AAS Open Research最新文献

{"title":"Risky sexual behaviours among young adults attending Higher Learning Institutions in Mbeya, Tanzania: implications for STIs and HIV preventive programs.","authors":"Ruby Doryn Mcharo, Willyhelmina Olomi, Philippe Mayaud, Sia E Msuya","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13123.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/aasopenres.13123.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background High-risk sexual behaviors(HRSBs) among young adults are key risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs), HIV and unplanned pregnancies. WHO has identified the 15-24years age-group as high-risk for STIs. Students at Higher Learning Institutions(HLIs) may be at higher risk because they are <i>free</i> of immediate parental-supervision, are a transient migratory population, probably at peak-years of sexual activity.  In Tanzania, information is limited on sexual and preventive behaviours among young adults in HLIs. We describe risky sexual behaviours and preventive practices among young adults attending HLIs in Mbeya-Tanzania. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from March2019 to January2020 among randomly selected students aged 18-24years enrolled in HLIs within Mbeya.  Probability proportional to size was used to determine total student number from each HLI. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect information on sexual health education, activity, behaviour and STI knowledge. Results Total of 504students were enrolled with mean age of 21.5(SD 1.74)years. Total of 446(88.5%) students reported ever having had sex. Mean-age at first sex was 18.4years and 9.9% reported sexual debut <15years. A higher proportion of male students(57%) reported sexual debut with non-steady partners than females(37.9%). Lack of condom use at sexual debut was reported by 52% of the participants. Consistent condom use during past 4-weeks was reported at 33% and 16.5% among males and females, respectively. About 1 in 10 students reported forced sex by someone they were dating. Sex under the influence of alcohol was reported by 24% of the students.  Nearly 8 in 10 (78.7%) students have heard of STIs, but only 16% were aware STIs can be asymptomatic.  Conclusion STI prevention programs need to recognize young adults in HLIs as at-risk population; and advocate targeted messages to minimize risk to acquiring STIs, counseling and support for those experiencing sexual violence, promote condom use and safer-sex negotiation skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":"3 ","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10080207/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9565450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of extraction conditions for polyphenols from the stem bark of <i>Funtumia elastica</i> (Funtum) utilizing response surface methodology.","authors":"Theophilus Fadjare Frempong,&nbsp;Nathaniel Owusu Boadi,&nbsp;Mercy Badu","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13284.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13284.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The recovery of phenolic compounds is seen as an arduous task because phenolic compounds are available as free aglycones, as sugar or ester conjugates, or as polymers with several monomeric components. This study looks at the optimization of factors that affect the efficiency for the extraction of phenolic compounds from the stem-bark of Funtumia elastica.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Five independent variables (solvent concentration, time, the temperature, solid-liquid ratio, and pH) of the extraction process were selected. Single factor analysis as well as the response surface method was used to evaluate the impact of the selected factors on the total phenolic content. The effect of the extraction factors on the phenolic content was tested for its statistical significant (p <0.05). For the response surface method, a five/factor, five/level central composite design was used, and a fitted second-order polynomial regression model equation was used to show how the extraction parameters affected the total phenolic recovery.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The predicted value (R² of 0.5917) agreed with the adjusted value (R² of 0.7707). The residuals for response predictions were less than 5%. The optimal factors for the extraction were ethanol concentration of 75.99% v/v, extraction time of 193.86 minutes, temperature of 63.66°C, pH of 5.62, and solid-liquid ratio of 1:21.12 g/mL. Actual overall content of the phenolic compounds was validated at 82.83 ± 3.335 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) /g weight of extract, which agreed with the predicted response of 89.467 mg GAE/g of the dried extract under the optimal factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The rich phenolic content of stem-bark of Funtumia elastica points to its potential as a functional medicinal product to alleviate diseases caused by oxidative stress such as asthma, breathing disorders, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. The results obtained indicate that, the studied optimal conditions support effective phenolics extraction of Funtumia elastica.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8479850.2/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39637976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A phenomenological study on experiences of cancer stigma amongst selected people living with cancer in rural and urban Zimbabwe.","authors":"Enock Mandizadza,&nbsp;Stanzia Moyo","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13282.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13282.