Purpose: To synthesize and characterize novel Schiff base-chitosan composites and determine their antimicrobial activity. Methods: Novel Schiff-base chitosan composites were synthesized by grafting polyvinylpyrrolidone and then replacing it with different aldehydes. The resulting composites were characterized using advanced analytical techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Results: The FT-IR results revealed that the Schiff-base chitosan was successfully produced during mixing and the crystallinity change of the samples was explained by the XRD patterns. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of compounds A1, A3 and A4 showed weight loss of the compounds with the most significant weight loss observed in the fourth and final steps of the reaction. Analysis of the surface morphology of compounds A3, A5, and A6 by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed multiple layers of sheets in the dark gray sections, as well as kinked and wrinkled portions. Compounds A2 – A6 exhibited biological activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungal species. Docking studies indicate that compound A6, with a binding affinity of -3.09, demonstrates antibacterial properties. Conversely, compound A2, with a binding affinity of -9.102, exhibited antifungal activity. Conclusion: The synthesized compounds possess higher antifungal potential due to the presence of benzene ring which enhances the binding affinity for antifungal activity while diminishing their antibacterial activity
A novel demountable shear connector for precast steel-concrete composite bridges is presented. The connector uses high-strength steel bolts, which are fastened to the top flange of the steel beam with the aid of a special locking nut configuration that prevents bolts from slipping within their holes. Moreover, the connector promotes accelerated construction and overcomes the typical construction tolerance issues of precast structures. Most importantly, the connector allows bridge disassembly. Therefore, it can address different bridge deterioration scenarios with minimum disturbance to traffic flow including the following: (1) precast deck panels can be rapidly uplifted and replaced; (2) connectors can be rapidly removed and replaced; and (
... Show MoreThe purpose of the research is to study the impact of knowledge management (personalization and coding strategy) in achieving strategic excellence in the environment of Iraqi private banks, and the descriptive and analytical research approach has been adopted, so the researcher adopted positive philosophy according to the deductive approach for the purpose of deriving the first research hypothesis from the theoretical side and the research reached a group of The most important results are that the personalization strategy has made great progress in its ability to influence strategic superiority as a responsive variable, as the civil bank departments were successful in employing the changes that occurred in the personalization str
... Show MoreRoller Compacted Concrete is a type of concrete that is environmentally friendly and more economical than traditional concrete. Roller Compacted Concrete is typically used for heavy-duty and specialist constructions, such as hydraulic structures and pavements, because of its coarse surface. The main difference between RCC and conventional concrete mixtures is that RCC has a more significant proportion of fine aggregates that allow compaction and tight packing. In recent years, it has been estimated that several million tons of waste demolished material (WDM) produced each year are directed to landfills worldwide without being recycled for disposal. This review aimed to study the literature about creating a Roller-Comp
... Show MoreA new Ni(II) nanostructured chelating system (DHN) was introduced for selective optical heavy-metal ion sensing in an aqueous medium. The cooperative chelating system comprising 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) and dimethylglyoxime (DMG) has been developed for the first time in association with fibre optic sensing for selective optical heavy-metal ion sensing in an aqueous medium. The Ni(II) nanocompound fluoresces upon 578 nm excitation, showing a highly sensitive optical response with a linear calibration curve in the range 0–100 ng/mL. The regression equation of the calibration curve is y = 0.0035x + 0.9990, which indicates very good linearity, implying R2 = 0.999 with high sensitivity (calibration slope of 0.0035) and low baseline noise (bla
... Show MoreCombining ultrasonic irradiation and the Fenton process as a sono-Fenton process, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) in refinery wastewater was successfully eliminated using response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD). The impact of two main influential operational parameters (iron dosage and reaction time) on the COD removal from wastewater generated by an Iraqi petroleum refinery facility was explored. Removal of 85.81% was attained under the optimal conditions of 21 minutes and 0.289 mM of concentration. Additionally, the results revealed that the concentration of has the highest effect on the COD elimination, followed by reaction time. The high R2 value (96.40%) validated the strong fit of the mo
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