Content analysis of crisis communicative strategies: Tunisian protest vs. anti-Mubarak protest

The paper explores the crisis communicative strategies (CCs) that the former Tunisian president, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and the former Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, used in response to the protests, which are considered as one of the most critical crises in their reigns. A content analysis was conducted to examine the three speeches each president delivered during the crisis event in order not only to protect their image but also to restore peace and order. The study aimed to address the following questions: What are the crisis response strategies they used to restore their (distorted) image? did these strategies change over the demonstration period? and are they appropriate to the crises? In so doing, the analysis probes the length as well as the number of words and sentences; the framing patterns that have been applied (logical vs. emotional), and the crisis communicative strategies applying Coombs’ (1999) communicative strategies model.

Synthesis and characterization of sodium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol/zinc oxide/iron oxide nanocomposites for electrochemical applications

Polymer nanocomposites films, based on sodium alginate (NaAlg) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) complexed with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and iron oxide nanorods (Fe3O4 NRs) as nanofiller, were prepared by solution casting technique. Different techniques were used to describe the prepared films. XRD and FTIR were used to pinpoint the complexation of the nanofiller with the polymer mixture. The XRD investigation verified the existence of the crystalline peaks of ZnO/Fe3O4 NPs in the polymeric matrices. The average particle size of nanocomposite was 23 nm. TEM image of the ZnO nanopowder confirming the spherical form of nanoparticles with average size 30 nm. The TEM image of Fe3O4 NRs reveals the free nanorods are around 9–23 nm in diameter and 130–350 nm in length. Peak positions and intensity variations in the FTIR absorption spectra are observed when the concentration increases from 2 to 8 wt% of ZnO NPs/Fe3O4 NRs. AC conductivity showed that the NaAlg/PVA-(8 wt%) ZnO/Fe3O4 NPs nanocomposites have higher electrical conductivity than NaAlg/PVA blend. For samples of 8% ZnO/Fe3O4, the (Formula presented.) of nanocomposites reached 3.66 × 10−8 S cm−1. ZnO/Fe3O4 nanoparticles considerably improved the nanocomposites' ability to conduct electricity. For the development of functional composite materials for the manufacture of electrical devices, sensors, and high-energy storage capacitors, the enhanced characteristics of synthesized NaAlg/PVA-ZnO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites can be helpful

Liposomal Curcumin Attenuates the Incidence of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and DNA Damage Induced by Copper Sulfate in Rat Liver

Background: Copper is an essential element that is used widely in agriculture as fungicides and insecticides; for example, it is used to control schistosomiasis and as an antiseptic and germicide. Copper sulfate (CuSO 4 ) induces multiorgan dysfunction through the stimulation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Despite the numerous pharmacological effects of curcumin (CUR), its pharmacokinetic properties are less promising. Hence, there is an urgent need for novel, effective strategies to attenuate heavy metal toxicity and consequently improve the treatment efficiency. Liposomal curcumin (L-CUR) improves the dissolution, stability, and bioavailability of treatment agents. This study compared the efficacy of CUR and L-CUR with that of desferrioxamine (DES), which is a heavy metal chelator against CuSO 4 hepatotoxicity. Methods: All treatments with the aforementioned antioxidants were administered for 7 days along with CuSO 4 . Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and C-reactive protein, hepatic nitric oxide (NO), and lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde) were measured; protein expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and DNA fragmentation were evaluated. Histopathological examinations were also conducted. Results: A toxic dose of CuSO 4 induced elevations in the previously measured parameters; these increases were reduced by the tested antioxidants , whereas glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were decreased. Treatment with the antioxidants in question modulated these levels. Liposomal CUR has more hepatoprotective efficiency than CUR, and its efficacy was similar to that of DES. The histopathological examinations confirmed these results. Conclusions: Liposomal CUR may be useful for the prevention of CuSO 4 -induced liver injury. Cyclooxygenase 2 protein expression and DNA fragmentation were involved in CuSO 4 toxicity and treatment

Liposomal Curcumin Attenuates the Incidence of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and DNA Damage Induced by Copper Sulfate in Rat Liver

Background: Copper is an essential element that is used widely in agriculture as fungicides and insecticides; for example, it is used to control schistosomiasis and as an antiseptic and germicide. Copper sulfate (CuSO 4 ) induces multiorgan dysfunction through the stimulation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Despite the numerous pharmacological effects of curcumin (CUR), its pharmacokinetic properties are less promising. Hence, there is an urgent need for novel, effective strategies to attenuate heavy metal toxicity and consequently improve the treatment efficiency. Liposomal curcumin (L-CUR) improves the dissolution, stability, and bioavailability of treatment agents. This study compared the efficacy of CUR and L-CUR with that of desferrioxamine (DES), which is a heavy metal chelator against CuSO 4 hepatotoxicity. Methods: All treatments with the aforementioned antioxidants were administered for 7 days along with CuSO 4 . Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and C-reactive protein, hepatic nitric oxide (NO), and lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde) were measured; protein expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and DNA fragmentation were evaluated. Histopathological examinations were also conducted. Results: A toxic dose of CuSO 4 induced elevations in the previously measured parameters; these increases were reduced by the tested antioxidants , whereas glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were decreased. Treatment with the antioxidants in question modulated these levels. Liposomal CUR has more hepatoprotective efficiency than CUR, and its efficacy was similar to that of DES. The histopathological examinations confirmed these results. Conclusions: Liposomal CUR may be useful for the prevention of CuSO 4 -induced liver injury. Cyclooxygenase 2 protein expression and DNA fragmentation were involved in CuSO 4 toxicity and treatment

Cross-Regulation between Autophagy and Apoptosis Induced by Vitamin E and Lactobacillus Plantarum through Beclin-1 Network

Autophagy and apoptosis are two important regulatory mechanisms for how the body can respond to diseases. This study was designed to investigate the protective actions of vitamin E (Vit-E) and lactobacillus plantarum (Lac-B) against mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced kidney injury. Thirty albino rats were divided into five groups: group 1 served as the normal group; rats in group 2 received high doses of HgCl2; rats in groups 3, 4 and 5 were given Vit-E, Lac-B and the combination of Vit-E and Lac-B, respectively along with HgCl2 for two weeks. HgCl2 provoked renal injury, manifested by elevation in serum urea, urea nitrogen and creatinine. Kidney levels of oxidative stress and inflammation were markedly increased post HgCl2 administration. Moreover, HgCl2 significantly elevated the gene expression levels of VCAM-1 and cystatin C, while podocin was downregulated. Additionally, it markedly decreased the protein expression of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2. Histopathological examination revealed massive degeneration with congested blood vessels following HgCl2 administration. Treatment with Vit-E or/and Lac-B restored the normal levels of the previously mentioned parameters, as well as improved the morphology of kidney tissues. Both Vit-E and Lac-B provided a protective effect against HgCl2-induced kidney damage by regulating autophagy and apoptosis