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Cancer is a highly stigmatized illness associated with profound adverse impact on communities, families and diagnosed individuals. Notwithstanding extensive theorizing since Erving Goffman's classical contributions, health stigma is well explicated in context-specific and situated analysis. The current study explored the manifestations of self and enacted stigma among 20 selected people diagnosed with cancer from rural and urban Zimbabwe, who sought quaternary level of health care services in the capital, Harare. <b>Methods:</b> Phenomenological methodology was enlisted to capture intimate expressions of stigma as expressed about, and by people diagnosed with cancer. Data collection methods used includes semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A semi-structured in-depth interview guide, focus group discussion guide and a key informant interview guide were the tools used to collect the data. <b>Results:</b> The study identified five themes of stigma, indicating pronounced, complex and multiple catalogues of stigma embedded in the existing socio-cultural milieu. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study stands to offer invaluable conceptual schemas and empirical insights on health-related stigma, and may aid in nursing and in the design of educational programs meant to combat health stigma.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8649965/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39747497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low COVID-19 impact in Africa: The multifactorial Nexus","authors":"Aniefiok Udoakang, M. Oboh, Agatha Henry-Ajala, C. Anyigba, S. Omoleke, A. Amambua-Ngwa, L. Paemka, G. Awandare, P. Quashie","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13261.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13261.1","url":null,"abstract":"Africa has defied predictions of being the worst hit by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which has devastated Europe, the Americas, and some Asian countries. However, with a current second and third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic across other continents, pertinent​ questions have arisen regarding the lower disease severity and seemingly better outcomes in most African countries. Several factors have been proposed as discussed in this review including, underreporting, quick lockdown measures, effective public health intervention, younger population structure, cross-immunity and experience from fighting previous epidemics, such as the Ebola virus outbreak, previous infections or vaccinations, genetic predisposition, and tropical climate. We have discussed the implications of these factors on the magnitude of the outbreak and the better-than-expected outcomes observed in Africa. In addition, other potential factors like vitamin-D deficiency and chronic non-communicable diseases could predispose non-African regions to severe COVID-19 outcome. Therefore, this review further advocates for research to understand the precise mechanisms responsible for the pandemic’s relatively mild impact in Africa and proposed recommendations to prevent an infection surge.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49520796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of livestock interventions on maternal and child nutrition outcomes in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.","authors":"Josphat Muema, Julius Oyugi, Zipporah Bukania, Mutono Nyamai, Christine Jost, Tewoldeberhan Daniel, Joseph Njuguna, Samuel Mwangi Thumbi","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13150.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/aasopenres.13150.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The challenge of undernutrition (stunting and wasting) still remains a major health concern in children below 5 years of age in Africa, with the continent accounting for more than one third of all stunted children and more than one quarter of all wasted children globally. Despite the growing evidence on the role of agriculture interventions in improving nutrition, empirical evidence on the impact of livestock intervention on nutrition in Africa is scant. This review is aimed at determining whether livestock interventions are effective in reducing undernutrition in children below five years of age and in pregnant and lactating women in Africa. The review will be conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Major electronic databases will be searched and complemented with grey and non-indexed literature from google and google scholar, and expert consultation for additional articles and reports. PICO criteria will be used while employing search strategies including MeSH, Boolean search operators and truncation/wildcard symbol to narrow or broaden the search. Articles on effect of livestock interventions on maternal and child nutrition conducted in Africa that meet the set inclusion criteria will be included in the review after critical appraisal by two independent reviewers. A standardized form will be used to extract data from included studies. The extracted data will be summarized and synthesized both qualitatively and quantitatively and key outcomes presented. Evidence generated from the systematic review and meta-analysis will be important for guiding nutrition sensitive livestock interventions and policies on nutrition programming, specifically on how to leverage on livestock interventions to reduce the burden of undernutrition.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":"4 1","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8552048/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66397355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of extraction conditions for polyphenols from the stem bark of Funtumia elastica (Funtum) utilizing response surface methodology","authors":"Theophilus Fadjare Frempong, Nathaniel Owusu Boadi, Mercy Badu","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13284.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13284.