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- Nanocomposites from β-Pinene and α-Pinene Copolymer: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antioxidant EvaluationPublication . Derdar, Hodhaifa; Cherifi, Zakaria; Mitchell, Geoffrey; Mateus, Artur; Zerrouki, Meziane; Hammoudi, Naima; Bachari, Khaldoun; Chebout, Redouane; Touahra, Fouzia; Bouchama, Abdelghani; Harrane, Amine; Meghabar, RachidIn this study, we present a novel and straightforward approach for the synthesis of copolymers and nanocomposites based on α- and β-pinene, employing an eco-friendly and cost-effective nano-reinforcing filler. The copolymers (α-co-β-P) were produced through cationic copolymerization, using AlCl3 as a catalyst. The structural characterization of the resulting copolymer was validated through FT-IR, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The molecular weight of the obtained polymer is determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) analysis and is about 4500 g/mol. Nanocomposites (α-co-β-P/Clay 2, 5, 8, and 10% by weight of nano-clay) were synthesized by combining clay and α-co-β-P copolymer in solution using ultrasonic irradiation. This ultrasound-assisted method was employed to enhance and assess the structural, morphological, and thermal properties of the pure copolymer. The morphology of the resultant nanocomposites was characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the nanocomposites exhibit a higher degradation temperature compared to the pure copolymer. The analyses provided evidence of the chemical modification of nano-clay layers and their uniform dispersion in the α-co-β-P copolymer matrix. Exfoliated structures were achieved for lower clay concentration (2% by weight), while intercalated structures and immiscible regions were observed for higher clay concentrations (5, 8, and 10% by weight). The antioxidant activity of α-pinene, β-pinene, and the obtained nanocomposites were studied using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) as a model free-radical. The results demonstrate a significant antioxidant potential of the nanocomposites, showcasing their ability to effectively neutralize free-radicals. Finally, a novel procedure was devised for the rapid synthesis of copolymers and nanocomposites using α- and β-pinene.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Nursing Interventions Promoting Self-Care in Elderly People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (At Home)Publication . Salvado, Susana; Grilo, Eugénia; Henriques, Helga; Ferraz, Isabel; Gaspar, Filomena; Baixinho, CristinaBackground/Objectives: Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognised as one of the most cost-effective interventions. However, patients’ adherence to these programmes remains a challenge. This systematic literature review aimed to describe pulmonary rehabilitation interventions carried out by nurses that promote self-care in elderly people with COPD (at home). Methods: The exploratory literature search was conducted to support the development of the research question and the PICO strategy. The criteria for eligibility were determined for participants, interventions, comparators, and outcomes. Research was conducted in the CINAHL, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE databases and that covered publications up to 31 December 2024 with no temporal limit identified, eight articles that included cohort studies, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and quasi-experimental studies that met the quality standards established by JBI. Results: The identified interventions include health education, breathing training and physical exercise, the development of tailor-made plans with monitoring and follow-up, psychological support, and oxygen therapy management. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of tailor-made interventions that can enhance self-care in elderly people with COPD in a home setting, as well as key components of respiratory rehabilitation.