Search Results (40)

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) biosynthesis using propolis extracts as capping and reducing agents presents multiple opportunities for solving many biological challenges. This study demonstrates a sustainable, low toxicity, and high production cost phytochemical synthesis of AgNPs using propolis extracts and microwaves. Biosynthesized with propolis, AgNPs are analyzed by various methods: phytochemical, physicochemical, and morphological, such as TEM. The determined antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of propolis extracts is compared with the activity of green synthesized AgNPs with propolis. The green synthesized AgNPs are spherically shaped with an average size ranging from 6 to 40 nm. The biosynthesized AgNPs demonstrate potential antibacterial activity on tested microorganism strains two folds higher than pure propolis extracts. Full article

The increasing demand for functional foods has spurred interest in bioactive compounds, particularly their role in health promotion and disease prevention. This review comprehensively explores the bioavailability, mechanisms of action, and potential applications of bioactive compounds derived from natural food sources. We have systematically compiled and synthesized data from the recent scientific literature, including peer-reviewed journal articles, clinical studies, and meta-analyses, to present an in-depth evaluation of these compounds’ physicochemical properties, stability, and interactions within food matrices. Furthermore, this review discusses advanced delivery systems, such as nanoencapsulation and emulsification, for enhancing bioavailability and targeted release. By addressing critical gaps in the understanding of the functional and technological aspects of bioactive compounds, this review underscores their relevance in formulating novel nutraceuticals and functional foods. The insights presented herein provide a foundation for future research and practical applications in the food industry, ultimately contributing to improving human health and well-being. Although recovering bioactive compounds from food waste is a sustainable way to reduce waste and use resources, additional research is required to make these procedures more efficient for use on an industrial scale. Full article

Silver nanoparticles belong to a highly versatile group of nanomaterials with an appealing range of potential applications. In the realm of antimicrobial and antioxidant application, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit auspicious capabilities. This research, for the very first time, endeavors to carry out biosynthesis of AgNPs coupled with fermentation using Medusomyces gisevii and Origanum vulgare L. (O. vulgare) plant species. Fermentation (F) via Medusomyces gisevii is responsible for chemical, physical, biological, and electrochemical processes. During in vitro study of antioxidant activity, fermented O. vulgare herb extract showed strong reductive activity as evaluated by the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) assay, with a value of 1.45 ± 0.048 mmol TE/g, 0.95 ± 0.04 mmol TE/g, and 0.59 ± 0.023 mmol TE/g, respectively. The highest antimicrobial activity was shown by Staphylococcus aureus in the inhibition zone, with values of 1.40 ± 0.12 mm of OrV and of 10.30 ± 0.04 mm and 11.54 ± 0.10 mm for OrV-AgNPs and OrV-F-AgNPs, respectively. Analysis of phenolic compounds revealed that the highest total amount of the apigenin, 87.78 µg/g, was detected in OrV-F-AgNPs and the lowest amount, 16.56 µg/g, in OrV-AgNPs. Moreover, in OrV-F-AgNPs, the collective amount of proanthocyanidins, hydroxycinnamic, and flavonoids was prominently high in all cases, i.e., 145.00 ± 0.02 mg EE/g DW, 2.86 ± 0.01 mg CAE/g DW, and 0.55 ± 0.01 mg RE/g DW, respectively, as compared to the original extract (102.1 ± 0.03 mg EE/g DW, 2.78 ± 0.02 mg CAE/g DW, and 0.47 ± 0.01 mg RE/g DW, respectively). During the characterization of biosynthesized nanoparticles by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), AgNPs demonstrated a uniform spherical shape with even distribution. The sample’s elemental composition was confirmed with a signal of 3.2 keV using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed silver nanoparticles that were round and spherical in shape in both stacked and congested form, with a size range of less than 30 nm. Thus, this green and sustainable synthesis of AgNPs, a blend of Medusomyces gisevii and O. vulgare herbal extract, has adequate potential for increased antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D—crucial for bone health, immune function, and hormone regulation—is deficient worldwide, affecting around half the population, particularly women. The study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency and hypovitaminosis D in non-pregnant women in Lebanon. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey sampled households across Lebanon, covering 2803 non-pregnant women aged 15 to 49. Demographic information and dietary habits were collected, and anthropometric measurements and serum analyses, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, were conducted. Multivariable Poisson regressions were constructed to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) for vitamin D deficiency and hypovitaminosis D of variables. Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) among non-pregnant women in Lebanon was 37.9%, while 69.2% had hypovitaminosis D (<50 nmol/L). Wearing a veil (hijab) was identified as the most significant risk factor for both vitamin D deficiency (aPR = 3.76) and hypovitaminosis D (aPR = 1.47). Additionally, olive skin and dark skin were both associated with an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (olive skin: aPR = 1.14; dark skin: aPR = 1.28), while only dark skin color was associated with hypovitaminosis D (aPR = 1.10). In contrast, protective factors against vitamin D deficiency and hypovitaminosis D included daily sun exposure exceeding one hour (aPR = 0.83–0.91) and vitamin D supplementation (aPR = 0.30–0.55). Anemia, folate deficiency, and vitamin B12 deficiency were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, hypovitaminosis D, or both. BMI was not significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency; however, women with underweight (aPR = 1.13) and obesity (aPR = 1.12) exhibited a higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency and hypovitaminosis D affect a significant portion of non-pregnant women in Lebanon, with veiling (hijab wearing), limited sun exposure, and lack of supplementation as primary risk factors. Future work should focus on tailoring recommendations for vitamin D supplementation, sun exposure, and food fortification to effectively address the diverse risk factors in the population. Full article

