Publications by authors named "Saeed Al-Zahrani"

Local Khulays clay was modified to prepare polystyrene clay nanocomposite (PCN) coatings on carbon steel. The PCN coatings were added to microcapsules (MCs) loaded with the corrosion inhibitor PCN(MC). The microcapsules were prepared by the encapsulation of rare-earth metal Ce ions and isobutyl silanol into polystyrene via the double emulsion solvent evaporation (DESE) technique.

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Background: Corneal pathologies are among the most common reversible sight-threatening diseases globally. As such, corneal tissue transplantation (keratoplasty) techniques are evolving over time depending on the prevalence of different pathologies in each geographical area. We aim to provide a baseline information on the common keratoplasty procedures performed in our area in relation to prevalent corneal pathologies and to analyze common corneal surgical practice trends in our area.

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  • * The fabrication of standard samples for testing was done using aluminum molds, and techniques like sonication and silane coupling were used to ensure uniform dispersion of the components in the epoxy matrix.
  • * Results showed dramatic improvements in the tensile and yield strength of the composite, highlighting the benefits of combining Zr and SiO with microfillers, making the material suitable for construction applications where strength and adhesion are key.
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Background: Following transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke, the risk of recurrent stroke can be significantly reduced with short-duration dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). We wish to investigate whether 10 days of DAPT is as effective as 21 days' treatment.

Study Design: This is an open-label, randomized, parallel-group study comparing whether 10 days of DAPT treatment (ASA + clopidogrel) is non-inferior to 21 days of DAPT in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or high-risk TIA.

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This paper investigates making an injection mouldable conductive plastic formulation that aims for conductivity into the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding range, with good mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness, strength, and impact resistance).

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This study investigated the replacement of butter with soy wax (SW)/rice bran oil (RBO) oleogel in varied proportions in cookie dough and the resulting cookies. The study mainly evaluates the physical, textural, and chemical properties of the butter cookie dough and cookies by replacing butter with SW/RBO oleogel. The dough was assessed using moisture analysis, microscopy, FTIR Spectroscopy (Fourier Transform Infrared) and impedance spectroscopies, and texture analysis.

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In previous works, we had found that the addition of micron-sized, irregular-shaped aluminum (Al) powder, or Al nano platelets (flakes), improved the mechanical properties of polyesters, and that, additionally, the flakes led to an increase in electrical conductivity. The aim of this work was to examine the effect of nano-spherical particles of aluminum in a 60/40 PBT/PET polyester blend. A blend was used because it can help with the formation of a segregated network of metal particles that allows electrical conductivity at low loading.

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  • This research focused on creating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from an endophytic fungus, optimizing factors like temperature, media, pH, and silver nitrate concentration for effective synthesis.
  • The AgNPs were then encapsulated with chitosan using microwave heating, and their properties were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, confirming stability and interaction with chitosan.
  • The study demonstrated that the resulting chitosan-encapsulated AgNPs showed significant antifungal activity, particularly achieving a 93% reduction in mycelial growth against certain fungal pathogens.
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This research paper presents the fabrication of epoxy coatings along with the hybrid combination of SiO and ZrO. The epoxy resin is incorporated with SiO as the primary pigment and ZrO as the synergist pigment. The study delves into the adhesion, barrier, and anti-corrosion properties of these coatings, enriched with silica and zirconium nanoparticles, and investigates their impact on the final properties of the epoxy coating.

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  • Researchers synthesized different methanesulfonate-based protic ionic liquids (PILs) and characterized their structure using various techniques like FTIR and NMR spectroscopy.
  • The thermal stability and behavior of these PILs were analyzed using methods such as DSC and TGA, while EIS was employed to measure their ionic conductivity.
  • A specific PIL, compatible with polybenzimidazole, was used to create proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs), which demonstrated good thermal stability and conductivity, making them suitable for high-temperature fuel cell applications.
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  • * Various techniques, including EDS, FE-SEM, FTIR, and TGA, were used to analyze the physical and chemical properties of the coatings.
  • * Coatings with ZrO nanoparticles demonstrated improved corrosion resistance and adhesion compared to pure epoxy, with the 2% ZrO formulation showing the best performance due to better particle dispersion in the epoxy matrix.
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This research evaluated the influence of stearic acid, sunflower lecithin, and sorbitan monooleate on soy wax (SYW)/rice bran oil (RBO)-based oleogels. The physiochemical behavior of oleogel samples was evaluated using colorimetry, microscopy, FTIR, mechanical, crystallization kinetics, X-ray diffraction, and a drug release investigation. The prepared oleogels were light yellow, and adding emulsifiers did not change their appearance.

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  • Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors contribute significantly to chronic diseases globally, necessitating preventive strategies including clinical counseling to motivate patients toward healthier choices.
  • The study aimed to evaluate the quality of clinical counseling from the patients' perspectives at the National Guard Primary Health Care Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using a modified counseling quality instrument.
  • Results showed that, while most patients were satisfied with the counseling received, certain demographic factors like age and education level influenced their perceptions of counseling quality positively.
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Background And Objectives: White spot lesions (WSLs) are a common problem that can be conservatively managed by resin infiltration. Consumption of dark beverages such as coffee causes staining of dental hard tissues, which can deteriorate the esthetic qualities of treated WSLs. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of dark coffee heavy consumption on ICON resin infiltrated WSLs and the influence of bleaching on them after staining.

