Synthesis And Characterization Of Hydroxyapatite (Ha) And Silicon Substituted Hydroxyapatite (Si-Ha) Produced By A Precipitation Method [Tn1997]

Pemendakan adalah suatu kaedah yang berjaya untuk menghasilkan hidroksiapatit (HA) dan hidroksiapatit ditukarganti silikon (Si-HA) berketulenan tinggi pada suhu rendah. The precipitation method is a successful route to synthesize high purity hydroxyapatite (HA) and silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) at low temperatures. In this research, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) were chosen as starting materials to synthesize HA

STUDY ON THE CLARIFYING ADDITIVES FOR HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE

Bis-3,4- dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol (DMDBS); bis-p-methylbenzylidene sorbitol (MDBS) and the mixture of DMDBS/MDBS (50/50) were studied through optical, thermal, mechanical properties and surface morphology. With the same amount of additive (DMDBS/MDBS mixture and DMDBS) in the material, the results are similar. On the other hand, using an additive mix reduces the cost of production due to MDBS. Furthermore, the additive mixture is used without producing odours. Therefore, the mixture of DMDBS/MDBS (50/50) is chosen

Green Banking Development: A Case Study of Vietnam

Purpose: The objectives determine factors affecting green banking development in Vietnam. The authors proposed policy implications that contributed to the green banking development in Vietnam.   Theoretical framework: For long-term sustainable economic development, many countries worldwide have chosen to develop a green economy, including the theory of green banking.   Design/methodology/approach:  The research method of the paper is a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative research was conducted with a group discussion technique, checked the scales used, and consulted with banking managers on the research issue, thereby building the scales included in the research model and setting up and completing the questionnaire. Quantitative research was carried out from January to February 2023. Processing data by statistical methods, analyzing EFA and CFA, using linear structural model analysis (SEM) to test the fit of models and hypotheses with SPSS 20.0 software and Amos.   Findings: The article showed that banking technology substantially impacts green banking development among eight factors.   Research, Practical & Social implications: The study has inherited and supplemented the scale in the model and a new set of scales used to evaluate the development of green banks, systematized, increased, and developed more basic theoretical issues about banking green.   Originality/value: The paper's originality and value help researchers, managers, and policymakers for Vietnamese commercial banks, in particular, and the banking industry, in general, to apply to contribute to the development of green banking and the green economy in the future

Policy Implications for Green Banking Development in Vietnam

Purpose:  The article studies the factors affecting the development of green banking in Vietnam. Based on the research results, the authors proposed policy implications that contribute to the development of green banking in Vietnam.   Theoretical framework: The article studies the factors affecting the development of green banking in Vietnam. Based on the research results, the authors proposed policy implications that contribute to the development of green banking in Vietnam.   Design/methodology/approach: To survey the level of understanding of bank managers on issues related to green banking, green banking development, and the level of knowledge of officers and employees about green banking development areas, The authors used qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative research was carried out from January to February 2023. The authors used structural equation model analysis to test the fit of models with SPSS 20.0 and Amos.   Findings: Quantitative and qualitative indicators have been introduced to measure the development of green banking and the economy. The factor of banking technology has the most substantial impact on the development of green banking and the economy. This is a new research paper finding in the context of the banking industry's digital transformation.   Research, Practical & Social implications: The study also shows that green banking development depends on financial capacity, supporting policies, legal framework, and state regulations. In addition, the study has included the factors of green banking development affecting the green economy from different approaches and analytical methods to evaluate.   Originality/value: Developing green banks not only brings profits but also helps banks increase their prestige, reputation, and value. In addition, the development of green banking associated with the green economy is not only a form but will become the core value of the bank, recognized and appreciated in the trend of integration and sustainable development