Nanotechnology is an evolving field that presents extensive opportunities in antimicrobial and eco-friendly food packaging applications. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are particularly valuable in this context due to their outstanding physicochemical properties and demonstrated biological and antimicrobial efficacy, rendering them highly effective in food packaging applications. Historically, nanoparticle synthesis has largely relied on synthetic chemicals and physical methods; however, growing awareness of their potential toxic impacts on human health and the environment has led researchers to reassess these conventional approaches. In response, green synthesis using plants or their metabolites to produce nanoparticles (NPs) has emerged as a focal point in recent research. This approach provides significant advantages, notably in reducing toxicity associated with traditionally synthesized nanoparticles. Silver, recognized for its non-toxic, safe profile as an inorganic antibacterial and antifungal agent, has been employed for centuries and exhibits remarkable potential in various biological applications in its nanoparticle form. Environmentally friendly synthesis techniques are increasingly prioritized within chemical sciences to reduce the harmful byproducts of reactions. Green synthesis methods also offer economic benefits due to their lower costs and the abundant availability of natural raw materials. In the past five years, concerted efforts have been made to develop new, sustainable, and cost-effective methodologies for nanoparticle synthesis. This review explains the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from different sources along with their quantification techniques and application in food packaging. Full article

There is a shortage in the experimental research directly comparing the effectiveness of different nanoparticles in boosting asparaginase (ASNase) activity. This study assessed the impact of various nanoparticles on enhancing ASNase activity, stability, and anticancer effects through immobilization. Escherichia coli ASNase was immobilized on different nanoparticles, and its efficiency was measured. The research included analyzing the enzyme’s secondary structure, stability, activity at different temperatures, kinetic parameters, shelf life, and activity in blood serum. The anticancer efficacy was determined by measuring the IC₅₀. The study also investigated the anticancer mechanisms by examining the enzyme’s toxicity on cancer cells, focusing on apoptosis indicators like nuclear intensity, membrane permeability, mitochondrial membrane permeability, and cytochrome c release. Among the tested nanoparticles, nano chitosan yielded the best improvements. ASNase immobilized on nano chitosan reached 90% immobilization efficiency fastest among the studied nanoparticles, achieving this within 72 h, whereas other nanoparticles took 120 h. Immobilization modified ASNase’s secondary structure by increasing alpha helices and reducing random coils, with nanochitosan and magnetic iron oxide showing the most pronounced effects. Immobilized ASNase exhibited enhanced activity, stability across temperature (widest with nanochitosan, 25–65 °C), and a broader optimal pH range compared to the free enzyme, with a K_m of 1.227 mM and a V_max of 454.54 U/mg protein. Notably, the nano-chitosan-immobilized ASNase retained over 85% of its activity after 9 months of storage and maintained high activity in blood serum. This improved stability and activity translated into the highest anticancer activity (Lowest IC₅₀) and was more effective than doxorubicin in disrupting cancer cell structures. Full article

