Browsing by Author "Khan S"

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    Immobilization of Horseradish Peroxidase and Myoglobin Using Sodium Alginate for Treating Organic Pollutants
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2024-03-15) Wang X; Ghanizadeh H; Khan S; Wu X; Li H; Sadiq S; Liu J; Liu H; Yue Q; Hung Y-T
    Removing organic pollutants from wastewater is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and protect human health. Immobilized enzymes are increasingly being explored for wastewater treatment due to their specific catalytic activities, reusability, and stability under various environmental conditions. Peroxidases, such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and myoglobin (Mb), are promising candidates for immobilized enzymes utilized in wastewater treatment due to their ability to facilitate the oxidation process of a wide range of organic molecules. However, the properties of the carrier and support materials greatly influence the stability and activity of immobilized HRP and Mb. In this research, we developed immobilized HRP and Mb using support material composed of sodium alginate and CaCl2 as carriers and glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. Following this, the efficacy of immobilized HRP and Mb in removing aniline, phenol, and p-nitrophenol was assessed. Both immobilized enzymes removed all three organic pollutants from an aqueous solution, but Mb was more effective than HRP. After being immobilized, both enzymes became more resilient to changes in temperature and pH. Both immobilized enzymes retained their ability to eliminate organic pollutants through eight treatment cycles. Our study uncovered novel immobilized enzyme microspheres and demonstrated their successful application in wastewater treatment, paving the way for future research.
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    Predictors of under Five Years Old Diarrhoeal Disease in Mataniko Informal Settlements in Solomon Islands
    (Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2021) Gali A; Mohammadnezhad M; Khan S; Lowry J
    BACKGROUND: Diarrhoea remains a serious health problem among children under five years (U5y) in the world. Though diarrhoea is a preventable disease, U5y are often at high risk to diarrhoea infection. OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictors of diarrhoeal disease among children U5y, in Mataniko informal settlements, in Honiara, Solomon Islands. METHODS: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted at three out of the six randomly selected Mataniko informal settlements situated along the Mataniko River corridor, in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Caregivers with children U5y were included in this study. A total of 205 caregivers being interviewed using a pre-tested survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, followed by binary logistic regression to explore the relationship between the investigated variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that 45.9% of all caregivers had reported that their U5y children had suffered with at least one episode of diarrhoea within the last 2 weeks prior to the study. Age of children, number of U5y children per caregiver, and fortnightly income level below $1500 (SBD) were significantly associated with under-five diarrhoea (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed different factors which were associated with U5y diarrhoea in Solomon Islands. To address these exposures, relevant programmes and preventive strategies should be considered.
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    The unseen in the glass ceilings: examining women’s career advancement in higher education institutions through a multi-level institutional lens
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2024-04-25) Khan M; Sulaiman R; Nazir O; Khan S; Awan S
    As women’s presence in higher education grows, their limited representation in academic leadership roles remains a critical concern. This study investigates the complex institutional barriers hindering women’s advancement into leadership positions. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 37 women in academia, our analysis reveals multifaceted challenges rooted in institutional, organisational, and individual factors. Institutionally, cultural and societal norms, including those influenced by religious traditions, profoundly influence gender dynamics within specific contexts. Organizational factors, such as a predominantly male workforce and entrenched practices, pose significant obstacles to women’s career progression in academic institutions. At a personal level, we introduce the concept of internalisation of subjugation, which captures women academics’ tendency to adopt more masculine practices, echoing observations from traditional leadership models. This research offers valuable insights into the nuanced barriers constraining women’s path to academic leadership. A comprehensive understanding of these challenges is essential for developing targeted strategies and policies to promote gender equality and inclusivity in higher education institutions.