countries like Qatar, Yemen, and UAE, consanguinity rates are increasing in the current generation. Research among Arabs and worldwide has indicated that consanguinity could have an effect on some reproductive health parameters such as postnatal mortality and rates of congenital malformations. The association of consanguinity with other reproductive health parameters, such as fertility and fetal wastage, is controversial. The main impact of consanguinity, however, is an increase in the rate of homozygotes for autosomal recessive genetic disorders. Worldwide, known dominant disorders are more numerous than known recessive disorders. However, data on genetic disorders in Arab populations as extracted from the Catalogue of Transmission Genetics in Arabs (CTGA) database indicate a relative abundance of recessive disorders in the region that is clearly associated with the practice of consanguinity

The role of public health networks in strengthening public health systems: the case of EMPHNET in the Eastern Mediterranean region

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces a range of complex public health challenges, including endemic diseases, recurrent outbreaks, and weak health systems exacerbated by political instability and humanitarian crises. Public health networks play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration, enhancing workforce capacity, and strengthening disease prevention and response systems. This manuscript examines the contributions of the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) as a model for leveraging public health networks to improve health systems and outcomes in the EMR. EMPHNET operates across multiple public health domains, including disease surveillance, routine immunization, polio eradication, emergency management, non-communicable diseases, neglected tropical disease (NTDs), and One Health initiatives. Through its strategic partnerships with ministries of health, international organizations, and academic institutions, EMPHNET has strengthened epidemiological capacity, supported mass vaccination campaigns, and advanced research and policy development. Notable initiatives include enhancing syndromic surveillance and implementing laboratory-based brucellosis surveillance. In addition to infectious disease control, EMPHNET has made significant strides in maternal and child health, workforce development, and digital health innovations. It has supported national immunization strategies, developed digital health tools for real-time surveillance, and provided capacity-building programs for frontline healthcare workers. Furthermore, EMPHNET's contributions to biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance, and NTDs underscore its commitment to addressing both regional and global health threats. In conclusion, EMPHNET has emerged as a leading organization in strengthening public health systems in the EMR. Its work highlights the critical role of public health networks in building resilience, enhancing emergency preparedness, and improving population health outcomes

Prevalence of known diabetes and hypertension in the Republic of Yemen

The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of known cases of diabetes and hypertension among adults in Sana’a city. Thus 1080 persons aged 20-85 years were selected for interview using a multistage random sampling technique. The crude prevalence of known diabetes was 6.57% [95% CI: 5.2-8.2] and of known hypertension 13.5% [95% CI: 11.5-15.6]. The age-standardized prevalence for the age range 30-64 years was 9.75% [95% CI: 7.55-11.95] for diabetes and 17.1% [95% CI: 15.0-19.2] for hypertension. These results provide an estimate of the prevalence of known diabetes, hypertension and related vascular events in a well-defined urban community.</jats:p

Effect of Habitual Khat Chewing on Glycemic Control, Body Mass Index, and Age at Diagnosis of Diabetes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Yemen

Khat chewing is common in Yemen. We conducted this study to see if it affected diabetes control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We studied 1540 patients with type 2 DM attending an endocrinology clinic in Sana'a, Yemen, of which 997 were khat chewers (KC) and 543 were non-khat chewers (NKC). The patients answered a questionnaire regarding khat chewing. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and body mass index (BMI) were measured. KC had a higher mean HbA1c of 9.8 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 9.6–10) than the NKC, with a mean of 9.1 (95% CI 8.9–9.4) (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 1.74, P < 0.001) after multivariate regression analysis. KC also had a lower mean BMI, 26.9 (95% CI 26.6–27.2), than the NKC, mean BMI 27.6 (95% CI 27.1–28) ( P < 0.01). The mean age at diagnosis of DM among the KC group was 43.3 (10.1) and among the NKC group was 45.9 (11.8) (AOR 1.4 P < 0.008) after multivariate regression analysis. KC patients had a higher mean HbA1c, a lower BMI, and a younger age at diagnosis of type 2 DM when compared with NKC