In contemporary art, the representation of the “body”, particularly the female body, has emerged as a crucial site of feminist critique and exploration. This is especially evident in the works of Iranian female artists, who challenge prevailing local and global discourses surrounding female embodiment. This study examines how artists such as Shirin Neshat (b. 1957), Parastou Forouhar (b. 1962), and Shadi Ghadirian (b. 1974) use their art to redefine representations of women’s bodies within the socio-political context of post-revolutionary Iran. The restrictive post-revolutionary environment, marked by mandatory hijab laws and stringent social codes for women, has profoundly impacted artistic expression. These artists navigate this complex landscape, utilizing their work to contest both the imposed limitations and the Western gaze that often reduces Iranian women to stereotypes. By interrogating these artistic representations through a feminist lens, this paper explores the intersection of gender, politics, culture, and artistic expression, examining how these artists contribute to a broader redefinition of the female body in contemporary feminist art. This study employs a qualitative, descriptive–analytical approach grounded in feminist theory, including perspectives beyond Western thought, to analyze how these Iranian artists navigate, subvert, and reimagine traditional representations of women. By analyzing specific works, this study aims to offer a nuanced understanding of how these artists challenge both Iranian and global audiences to reconsider the boundaries of gender, identity, and power within their specific cultural and historical context. Full article

This study explores the representation of radical and anti-radical ideologies among German Islamic TikTok creators, analyzing 2983 videos from 43 accounts through qualitative content analysis. The results reveal two main content clusters: religious practice involving social/lifestyle issues and political activism around Muslim grievances. Victimization, found in 150 videos, was the most common indicator associated with radicalization and emerged as a source of political activism and subversive discourse. Overall, indicators of radicalism were scarce, suggesting that visible mainstream Islamic creators do not exhibit high levels of radical ideology. However, this also reflects a selection bias in the design of this study, which systematically overlooks fringe actors. In addition, religious advocacy was the most common topic (1144 videos), serving as a source of guidance and motivation, but was occasionally linked to sectarianism and rigid religious interpretations. Male creators posted more religious/theological videos; female creators posted more lifestyle videos. However, gender distinctions are limited due to the low representation of female creators (6). Some topics, such as the hijab, served as an intersection between religious practice and politicized narratives. This study highlights TikTok’s role in promoting diverse ideological views and shaping community engagement, knowledge sharing, and political mobilization within Germany’s Muslim digital landscape. Full article

This study investigated how religious factors exert social pressure to discipline female bodies through hijab practices in Indonesia. This study identified relationships among factors, such as religiosity, individuals’ involvement with religious communities, subjective norms regarding the hijab practice, and the regulation of sexuality. This study found that religious factors positively influence subjective norms which reinforce the regulation of sexuality. Although recent studies have underscored the role of the hijab as a tool for expressing Muslim identity and as a means for Muslim women to construct modernity, the results of this study reveal that the disciplinary function of the hijab still seems to have a greater impact. A group analysis reveals differences in the influence of religious factors on subjective norms. While religiosity has a larger impact among adolescents than their involvement with religious communities, this impact is insignificant in the age group of 20s and 30s. The varying effects of religious factors among different age groups imply that religious values rather than involvement with religious communities have a much greater impact on the construction of subjective norms among adolescents while the role of religion in socialization might be enhanced as individuals get older. Full article

