Development and validation of a modified LibQUAL scale in health sciences libraries: application of Structural Equation Modeling.

Objective: The application of structural equation modeling (SEM), a statistical modeling tool for scale construction and development, is becoming increasingly popular in the health sciences librarianship and information science research. This study explores the application of SEM to health science libraries by describing the development and validation of a modified LibQUAL scale within an Iranian health sciences library setting. Methods: A literature search was performed across several information sources to identify candidate items to be included in the primary questionnaire. After translation, linguistic validation, and a pilot study, two cross-sectional studies were performed. SEM modeling framework was used for the assessment of the reliability and validity of the modified LibQUAL scale. The internal consistency of the scale was evaluated by measuring Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used for the evaluation of the construct validity of the scale. Smart-PLS software was used for statistical modeling. Results: Composite reliability and Cronbach's alpha coefficient for each scale ranged between 0.90 and 0.95, indicating adequate internal consistency with the LibQUAL scale. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the three-factor model of the LibQUAL scale. The convergent validity of the scale was supported, as the average variances extracted for all proposed factors were above 0.50. The discriminant validity was also confirmed using Fornel and Larcker and Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio (HTMT) methods. Conclusion: Evaluation of psychometric properties of the translated and locally modified LibQUAL in the Persian language indicated adequate reliability, factorial validity, and stability of this instrument for Iranian health sciences libraries.

Ultrasound-assisted biodiesel production by a novel composite of Fe(III)-based MOF and phosphotangestic acid as efficient and reusable catalyst.

In this work, esterification of oleic acid by various alcohols is achieved with high yields under ultrasonic irradiation. This reaction performed with a novel heterogeneous catalyst that fabricated by heteropoly acid and Fe(III)-based MOF, namely MIL-53 (Fe). Syntheses of MIL-53 and encapsulation process carry out by ultrasound irradiation at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. The prepared composite was characterized by various techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, SEM, BET and ICP that demonstrate excellent catalytic activities, while being highly convenient to synthesize. The obtained results revealed that ultrasound irradiation could be used for the appropriate and rapid biodiesel production.

Sonochemical synthesis of magnetic responsive Fe3O4@TMU-17-NH2 composite as sorbent for highly efficient ultrasonic-assisted denitrogenation of fossil fuel.

In this work, a novel magnetic responsive composite was fabricated by encapsulation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles into an amino-functionalized MOF (TMU-17-NH2) under ultrasound irradiation. The prepared materials were characterized by several techniques such as elemental analyses, PXRD, FT-IR, N2 adsorption, TGA and ICP. This composite has been applied to the adsorptive removal of nitrogen-contain compounds in model liquid fuel. The prepared composite demonstrates very good performance for the removal of NCCs. The maximum adsorption capacity of IND and QUI over prepared composite calculated 375.93 and 310.18mg·g-1 at 25°C, respectively. The composite material is magnetically separable and reusable for several times.

Ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization process of liquid fuel by phosphotungstic acid encapsulated in a interpenetrating amine-functionalized Zn(II)-based MOF as catalyst.

In this work, ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) of liquid fuels performed with a novel heterogeneous highly dispersed Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40, PTA) catalyst that encapsulated into an amino-functionalized MOF (TMU-17-NH2). The prepared composite exhibits high catalytic activity and reusability in oxidative desulfurization of model fuel. Ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) is a new way to performed oxidation reaction of sulfur-contain compounds rapidly, economically, environment-friendly and safely, under mild conditions. Ultrasound waves can be apply as an efficient tool to decrease the reaction time and improves oxidative desulfurization system performance. PTA@TMU-17-NH2 could be completely performed desulfurization of the model oil by 20mg of catalyst, O/S molar ratio of 1:1 in presence of MeCN as extraction solvent. The obtained results indicated that the conversions of DBT to DBTO2 achieve 98% after 15min in ambient temperature. In this work, we prepared TMU-17-NH2 and PTA/TMU-17-NH2 composite by ultrasound irradiation for first time and employed in UAOD process. Prepared catalyst exhibit an excellent reusability without PTA leaching and loss of activity.