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Item Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for drug delivery applications(Elsevier, 2023) Sahini, Mtabazi G.; Banyikwa, Andrew T.Because of their demonstrated biomedical application potentials, functional nanoparticles have been extensively studied. Among these, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have received a significant attention for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This chapter discusses the latest developments in the drug delivery applications of SPIONs. The concept of drug delivery and targeted drug delivery is introduced first. The properties of iron oxide, particularly magnetic properties, are presented in order for the reader to gain insight into the origins of superparamagnetism. The chapter also discusses common methods of synthesis and surface functionalization of SPIONs, as well as approaches for loading and release of drug, and some clinically approved SPIONs-based drugs. Despite the associated challenges, the therapeutic and diagnostic use of SPIONs is a promising technology that should be pursued furtherItem Biotransformation of 1,4-Dioxane by the Use of Bacteria in the Soil(Springer Nature Singapore, 2023) Miraji, Hossein; Ripanda, Asha; Bakari, Ramadhani; Sarma, HemenBackground: 1,4-Dioxane, also known as dioxane, is a water-miscible synthetic industrial chemical used as a stabilizer for chlorinated solvents and feedstock chemical for a wide range of industrial consumer products. It is a heterocyclic organic ether that, through consumer products and industrial, municipal, and domestic effluents, can get into the environment. Due to its volatility and miscibility, short-term exposure results in irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat, while excessive amounts damage the liver and kidney. Long-term exposure results in carcinogenicity to humans that may associate with death. Statement of problem: 1,4-Dioxane is nonbiodegradable in nature and hence persists in the environmental compartments; some methods such as UV peroxide oxidation, direct UV photolysis, and activated carbon adsorption were reported to be effective in the removal of dioxane in the environment. Yet, their adaptation challenges such as complex matrices, running costs, mass balance, and stoichiometry limitations hinder their efficiency. Finding: Mimicking natural or integrated techniques such as bacteriological transformation of dioxane via aerobic, anaerobic, microcosm, integrated microbial community, and co-metabolic techniques is among the robust eco-friendly technologies against these limitations. Soil matrix offers enormous microbial consortium for nature-based remediation of dioxane with high turnup than single microbial strains. Since bacteriological remediation offers adoptable, flexible, and quick implementation strategies that minimizes the use of synthetic chemicals, its fundamental understanding will be inevitable. Conclusion: Nature-based remediation of dioxane is an undoubtable future since apart from the natural occurrence of soil bacteria responsible for degradation, their natural adaptation flexibility, energy conservation, and release of harmless by-products without formation of secondary synergic harmful contaminants present a relatively affordable technique.Item Socio-economic, Health, and Psychological Impacts of Covid-19 on Human Well-Being in East Africa(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2024) Ngongolo, K.; Mrimi, D.The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted society around the world and had an impact on many facets of human welfare. This chapter offers a thorough analysis of how Covid-19 has affected people's quality of life in East Africa. The study highlights the socio-economic, health, and psychological effects of the pandemic in the area, such as elevated mortality rates, difficulties with mental health, a downturn in the economy, and disruptions in social interactions by looking at a wide range of scholarly articles, reports, and data sources. It also looks at regional responses, difficulties encountered, and viable solutions to lessen the consequences and improve people's well-being. It also considers prospective benefits including enhanced cleanliness standards, technology breakthroughs, and societal resiliency. The chapter's findings advance knowledge of the multiple effects of COVID-19 on human wellbeing and offer policymakers, researchers, and practitioners’ useful information for formulating plans to lessen the adverse effects and advance the general welfare of people and communities in the post-pandemic era.Item Assessment of livestock loss factors in the Western Serengeti, Tanzania(IntechOpen, 2012) Nyahongo, J. W.; Røskaft, E.Item Metal oxide nanoparticles: a welcome development for targeting bacteria(Elsevier, 2020) Fasiku, Victoria Oluwaseun; Owonubi, Shesan John; Malima, Nyemaga Masanje; Hassan, Daniel; Revaprasadu, NeerishResistance to numerous antibiotics by a broad strain of microorganisms has become a global health concern. Conventional antibiotic agents and techniques have become inadequate to completely combat infectious diseases associated with this pathogen; thus, there is an increased rate of infectious disease mortality. In recent years, various scientific researchers have embarked on studies to explore alternate ways by which antibiotic resistance can be curbed. Nanotechnology has proven to be very promising, and a typical example of a nanotechnology strategy that has shown potential application in targeting different strains of resistant and nonresistant microbial strains is the treatment with metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs). This chapter, therefore, focuses on different types of MONPs with antibacterial activities that have been studied, their method of synthesis, mechanisms of action, as well as the various fields that they can be potentially relevant in targeting pathogenic organisms.Item Metal oxide–based nanocomposites as antimicrobial and biomedical agents(Elsevier, 2020) Owonubi, Shesan John; Malima, Nyemaga Masanje; Revaprasadu, NeerishAntibiotic and multidrug resistance are among the great challenges facing researchers in designing and developing effective antimicrobial and biomedical agents. Thus, various strategies are being explored for the design and development of novel and effective biomedical and antimicrobial agents, one of which involves the fabrication of metal oxide–based nanocomposites (MOBNCs). Inspired by remarkable advances in the synthesis and characterization techniques over the years, antimicrobial metal oxide nanocomposites have in recent times been explored as potential antibiotics to fight the rise of infectious diseases. In this chapter, we present a review of the synthesis and characterization techniques of MOBNCs. This is preceded by a brief account and classification of metal oxide nanocomposites. We also highlight key findings on the efficacy of various MOBNCs regarding their antimicrobial activities to the target organisms. Finally, we provide a brief account of the potential biomedical applications of MOBNCs.