Archives-November 2025

The demand for commercial nanoparticles are on the increase due to their wider applications in many fields, the biological synthesis provides a cost-effective, more stable materials using eco-environmental friendly routes to reduce health risk and hazardous waste into the environment. Nanoparticles are products of a rapidly growing technology which is widely applied in many fields. The use of toxic organic solvents and strong reducing agents are not environmental friendly which results in producing hazardous wastes that poses serious threat on the environment. The aim of this study is to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and composite ZnO nanoparticles (CZnO NPs) using cassava leaf extract. Chemical precipitation method was used to synthesize ZnO NPs and CZnO NPs. Both nanoparticle samples were characterized using analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD results revealed the 6 mineral phases in cassava leave, 7 mineral phases in composite ZnO NPs and 7 mineral phases in ZnO NPs. SEM morphology revealed large, rough, irregular shaped particle sizes which looks like particle agglomeration. The FTIR results showed the broad band at 3276.33 cm-1, 2046.31 cm-1, 1606.48 cm-1, 1158.2 cm-1, 868.47 cm-1 stretching which indicate O-H, C=O, C-O, and ZnO stretch respectively. The TGA results showed thermal stability of 100 g of ZnO samples up to over 300 oC before decreasing. In conclusion, the ZnO NPs and its composite ZnO NPs were successfully synthesized and exhibited close similar qualities.

 Healthcare workers are particularly concerned about burnout, which is characterised by depersonalization (DP), emotional exhaustion (EE), and decreased personal accomplishment (PA). Among 160 healthcare workers in Odisha, India, this study examined the predictive functions of psychological flexibility and mindfulness in connection to burnout. Multiple regression analysis, two-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Mindfulness showed a positive correlation with PA (r = 0.44, p <.01) and a negative correlation with EE (r = -0.56, p <.01) and DP (r = -0.47, p <.01). Psychological flexibility showed a positive correlation with PA (r = 0.37, p <.01) and a negative correlation with EE (r = -0.49, p <.01) and DP (r = -0.41, p <.01). Regression studies showed that psychological flexibility (B = -0.64, ? = -0.36, t = -5.79, p <.001) and mindfulness (B = -0.48, ? = -0.41, t = -6.78, p <.001) were significant predictors of burnout. Main effects of gender on EE (F (1,156) = 6.84, p =.01) and DP (F (1,156) = 5.92, p =.02) were found by two-way ANOVA. Additionally, a gender × psychological flexibility interaction on EE was found (F (1,156) = 4.77, p =.03). Males reported higher DP, whereas females reported higher EE. The results support mindfulness and flexibility-based therapies in healthcare and highlight the value of psychological resources in lowering burnout.