Few researches have explored the production of pharmaceuticals from aquatic plants. Therefore, this study explored, for the first time, the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of ten aquatic plants. Aquatic plant shoots from various Nile River canals were collected, dried, and ground for aqueous extract preparation. Phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity were assessed using DPPH assays. Extracts were tested for antiparasitic, antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anticancer activities through standard in vitro assays, measuring IC₅₀ values, and evaluating mechanisms of action, including cell viability and high-content screening assays. The results showed that the aquatic plants were rich in pharmaceutical compounds. The antioxidant capacity of these extracts exceeded that of vitamin C. The extracts showed promising antiparasitic activity against pathogens like Opisthorchis viverrini and Plasmodium falciparum, with IC₅₀ values between 0.7 and 2.5 µg/mL. They also demonstrated low MICs against various pathogenic bacteria, causing DNA damage, increased plasma membrane permeability, and 90% biofilm inhibition. In terms of anticancer activity, extracts were effective against a panel of cancer cell lines, with Ludwigia stolonifera exhibiting the highest efficacy. Its IC₅₀ ranged from 0.5 µg/mL for pancreatic, esophageal, and colon cancer cells to 1.5 µg/mL for gastric cancer cells. Overall, IC₅₀ values for all extracts were below 6 µg/mL, showing significant apoptotic activity, increased nuclear intensity, plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial membrane permeability, and cytochrome c release, and outperforming doxorubicin. This study highlights the potential of aquatic plants as sources for new, safe, and effective drugs with strong antiparasitic, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Full article

In this article, we address a question that has been frequently asked: Why is the Iranian government unable to defeat the struggle by women against the compulsory hijab? What distinguishes women’s resistance from other forms of freedom and justice movements? We address these questions by highlighting women’s “resilient resistance” within the family domain as both flexible and sustainable. The article examines how the domestication of politics and the politicization of family have interconnected dynamics in Iran, as illustrated by the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. It shows how women have shifted the Iranian family from a collaborator of oppressive patriarchal power to a more egalitarian structure to accommodate their protests against the compulsory hijab. As the catalysts for this change, they succeeded in discrediting the Islamic Republic’s moral discourse based on the compulsory hijab as a manifestation of modesty for women. They also validated their own morality based on personal choice. Using ethnographic fieldwork, including participatory observation and in-depth interviews with movement participants, this paper shows how women’s invisible yet significant resistance within the family has transformed this institution and profoundly affected the broader political landscape of Iran. It examines a unique case where social transformation drives larger political change. Full article

Previous research has shown that speakers’ visual appearance influences listeners’ perception of second language (L2) speech. In Québec, Canada, the context of this study, pandemic mask mandates and a provincial secularism law elicited strong societal reactions. We therefore examined how images of speakers wearing religious and nonreligious coverings such as medical masks and headscarves influenced the comprehensibility (listeners’ ease of understanding) and intelligibility of L2 French speech. Four L2 French women from first language (L1) Arabic backgrounds wore surgical masks while recording 40 sentences from a standardized French-language speech perception test. A total of 104 L1 French listeners transcribed and rated the comprehensibility of the sentences, paired with images of women in four visual conditions: uncovered face, medical mask, hijab (headscarf), and niqab (religious face covering). Listeners also completed a questionnaire on attitudes toward immigrants, cultural values, and secularism. Although intelligibility was high, sentences in the medical mask condition were significantly more intelligible and more comprehensible than those in the niqab condition. Several attitudinal measures showed weak correlations with intelligibility or comprehensibility in several visual conditions. The results suggest that listeners’ understanding of L2 sentences was negatively affected by images showing speakers’ religious affiliation, but more extensive follow-up studies are recommended. Full article

