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BiOX(X=Cl, Br, I)-based S-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts for environmental remediation and energy conversion
Yusuf, Tunde Lewis; Orimolade, Benjamin O.; Masekela, Daniel; Adegoke, Kayode A.; Modibane, Kwena D.; Makgato, Seshibe S. (Elsevier, 2025-06)
Over the past decade, photocatalysis has gained recognition as a powerful tool for environmental remediation and sustainable energy production. Bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX, where X = Cl, Br, I) have attracted particular interest as efficient photocatalysts due to their excellent visible-light harvesting capabilities, straightforward-synthesis, and high photostability. S-scheme heterojunctions have been developed to further improve their performance, which enhances electron-hole separation and significantly increases photocatalytic efficiency. This review examines recent advancements in BiOX-based S-scheme heterostructures, focusing on their diverse applications in pollutant degradation, CO2 reduction, and H2 production. An evaluation of the effectiveness, benefits, and limitations of various synthesis methods has been carried out in this article in addition to various strategies to improve the photocatalytic activity of BiOX. This study also compares the suitability of the synthesized methods for removing emerging organic and inorganic pollutants, including dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants of environmental concern. The performances of various BiOX catalysts for H2 production and CO2 conversion to chemicals and fuels were discussed to point out the strengths, weaknesses, and the need for high-performance BiOX catalysts for energy conversion. Also, an analysis of the specific mechanisms driving the photocatalytic activity and strategies to address current challenges have been presented in the article. Finally, this review identifies key knowledge gaps and presents recommendations for scaling BiOX photocatalysts toward large-scale and industrial applications.
Mathematical modelling of the dynamics of typhoid fever and two modes of treatment in a health district in Cameroon
Tsafack, Thierry Jimy; Kwa Kum, Cletus; Tassé, Arsène Jaurès Ouemba; Tsanou, Berge (AIMS Press, 2025-02-14)
In this paper, we propose a novel mathematical model for indirectly transmitted typhoid fever disease that incorporates the use of modern and traditional medicines as modes of treatment. Theoretically, we provide two Lyapunov functions to prove the global asymptotic stability of the disease-free equilibrium (DFE) and the endemic equilibrium (EE) when the basic reproduction number is less than one and greater than one, respectively. The model is calibrated using the number of cumulative cases reported in the Penka-Michel health district in Cameroon. The parameter estimates thus obtained give a value of = 1.2058 > 1, which indicates that the disease is endemic in the region. The forecast of the outbreak up to November 2026 suggests that the number of cases will be 21,270, which calls for urgent attention on this endemic disease. A sensitivity analysis with respect to the basic reproduction number is conducted, and the main parameters that impact the widespread of the disease are determined. The analysis highlights that the environmental transmission rate and the decay rate of the bacteria in the environment are the most influential parameters for. This underscores the urgent need for potable water and adequate sanitation within this area to reduce the spread of the disease. Numerically, we illustrate the usefulness of recourse to any mode of treatment to lessen the number of infected cases and the necessity of switching from modern treatment to the traditional treatment, a useful adjuvant therapy. Conversely, we show that the relapse phenomenon increases the burden of the disease. Hence adopting a synergistic therapy approach will significantly mitigate typhoid disease cases and overcome the cycle of poverty within the afflicted communities.
Numerical boundary control of multi-dimensional hyperbolic equations
Herty, Michael; Hinzmann, Kai; Muller, Siegfried; Thein, Ferdinand (American Institute of Mathematical Sciences, 2025)
Existing theoretical stabilization results for linear, hyperbolic multi–dimensional problems are extended to discretized multi-dimensional problems. In contrast to existing theoretical and numerical analysis in the spatially one–dimensional case the effect of the numerical dissipation is analyzed and explicitly quantified. Further, using dimensional splitting, the numerical analysis is extended to the multi-dimensional case. The findings are confirmed by numerical simulations for low-order and high-order DG schemes both in the one-dimensional and two-dimensional case.
Immunopathogenesis and therapeutic implications in basal cell carcinoma : current concepts and future directions
Steel, Helen Carolyn; Rossouw, Theresa M.; Anderson, Ronald; Anderson, Lindsay; Van Tonder, Daniel; Smit, Teresa; Rapoport, Bernardo Leon (MDPI, 2025-10-25)
This review is focused on understanding the reasons why basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common, increasingly prevalent cancer, is classified as an “immune excluded” malignancy. It is, despite manifesting one of the highest tumor mutational burdens of any solid human malignancy, considered to be a biomarker of enhanced tumor immunogenicity and efficacy of tumor-targeted immunotherapy. Following a brief clinical overview, the balance of the review addresses important translational issues based on recent insights into the mechanisms underpinning immune exclusion/evasion in BCC. These include, firstly, the role of infectious agents and non-infectious potential causes of predisposition for and/or exacerbation of disease development and progression. Secondly, an overview of existing and emerging novel therapeutic strategies to ameliorate immune exclusion in BCC based on targeting several key immunosuppressive mechanisms. These are (i) inappropriate activation of the hedgehog signaling pathway (HHSP) due to formation of key driver mutations; (ii) interference with the presentation of tumor-specific antigens/neoantigens to cytotoxic T-cells; (iii) attenuation of the influx of anti-tumor natural killer cells; (iv) the recruitment and activation of immune suppressive regulatory T-cells; and (v) localized and systemic immune dysfunction achieved via elevated levels of soluble co-inhibitory immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs). The final section is focused on current and emerging pharmacologic and immune-based therapies.
Enhancing public health education through smart learning environments : integrating technology and pedagogy
Patrick, Sean Mark; Nicholas, Noel; Maritz, Melissa; Wolvaardt, Jacqueline Elizabeth (Liz) (Springer, 2025-08)
The landscape of public health education is transforming, and online learning technologies are rapidly being adopted. This narrative review examines how public health education has evolved by comparing traditional and online learning environments, focusing on how smart learning environments can enhance educational outcomes. The analysis is grounded in the community of inquiry framework, Gardner's theory on multiple intelligences, and the theory of self-regulated learning. This review first outlines the key competencies required by public health professionals, including epidemiology, health policy, and biostatistics, and then discusses how these competencies are taught traditionally. This description is followed by an exploration of online learning environments and the unique challenges faced by learners, such as the need for self-regulation and motivation. Smart learning environments should integrate adaptive learning technologies and personalized learning pathways to address these challenges and provide a more engaging and supportive learning experience. These technologies enable real-time feedback and customization of learning materials, allowing students to monitor their progress and adjust their learning strategies. Smart learning environments can also contribute to community and collaborative learning in online environments. Integrating smart learning environments into public health curricula can enhance student learning outcomes and prepare future public health professionals to navigate a rapidly changing digital world. The purpose of this review is to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the modernization of public health education by proposing a conceptual community of inquiry framework for smart learning environments, suggesting a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of traditional and online learning methods.