Designing high-performance solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) remains a key challenge, primarily due to their inherently low ionic conductivity, which hampers the advancement of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLiBs). In this work, we address this limitation by developing a green, crosslinked polymer blend comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) - extracted and functionalized from palm frond fibers - and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Citric acid (CA) was utilized as a crosslinking agent, while lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) was incorporated as a dopant to enhance ionic conductivity. The SPE membranes were fabricated via solution casting, with the optimized formulation - designated CP-15X-Li25 - containing 15 wt.-% CA and 25 wt.-% LiClO

Background: University students in Iraq face rising obesity risk linked to physical inactivity, prolonged sedentary behavior, insufficient sleep, and academic stress. Longitudinal evidence examining the combined influence of these behaviors on weight status in Iraqi universities remains limited. Objective: This study examined six-month longitudinal associations of physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and perceived stress with body mass index and percentage body fat among Iraqi university students. Methods: A prospective multi-behavioral study was conducted at six public universities in Iraq. Six hundred undergraduate students aged 18–25 years were followed monthly during one academic semester. Validated questionn

A series of novel hybrid molecules containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole moieties bearing an ibuprofen moiety were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A carboxylic acid compound with a 1,3,4-thiadiazole unit was synthesized via the coupling reaction of 5-(1-(4-isobutylphenyl) ethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine with benzoic acid. This compound was then used as the starting material to make several new 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives through ring closure reactions, after first converting it to its ester (methyl 4-(5-(1-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) benzoate) and then to the acid hydrazide (4-(5-(1-(4-isobutylphenyl) eth

Characterizing dementia is a global challenge in supporting personalized health care. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a promising tool to support the diagnosis and evaluation of abnormalities in the human brain. The EEG sensors record the brain activity directly with excellent time resolution. In this study, EEG sensor with 19 electrodes were used to test the background activities of the brains of five vascular dementia (VaD), 15 stroke-related patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 15 healthy subjects during a working memory (WM) task. The objective of this study is twofold. First, it aims to enhance the recorded EEG signals using a novel technique that combines automatic independent component analysis (AICA) and wave

Soft robotics offers a flexible alternative to rigid systems, enabling safe and adaptive interaction in biomedical, wearable, and unstructured environments. Among available actuation methods, soft electromagnetic actuators are notable for their fast response, low operating voltage, and ease of integration. However, some designs require pre-stretching mechanism, which produces an external force to maintain the separation between the coil and permanent magnets. Additionally, there is a mechanical complexity and difficulty in calibrating the spring parameters precisely. Furthermore, the pre-stretching mechanism increases the electromagnetic force required to counteract the opposing spring force, leading to a significant increase in power consu

Orthodontic education, besides some other factors, influences the confidence level of recently graduated dentists to diagnose subjects seeking orthodontic treatment and provide treatment plans. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the confidence level of undergraduate dental students to diagnose subjects seeking orthodontic treatment and provide treatment plans after graduation.

Environmental pollution is experiencing an alarming surge within the global ecosystem, warranting urgent attention. Among the significant challenges that demand immediate resolution, effective treatment of industrial pollutants stands out prominently, which for decades has been the focus of most researchers for sustainable industrial development aiming to remove those pollutants and recover some of them. The liquid membrane (LM) method, specifically electromembrane extraction (EME), offers promise. EME deploys an electric field, reducing extraction time and energy use while staying eco-friendly. However, there's a crucial knowledge gap. Despite strides in understanding and applying EME, optimizing it for diverse industrial pollutant