The Muslim population is one of the religious groups facing the greatest obstacles to full socio-educational inclusion in the West. These are particularly noticeable among young people in areas such as access to employment. The purpose of this study was to find out their own perceptions of their socio-educational inclusion, discrimination, and religiosity. An eminently quantitative methodology was used, with an ad hoc questionnaire administered to a representative sample of a total of 1157 Muslims aged between 18 and 24. The results show that a higher level of religiosity is not related to a lower sense of belonging to Spanish society and should no longer be considered an obstacle to the socio-educational inclusion of young Muslims in Spanish society. On the other hand, their responses show that there is a relationship with greater perceived discrimination, especially in access to employment. In particular, women wearing hijab are substantially vulnerable. Young people, and especially Muslim women, make up a vulnerable population that requires specific school-to-work transition policies to improve their inclusion in the Spanish labour market. This research contributes to an important reflection based on the opinions of young Muslims themselves about supporting better socio-educational inclusion in Spain. Full article

Eating disorders and excessive attachment to social media are a matter of great concern among youths. This study assessed the prevalence of eating disorders and their association with social media addiction among youths. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 participants aged 14–25 years. Two pre-validated tools were used, i.e., the Eating Attitude Test and the Social Networking Addiction Scale. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Out of the 350 students, 42% had probable eating disorders, and 41.7% had social media addictions. The findings revealed that the chances of having eating disorders were significantly higher among youths who lived in separate places, smoked, and had a family history of eating disorders (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the dieting domain displayed notably higher scores for youths living separately (p ≤ 0.05) and smokers (p ≤ 0.01). Moreover, the scores for bulimia and food preoccupation were significantly higher among participants who were married (p = 0.038), were smokers (p = 0.027), and had a family history of eating disorders (p = 0.001). Higher scores in the oral control domain were reported by females (p ≤ 0.05) and severely obese youths (p ≤ 0.01). Moreover, social media addiction was significantly higher among students aged 18–21 (p ≤ 0.01). Spearman’s correlation revealed that social media addiction has a weak positive relationship with eating disorders (r = 0.133, p ≤ 0.01), particularly bulimia and food preoccupation (r = 0.173, p ≤ 0.001). This reflects the need to address the harmful consequences of social media addiction that might raise the likelihood of developing eating disorders, particularly bulimia nervosa. Full article

This paper presents an experimental characterization of the proposed radio link model for an underground mine sensor network. Power efficiency and range are critical factors to consider when designing a wireless sensor network, particularly for low data rate applications where the goal is to have a long-lasting, low-maintenance network. A ‘deploy and forget’ strategy is desirable because it allows the network to operate autonomously without requiring frequent maintenance or intervention from network operators. DASH7 and IEEE 802.15.4f are both excellent choices for low-power, long-range wireless sensor networking applications. The proposed radio link model was developed and evaluated for 433 MHz DASH7 in underground mines, considering the practical electromagnetic properties of mine walls and the propagation medium, which helps in calculating accurate signal characteristics. Radio wave propagation is a critical factor that needs to be considered when designing a wireless sensor network for complex mine structures. The received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and packet error rate (PER) are two key parameters that are used to measure wave propagation and assess the quality of the radio link between sensor nodes. The radio link design has been optimized for complex mine structures by utilizing these parameters in a model, leading to improved performance and reliability. The measurements were carried out in the world’s second largest salt mine at Khewra, Pakistan, with representative irregular mine structures. The RSSI and PER were measured at different node positions and with variable separation between the nodes. The proposed model allows for the easy placement of nodes on either the rooftop or near the side walls of the mine corridors, with an average variation of 6% in RSSI and 1.9% in PER. The proposed model was validated using off-the-shelf wizzi sensor nodes received from Wizzi Lab, France, and was programmed to measure RSSI and PER while operating under the 433 MHz DASH7 protocol. An agreement between modeled and measured parameters has been noted, making the proposed model a decent method for efficient node deployment in underground mine sensor networks. Full article