STUDY OF NEGATIVE REFRACTIVE INDEX IN Rb FOUR-LEVEL N-TYPE ATOMIC GAS MEDIUM

In this work, we study the generation of a negative refractive index based on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a Rb four-level N-type atomic gas medium. We derive analytic expressions for the relative permittivity and relative permeability of the medium according to the parameters of the probe, pump, and signal laser fields. We then investigate the variation of the real parts of the relative permittivity and relative permeability with respect to the intensity and frequency of the pump and signal laser fields. In the presence of the pump laser beam, the medium becomes transparent to the probe laser beam even in the resonant region. At the same time, the real parts of the relative permittivity and relative permeability are simultaneously negative (i.e., the medium exhibits a negative refractive index) in the EIT spectral domain. In the presence of the signal laser beam, the EIT effect occurs over two different frequency domains of the probe beam, so a negative refractive index is also generated in these two frequency domains. The investigation of the real parts of the relative permittivity and relative permeability with intensity and frequency of the pump and signal laser fields allowed us to find the laser parameters for the appearance of the negative refractive index, which can be useful for experimental observations

OPTICAL BISTABILITY IN A DEGENERATE TWO-LEVEL EIT MEDIUM UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AN EXTERNAL MAGNETIC FIELD: AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH

We investigate the behavior of optical bistability in a degenerate two-level atomic medium using an external magnetic field to separate the lower level into two distinct levels that both connect to an upper level by the probe and coupling laser fields. Based on analytical solutions, the absorption spectrum and behavior of optical bistability in an electromagnetically induced transparency regime under an external magnetic field are investigated. By controlling the external magnetic field, we find that the appearance and disappearance of the optical bistability can be easily controlled according to the strength of the magnetic field in the transparent window domain. Furthermore, the effects of the intensity of the coupling laser field and the parameters of the system on the behavior of optical bistability are also considered. The proposed model is useful for applications in all-optical switches and magneto-optic storage devices.We investigate the behavior of optical bistability in a degenerate two-level atomic medium using an external magnetic field to separate the lower level into two distinct levels that both connect to an upper level by the probe and coupling laser fields. Based on analytical solutions, the absorption spectrum and behavior of optical bistability in an electromagnetically induced transparency regime under an external magnetic field are investigated. By controlling the external magnetic field, we find that the appearance and disappearance of the optical bistability can be easily controlled according to the strength of the magnetic field in the transparent window domain. Furthermore, the effects of the intensity of the coupling laser field and the parameters of the system on the behavior of optical bistability are also considered. The proposed model is useful for applications in all-optical switches and magneto-optic storage devices

Characterization of arsenic-resistant endophytic Priestia megaterium R2.5.2 isolated from ferns in an arsenic-contaminated multi-metal mine in Vietnam

Bioremediation is a biological process to remove or neutralize environmental pollutants. This study was carried out to investing at the efficacy of arsenic resistant endophytic bacteria isolated from Pteris vittata, Pityrogramma calomelanos, Blenchum orientale, and Nephrolepis exaltata, which grow in a highly arsenic (As) contamination mining site in Vietnam. Their segmented roots, stems, and leaves were homogenized separately and inoculated on LB agar plates containing 5mM As(III) and As(V). A total of 31 arsenic resistant endophytic strains were selected, in which strain R2.5.2 isolated from the root of P. calomelanos had the highest arsenic resistant capability. Strain R2.5.2 tolerated up to 320 mM and 160 mM of arsenate and arsenite, respectively. The strain developed well on a media of 0.1 5% NaCl, at 20-40ºC and pH 5 9, and actively utilized most of the sugar sources. It had a high IAA biosynthesis capacity with an average concentration of 19.14 mg/L, tolerated to 0.5-16 mM concentration of Ag+, Hg2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cr4+, and reduced As(V). Based on 16s rDNA, R2.5.2 was identified as Priestia megaterium. The ars C gene coding for arsenate reductase catalyzing reduction of As(V) was successfully amplified in P. megaterium R2.5.2.  The selected strain may have potential use for bioremediation practice

Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Drug-Resistant Tuberculous Meningitis Treated With an Intensified Antituberculosis Regimen.