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This work presents the development of a cost-effective electric-stimulus-responsive bending actuator based on a sulfonated polyvinyl chloride (SPVC)-phosphotungstic acid (PTA) ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC), using a simple solution-casting method followed by chemical reduction of platinum (Pt) ions as an electrode. The characterizations of the prepared IPMC were performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Excellent ion-exchange capacity (IEC) and proton conductivity (PC), with values of ca.

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  • Bigels are stable biphasic systems used in food and pharmaceuticals, combining hydrogel and oleogel for better delivery.
  • The study focused on optimizing a guar gum hydrogel and sesame oil/candelilla wax oleogel bigel using cellulose nanocrystals from date palm to enhance properties.
  • Results indicated that the dp-CNC improved firmness and fluidity of the bigels, with the best drug release observed in one specific formulation (BG3) showcasing quasi-Fickian diffusion.
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  • There is a growing interest in long afterglow composites for applications in nighttime signals, sensors, and biomedical fields, prompting a study on Polypropylene (PP) composites with strontium aluminate fillers.
  • The composites exhibited distinct auto-glowing properties, emitting green and blue light after UV excitation, with phosphorescence intensity and decay linked to the amount of filler used.
  • Analysis showed that the fillers affected the crystallinity and thermal stability of the composites, but also reduced their tensile strength and modulus, particularly when larger filler sizes were incorporated.
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  • The study focused on optimizing two types of hardeners, polyaminoamine adduct (Aradur 450 BD) and polyamidoamine adduct (Aradur 3282 BD), for use with DGEBA epoxy resin to create coatings for mild steel panels.
  • Six coating samples (E-0, E-1, E-2 from Aradur 450 and F-0, F-1, F-2 from Aradur 3282) were produced and characterized using various analysis techniques, including FE-SEM and FTIR.
  • Results showed that the coatings had similar thermal and mechanical properties, but E-1 and F-1 coatings exhibited superior corrosion resistance, especially under exposure to 3.
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The current study delineates the use of date-palm-derived cellulose nanocrystals (dp-CNCs) as reinforcing agents. dp-CNCs were incorporated in varying amounts to poly(vinyl alcohol)/guar-gum-based phase-separated composite films. The films were prepared by using the solution casting method, which employed glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent.

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Conductive plastics are made by placing conductive fillers in polymer matrices. It is known that a conductive filler in a binary polymer blend with a co-continuous morphology is more effective than in a single polymer, because it aids the formation of a 'segregated conductive network'. We embedded a relatively low-cost conductive filler, aluminium nano platelets, in a 60/40 PBT/PET polymer blend.

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  • The study investigates the effectiveness of non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) markers in predicting hematoma expansion in patients who experience spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) while on antithrombotic medications.
  • It introduces a combined scoring method that includes ICH shape irregularity and density, finding that patients with hematoma expansion displayed more irregular and heterogeneous characteristics on their initial NCCT scans.
  • The combined score showed strong diagnostic performance, significantly improving prediction accuracy compared to individual markers, with notable sensitivity and specificity rates for identifying hematoma expansion.
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An electro-stimulus-responsive bending actuator was developed by synthesizing a non-perfluorinated membrane based on silicotungstic acid (SA), sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol (SPVA), and polyaniline (PANI). The membrane was developed via solution casting method. The dry membrane SA/SPVA showed a sufficient ion-exchange potential of 1.

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Herein, we present new approaches for developing sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) and polyaniline-based (PANI) actuator formed by film-casting and chemical reduction of Pt electrodes. We have thoroughly studied the synthesis of SPEEK and characterized it by different analytical techniques. The ion-exchange capacity (IEC) and proton conductivity of SPEEK-PANI polymer membrane were calculated to be 1.

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  • The study focuses on creating cellulose triacetate from waste lignocellulosic parts of date palm, aiming to provide an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemical products.
  • A heterogeneous acetylation reaction was used, achieving a degree of substitution of 2.9, resulting in a cellulose ester with 43.9% acetyl and a molecular weight of 205,102 g·mol.
  • The synthesized cellulose triacetate has a thermal decomposition temperature of 380 °C, indicating its potential for use in biodegradable biocomposite materials.
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  • Researchers developed auto-glowing composites using HDPE combined with strontium aluminate and studied their phosphorescence, observing green and blue emissions when excited with UV light.
  • The crystallinity of the composites decreased with the addition of bulky AG fillers, but their melting and crystallization temperatures remained stable, indicating no chemical changes during processing.
  • Improvements in tensile strength, viscosity, and filler dispersion were noted in the composites, although prolonged exposure to harsh conditions led to a decrease in phosphorescent intensity and increased brittleness.
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