Aluminum zirconate nanoparticles in etch and rinse adhesive to caries affected dentine: An in-vitro scanning electron microscopy, elemental distribution, antibacterial, degree of conversion and micro-tensile bond strength assessment.

To incorporate different concentrations of Al2O9Zr3 (1%, 5%, and 10%) nanoparticles (NP) into the ER adhesive and subsequently assess the impact of this addition on the degree of conversion, µTBS, and antimicrobial efficacy. The current research involved a wide-ranging examination that merged various investigative techniques, including the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface characterization of NP coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, µTBS testing, and microbial analysis. Teeth were divided into four groups based on the application of modified and unmodified three-step ER adhesive primer. Group 1 (0% Al2O9Zr3 NPs) Control, Group 2 (1% Al2O9Zr3 NPs), Group 3 (5% Al2O9Zr3 NPs), and Group 4 (10% Al2O9Zr3 NPs). EDX analysis of Al2O9Zr3 NPs was performed showing elemental distribution in synthesized NPs. Zirconium (Zr), Aluminum (Al), and Oxides (O2). After primer application, an assessment of the survival rate of Streptococcus mutans was completed. The FTIR spectra were analyzed to observe the characteristic peaks indicating the conversion of double bonds, both before and after the curing process, for the adhesive Etch and rinse containing 1,5,10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs. µTBS and failure mode assessment were performed using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and stereomicroscope respectively. The µTBS and S.mutans survival rates comparison among different groups was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc (p = .05). Group 4 (10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) specimens exhibited the minimum survival of S.mutans (0.11 ± 0.02 CFU/mL). Nonetheless, Group 1 (0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) displayed the maximum surviving S.mutans (0.52 ± 0.08 CFU/mL). Moreover, Group 2 (1 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) (21.22 ± 0.73 MPa) samples displayed highest µTBS. However, the bond strength was weakest in Group 1 (0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) (14.13 ± 0.32 MPa) study samples. The etch-and-rinse adhesive exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity and micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) when 1% Al2O9Zr3 NPs was incorporated, as opposed to the control group. Nevertheless, the incorporation of Al2O9Zr3 NPs led to a decrease in DC. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: 10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive specimens exhibited the minimum survival of S.mutans. 1 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive samples displayed the most strong composite/CAD bond. The highest DC was observed in Group 1: 0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive.

Reduction of Capacity Fading in High-Voltage NMC Batteries with the Addition of Reduced Graphene Oxide.

Lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EV) require high energy capacity, reduced weight, extended lifetime and low cost. EV manufacturers are focused on Ni-rich layered oxides because of their promising attributes, which include the ability to operate at a relatively high voltage. However, these cathodes, usually made with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC811), typically experience accelerated capacity fading when operating at a high voltage. In this research, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is added to a NMC811 cathode material to improve the performance in cyclability studies. Batteries made with rGO/NMC811 cathodes showed a 17% improvement in capacity retention after 100 cycles of testing over a high-voltage operating window of 2.5-4.5 V.

Prevalence and Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the awareness of the general population regarding vaccines to determine the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy in Aseer Region in the southern part of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used, targeting all parents in Aseer Region. The study was carried out from January to April 2020. The data for this study were collected using a structured questionnaire, which was developed by the researchers after an intensive literature review and consultation with experts. The questionnaire covered aspects such as parents' sociodemographic data, their awareness regarding vaccine safety and efficacy for children and their attitude and adherence to children's vaccination, including their hesitancy towards vaccines. RESULTS: The survey included 796 participants (response rate: 100%) whose ages ranged from 18 to 55 years. Two-thirds (63.4%) of the participants were female. Regarding vaccination adherence and hesitancy among participants, more than three-quarters completely adhered to the vaccination schedule for their children, and only 3.9% were non-adherent. With regards to participants' awareness regarding vaccine safety and efficacy for children, 89.3% agreed that vaccination keeps children healthy, 84.2% reported that vaccines are safe and effective for children and 83.4% reported that all scheduled vaccines in Saudi Arabia are effective. CONCLUSION: Vaccine hesitancy among participants was not low, and this should be taken into account notwithstanding their high awareness levels. The recorded antivaccine action was mostly related to vaccine safety and not its efficacy.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Food Poisoning among Parents in Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Background: Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food. Improper food safety knowledge, poor food handling, and inadequate personal hygiene may allow microbes to grow in sufficient numbers to cause a food-borne illness. The aim of this paper was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food poisoning and its determinants of parents in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 3011 parents in the Aseer region in the southwest region of Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was used to collect the data. The level of knowledge of the participants was scored as a percentage and further classified as "good" or "poor". Attitudes were classified as "positive", "neutral", or "negative" based on a calculated composite mean score. The participants were asked about standard food hygiene practices, and the practices were recorded based on how often they were performed, with the results recorded as "usually", "sometimes", or "never". Results: The age range of the parents was between 18 and 65 years old, with a mean age of 28.9 ± 10.4 years. Among the participants, 96.2% were Saudi, and 81.8% were female. Almost 53% of the fathers and 41% of the mothers were university graduates. About 55% of the mothers were housewives. Almost equal proportions of the parents had "good" and "poor" levels of knowledge on food poisoning. Around 41% of the parents had positive attitudes towards safe food consumption. Older parents (defined as above 30 years of age), males, university graduates, and urban residents had significantly higher levels of knowledge regarding food poisoning. Conclusions: This study provided much needed information on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to food poisoning among parents in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Although most respondents reported satisfactory practices, gaps were identified in knowledge and attitudes. This suggests a need for further investigation focused on the observed practices and strengthening health education activities for the community.

Awareness and Perception of Parents Regarding Well Baby Clinic in Primary Health Care Centres in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Well-baby clinic (WBC) service is implemented in all primary health care centers and is provided based on international standards to all children under 5 years in Saudi Arabia. It is a comprehensive package of health promotion and curative care to improve and maintain the health status and well-being of this age group. AIM: The main aim is to assess parents' awareness and perception regarding WBC in primary health care centers in Abha sector, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used in the current study. The study targeted all babies' caregivers attending WBCs in primary health care centers in Abha city. The children's parents were included using three stages cluster sample technique. The questionnaire included participants' demographic data such as age, gender, relation to the baby, educational level, work, and monthly income. Awareness regarding the WBC was assessed using two main items covering hearing about the clinic provided services. RESULTS: The study included 1593 participants whose ages ranged from 19 to 55 years old with a mean age of 34.6 ± 11.8 years. About 64% of the respondents knew about the WBC, which was significantly higher among the females than males (P = .003). Also, 71.2% of respondents aged 25-34 years knew about well-baby clinic (WBC) compared to 35% of parents aged less than 25 years (P = .001). Exact 57.1% of the respondents went to the nearest governmental health office at vaccination times. About 46% of the respondents reported that the clinic nurse was the main person who dealt with them. Regarding services provided by a nurse at the vaccination clinic, registering child vaccination was the most reported (66.2%), followed by helping the mother make the child calm (56.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the study revealed that proper care is vital for a child's survival as well as optimal physical and mental development. Adequately cared child has proper well-being and happiness. Mothers and children caregivers had adequate awareness and acceptable attitude towards WBCs and provided services. Some barriers were declared including lack of available WBCs within the residence range, not all WBCs usually working, and more information should be provided about WBCs.