The aim of this study was to characterize chicken skin gelatin/tapioca starch composite films with varying concentrations (0-5%) of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the casting technique. The incorporation of 5% zinc oxide nanoparticles increased the water vapor permeation (1.52-1.93 × 10-7 gmm/cm2hPa) and melting temperature of the films. The tensile strength (22.96-50.43 MPa) was increased, while elongation at break decreased with increasing concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The structures of the films were also investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The inhibitory zones for both the gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) (16-20 mm) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) (15-20 mm) bacteria were larger in the film with 5% zinc oxide. Overall, chicken skin gelatin-tapioca starch composite films with 3% zinc oxide nanoparticles were found to have the optimal formulation, demonstrating good physical, mechanical and antibacterial properties. Gelatin-based composite films with nanoparticle incorporation show strong potential for use in biodegradable food packaging materials.
INTRODUCTION: Effective communication in a clinical environment plays a vital role in patient assessment and treatment. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of Malaysian medical students concerning communication barriers during clinical practice. The goal was to provide answers for three important research questions, i.e., 1) Are communication barriers an impediment to Malaysian students during clinical teaching? 2) What is the nature of the language barriers that the students encounter? and 3) What are the best ways of reducing these barriers during clinical teaching?
METHODS: The qualitative method was used to conduct the research, and open-ended questionnaires were used to collect the data. The study was conducted on 95 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-year students, 80% of whom completed the study.
RESULTS: Medical students from Malaysia who have limited knowledge of the Arabic language experience some difficulties in communicating with staff members, patients, and nurses during their clinical practices.
CONCLUSION: Successful orientation of students to the language used in the clinical environment will help the students overcome the communication barriers they encounter during their clinical practices.
KEYWORDS: Arabic language; Malaysia; clinical environment; communication barriers; medical students
The toxicity of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) present in the environment has exceeded the current limits or standards and thus may lead to biotic and abiotic catastrophes. Accordingly, several treatments, including chemical, biological, and physical approaches, are being used to reduce Cr(VI) waste in the surrounding environment. This study compares the Cr(VI) treatment approaches from several areas of science and their competence in Cr(VI) removal. As an effective combination of physical and chemical approaches, the coagulation-flocculation technique removes more than 98% of Cr(VI) in less than 30 min. Most membrane filtering approaches can remove up to 90% of Cr(VI). Biological approaches that involve the use of plants, fungi, and bacteria also successfully eliminate Cr(VI) but are difficult to scale up. Each of these approaches has its benefits and drawbacks, and their applicability is determined by the research aims. These approaches are also sustainable and environmentally benign, thus limiting their effects on the ecosystem.