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The recovery of phenolic compounds is seen as an arduous task because phenolic compounds are available as free aglycones, as sugar or ester conjugates, or as polymers with several monomeric components. Furthermore, phenolic compounds do not disperse evenly and may be connected to cell walls, carbohydrates, or proteins. This study looks at the optimization of factors that affect the efficiency for the extraction of phenolic compounds from the stem-bark of Funtumia elastica. Methods: Five independent variables (solvent concentration, time, the temperature, solid-liquid ratio, and pH) of the extraction process were selected. Single factor analysis as well as the response surface method was used to evaluate the impact of the selected factors on the total phenolic content. The effect of the extraction factors on the phenolic content was statistically significant (p <0.05). For the response surface method, a five/factor, five/level central composite design used, and a fitted second-order polynomial regression model equation was used to show how the extraction parameters affected the total phenolic recovery. Results: The predicted value (R² of 0.5917) agreed with the adjusted value (R² of 0.7707). The residuals for response predictions were less than 5%. The optimal factors for the extraction were ethanol concentration of 75.99% v/v, extraction time of 193.86 minutes, temperature of 63.66°C, pH of 5.62, and solid-liquid ratio of 1:21.12 g/mL. Actual overall content of the phenolic compounds was validated at 82.83 ± 3.335 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) /g weight of extract, which agreed with the predicted response of 89.467 mg GAE/g of the dried extract under the optimal factors. Conclusions: The rich phenolic content of stem-bark of Funtumia elastica points to its potential as a functional medicinal product to alleviate diseases caused by oxidative stress such as asthma, breathing disorders, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66399773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and facilitators to health insurance enrolment among people working in the informal sector in Morogoro, Tanzania.","authors":"Elisante Abraham, Cindy Gray, Adeniyi F Fagbamigbe, Fabrizio Tediosi, Brianna Otesinky, Joke Haafkens, Grace Mhalu, Sally Mtenga","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13289.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/aasopenres.13289.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Health insurance is a crucial pathway towards the achievement of universal health coverage. In Tanzania, health-financing reforms are underway to speed up universal health coverage in the informal sector. Despite improved Community Health Fund (iCHF) rollout, iCHF enrolment remains a challenge in the informal sector. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of local women food vendors (LWFV) and <i>Bodaboda</i> (motorcycle taxi) drivers on factors that challenge and facilitate their enrolment in iCHF. <b>Methods:</b> A qualitative study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality through in-depth interviews with LWFV (n=24) and <i>Bodaboda</i> drivers (n=26), and two focus group discussions with LWFV (n=8) and <i>Bodaboda</i> drivers (n=8). Theory of planned behaviour (TPB) constructs (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived control) provided a framework for the study and informed a thematic analysis focusing on the barriers and facilitators of iCHF enrolment. <b>Results:</b> The views of LWFV and <i>Bodaboda</i> drivers on factors that influence iCHF enrolment converged. Three main barriers emerged: lack of knowledge about the iCHF (attitude); negative views from friends and families (subjective norms); and inability to overcome challenges, such as the quality and range of health services available to iCHF members and iCHF not being accepted at non-government facilities (perceived control). A number of facilitators were identified, including opinions that enrolling to iCHF made good financial sense (attitude), encouragement from already-enrolled friends and relatives (subjective norms) and the belief that enrolment payment is affordable (perceived control). <b>Conclusions:</b> Results suggest that positive attitudes supported by perceived control and encouragement from significant others could potentially motivate LWFV and <i>Bodaboda</i> drivers to enroll in iCHF. However, more targeted information about the scheme is needed for individuals in the informal sector. There is also a need to ensure that quality health services are available, including coverage for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and that non-government facilities accept iCHF.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"45"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11231626/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43428287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends and correlates of girl-child marriage in 11 West African countries: evidence from recent Demographic and Health Surveys","authors":"A. Fatusi, S. Adedini, J. W. Mobolaji","doi":"10.2139/ssrn.3537080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3537080","url":null,"abstract":"Background: West Africa historically has a high prevalence of girl-child marriage and requires substantial reduction to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of ending child marriage by 2030, but current data on progress is sparce. We aimed to determine the trend in child marriage in West Africa and assess the influence of selected socio-demographic factors. Methods: We analysed data on women aged 18-24 years from the two most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (conducted between 2006 and 2014) for 11 West African countries to determine the prevalence and trend of girl-child marriage. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between girl-child marriage and selected socio-demographic factors. Results: The prevalence of child marriage in West Africa is 41.5%. An overall decrease of 4.6% (annual rate of 0.01%) was recorded over a seven-year inter-survey period. Three countries (Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Niger) recorded increased prevalence while the rate was unchanged in Burkina Faso, and the other six countries had reduced prevalence between the last two surveys. Sierra Leone recorded the highest decrease in prevalence (22%) and an annual reduction rate of 0.04%; Cote d’Ivore had the highest increase (65.3%). In virtually all countries, rural residence, low education, poor household economic status and non-Christian religious affiliation were significantly associated with higher odds of girl-child marriage. Conclusions: The prevalence of girl-child marriage remains high in West Africa and the trend shows very slow progress. While substantial inter-country variations exist in overall rate and trend of child marriage, the rate of progress is inadequate across all countries.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44010040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends and correlates of girl-child marriage in 11 West African countries: evidence from recent Demographic and Health Surveys.","authors":"Adesegun O Fatusi,&nbsp;Sunday A Adedini,&nbsp;Jacob Wale Mobolaji","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13248.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13248.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: West Africa historically has a high prevalence of girl-child marriage and requires substantial reduction to meet the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of ending child marriage by 2030, but current data on progress is sparce. We aimed to determine the trend in child marriage in West Africa and assess the influence of selected socio-demographic factors. <b>Methods</b>: We analysed data on women aged 18-24 years from the two most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (conducted between 2006 and 2014) for 11 West African countries to determine the prevalence and trend of girl-child marriage. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between girl-child marriage and selected socio-demographic factors. <b>Results</b>: The prevalence of child marriage in West Africa is 41.5%. An overall decrease of 4.6% (annual rate of 0.01%) was recorded over a seven-year inter-survey period. Three countries (Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Niger) recorded increased prevalence while the rate was unchanged in Burkina Faso, and the other six countries had reduced prevalence between the last two surveys. Sierra Leone recorded the highest decrease in prevalence (22%) and an annual reduction rate of 0.04%; Cote d'Ivore had the highest increase (65.3%). In virtually all countries, rural residence, low education, poor household economic status and non-Christian religious affiliation were significantly associated with higher odds of girl-child marriage. <b>Conclusions</b>: The prevalence of girl-child marriage remains high in West Africa and the trend shows very slow progress. While substantial inter-country variations exist in overall rate and trend of child marriage, the rate of progress is inadequate across all countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"35"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8431189/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39440489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis of bismuth oxyhalide (BiOBr zI (1- z)) solid solutions for photodegradation of methylene dye.","authors":"Robert O. Gembo, O. Aoyi, Stephen Majoni, A. Etale, Sebusi Odisitse, Cecil K. King'ondu","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13249.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13249.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The removal of textile wastes is a priority due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties.  In this study, bismuth oxyhalide was used in the removal of methylene blue (MB) which is a textile waste. The main objective of this study was to develop and investigate the applicability of a bismuth oxyhalide (BiOBr zI (1-z)) solid solutions in the photodegradation of MB under solar and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. Methods: Bismuth oxyhalide (BiOBr zI (1-z)) (0 ≤ z ≤ 1) materials were successfully prepared through the hydrothermal method. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to determine the surface area, microstructure, crystal structure, and morphology of the resultant products. The photocatalytic performance of BiOBr zI (1-z) materials was examined through methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light and solar irradiation. Results: The XRD showed that BiOBr zI (1-z) materials crystallized into a tetragonal crystal structure with (102) peak slightly shifting to lower diffraction angle with an increase in the amount of iodide (I -). BiOBr 0.6I 0.4 materials showed a point of zero charge of 5.29 and presented the highest photocatalytic activity in the removal of MB with 99% and 88% efficiency under solar and UV irradiation, respectively. The kinetics studies of MB removal by BiOBr zI (1-z) materials showed that the degradation process followed nonlinear pseudo-first-order model indicating that the removal of MB depends on the population of the adsorption sites. Trapping experiments confirmed that photogenerated holes (h +) and superoxide radicals ( •O 2 -) are the key species responsible for the degradation of MB. Conclusions : This study shows that bismuth oxyhalide materials are very active in the degradation of methylene blue dye using sunlight and thus they have great potential in safeguarding public health and the environment from the dye's degradation standpoint. Moreover, the experimental results agree with nonlinear fitting.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":"4 1","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66400058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}