Drug-resistant tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is difficult to diagnose and treat. Mortality is high and optimal treatment is unknown. We compared clinical outcomes of drug-resistant and -susceptible TBM treated with either standard or intensified antituberculosis treatment. We analyzed the influence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance on the outcomes of patients with TBM enrolled into a randomized controlled trial comparing a standard, 9-month antituberculosis regimen (containing rifampicin 10 mg/kg/day) with an intensified regimen with higher-dose rifampicin (15 mg/kg/day) and levofloxacin (20 mg/kg/day) for the first 8 weeks. The primary endpoint of the trial was 9-month survival. In this subgroup analysis, resistance categories were predefined as multidrug resistant (MDR), isoniazid resistant, rifampicin susceptible (INH-R), and susceptible to rifampicin and isoniazid (INH-S + RIF-S). Outcome by resistance categories and response to intensified treatment were compared and estimated by Cox regression. Of 817 randomized patients, 322 had a known drug resistance profile. INH-R was found in 86 (26.7%) patients, MDR in 15 (4.7%) patients, rifampicin monoresistance in 1 patient (0.3%), and INH-S + RIF-S in 220 (68.3%) patients. Multivariable regression showed that MDR (hazard ratio [HR], 5.91 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.00-11.6]), P < .001), was an independent predictor of death. INH-R had a significant association with the combined outcome of new neurological events or death (HR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.11-2.23]). Adjusted Cox regression, corrected for treatment adjustments, showed that intensified treatment was significantly associated with improved survival (HR, 0.34 [95% CI, .15-.76], P = .01) in INH-R TBM. Early intensified treatment improved survival in patients with INH-R TBM. Targeted regimens for drug-resistant TBM should be further explored

A Comparative Study of Optical Bistability in Three-Level EIT Configurations

We present a comparative study of optical bistability (OB) in three-level atomic configurations, including $\Lambda$-, cascade-, and V- types under the conditions of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). In the steady regime, the input-output intensity relations for the OB in each configuration have been derived in analytical form. The model allows one to construct a clear picture on how the threshold intensity, and other characteristics of the OB are continuously modified with respects to controllable parameters of the laser fields, cooperation parameter, and other physical parameters of atomic system. The results showed that the threshold intensity of OB in $\Lambda$-type system is much less than the other ones and the threshold intensity of OB in V-type system is the largest one. The analytical result is convenient to choose excitation configuration for experimental observations and related applications in photonic devices

Adjunctive dexamethasone for the treatment of HIV-uninfected adults with tuberculous meningitis stratified by Leukotriene A4 hydrolase genotype (LAST ACT): Study protocol for a randomised double blind placebo controlled non-inferiority trial [version 1; referees: 2 approved]

Background: Tuberculosis kills more people than any other bacterial infection worldwide. In tuberculous meningitis (TBM), a common functional promoter variant (C/T transition) in the gene encoding leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), predicts pre-treatment inflammatory phenotype and response to dexamethasone in HIV-uninfected individuals. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether LTA4H genotype determines benefit or harm from adjunctive dexamethasone in HIV-uninfected Vietnamese adults with TBM. The secondary aim is to investigate alternative management strategies in individuals who develop drug induced liver injury (DILI) that will enable the safe continuation of rifampicin and isoniazid therapy.  Methods: We will perform a parallel group, randomised (1:1), double blind, placebo-controlled,  multi-centre Phase III non-inferiority trial, comparing dexamethasone versus placebo for 6-8 weeks in addition to standard anti-tuberculosis treatment in HIV-uninfected patients with TBM stratified by LTA4H genotype. The primary endpoint will be death or new neurological event. The trial will enrol approximately 720 HIV-uninfected adults with a clinical diagnosis of TBM, from two hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 640 participants with CC or CT- LTA4H genotype will be randomised to either dexamethasone or placebo, and the remaining TT- genotype participants will be treated with standard-of-care dexamethasone. We will also perform a randomised comparison of three management strategies for anti-tuberculosis DILI. An identical ancillary study will also be perfomed in the linked randomised controlled trial of dexamethasone in HIV-infected adults with TBM (ACT HIV).  Discussion: Previous data have shown that LTA4H genotype may be a critical determinant of inflammation and consequently of adjunctive anti-inflammatory treatment response in TBM. We will stratify dexamethasone therapy according to LTA4H genotype in HIV-uninfected adults, which may indicate a role for targeted anti-inflammatory therapy according to variation in LTA4H C/T transition. A comparison of DILI management strategies may allow the safe continuation of rifampicin and isoniazid