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The term “asteroid family” refers to a collection of asteroids that share similar proper orbital elements such as semi-major axis, eccentricities, and orbital inclinations. Detecting small asteroid families has proved to be a challenge for a long time because of their extremely low sample size. In general, standalone machine learning classifiers tend to exhibit a bias towards classes with larger sample sizes, resulting in the inadequate classification of asteroid families with limited data. In this paper, a two-step supervised model was proposed for the effective classification of the asteroid families, especially for the tiny, small, and lower groups of medium asteroid families. The proposed model uses two-step classification in an attempt to resolve the challenges that come with the imbalanced dataset where at first a binary classification of small and large families was done with an XGB (Extreme Gradient boosting) classifier and then in the second stage Random Forest classifier was used alongside previously identified binary features to classify asteroid families. The proposed model performed better with higher F1 scores for tiny and small asteroid families compared to other algorithms tested in this work. It also achieved a perfect F1 score for 90 families, among 112 families which were tested. As for the lower group of medium sized asteroid families, it performed slightly worse compared to the previously used machine learning algorithms. Along with this, four dataset imbalance handling techniques have been employed in this work and compared to the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving the ideal replacement for robust biological tissues requires biocompatible materials with a nuanced blend of characteristics, including organ specific toughness, durability, self-repairing capability, and a well-defined structure. Hydrogels, structured with high water containing 3D-crosslinked polymeric networks, present a promising avenue in biomedical applications due to their close resemblance to natural tissues. However, their mechanical performance often falls short, limiting their clinical applications. Recent research has been focused on developing biocompatible hydrogel materials for therapeutic applications. Recent advancements have spurred researchers to develop biocompatible hydrogels having acceptable mechanical toughness. While it is now possible to tailor the mechanical properties of synthetic gels to mimic those of natural tissues, critical aspects such as biocompatibility and crosslinking strategies are frequently neglected. This review scrutinizes the structural and crosslinking techniques designed to improve the toughness of hydrogels, focusing especially on innovative efforts to integrate these enhancements into natural-based hydrogels. By thoroughly examining these methodologies, the review sheds light on the complexities of strengthening hydrogels for biomedical applications and will propose valuable insights for the development of next-generation tissue substitutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medicinal plants are vital to healthcare, yet many remain unexplored. Marsdenia thyrsiflora Hook.f., from Bangladesh's Bhawal Forest, lacks research on its medicinal properties, especially its antioxidant capacities and protection against CCl4-induced liver toxicity. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant properties of M. thyrsiflora leaf extract to determine its protective effects on rodents against CCl4-induced liver injury. Methods: After extraction, the total phenol, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity of the leaf extract were measured using established protocols. Free radical scavenging abilities were evaluated with 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) assays. Additionally, reducing power was assessed through cupric-reducing and ferric-reducing assays. Based on the OECD 420 recommendation, acute toxicity was tested on Swiss albino mice to establish an effective and safe dosage. For the hepatoprotective study, Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-treated with M. thyrsiflora leaf methanolic extract (MTLM) at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, and CCl4 was administered to induce liver damage. Serum hepatic enzyme levels (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides), total bilirubin, and markers of lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde (MDA)) were measured. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) were also evaluated to assess oxidative stress. Results: The results demonstrated that MTLM, rich in phenolic and flavonoid content, exhibits significant antioxidant activities in DPPH and NO radical scavenging assays, as well as in reducing power assays. The acute toxicity study confirmed the safety of MTLM, with no adverse effects observed even at high doses. For the hepatoprotective study, rats were administered CCl4 to induce liver damage, followed by treatment with MTLM. Results showed that MTLM significantly reduces liver damage markers such as elevated serum hepatic enzyme levels, lipid profile, total bilirubin, and lipid peroxidation and improves the activities of GSH and key antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT. Histopathological analysis corroborated these findings, displaying reduced necrosis, inflammation, and edema in liver tissues treated with MTLM. Conclusion: MTLM extract exhibits potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Its ability to attenuate oxidative stress, enhance antioxidant enzyme activities, and facilitate histopathological changes in the liver highlights its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for liver damage. However, further investigation is required to understand its molecular processes, safety profiles, and active component characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead halide perovskites have distinct physiochemical properties and demonstrate remarkable power conversion efficiency. We used density functional theory to investigate the electrical, optical, structural, and elastic features of non-toxic InGeCl3 and InGeBr3 halide perovskite compounds at different hydrostatic pressures, from 0 to 8 GPa. InGeCl3 and InGeBr3 halide perovskite exhibit noteworthy changes in their electronic and optical properties under different pressure conditions. When the pressure is 0 GPa, the direct bandgap for InGeCl3 is 0.886 eV, and for InGeBr3 it is 0.536 eV. This gap decreases as the pressure rises. Specifically, InGeBr3 exhibits conducting properties at 3 GPa due to its larger bromine atoms, whereas InGeCl3 requires a higher pressure of 6 GPa to achieve similar conductivity. This type of nature suggests that larger halogen atoms reduce the bandgap more effectively under pressure. As the pressure increases, the behavior of the lattice constant and unit cell volume decreases constantly, from 5.257 and 145.267 Å3 for InGeCl3 to 5.509 and 167.168 Å3 for InGeBr3 at 0 GPa for both compounds. When subjected to pressure, the bonds between In-X and Ge-X atoms experience compression, leading to a decrease in surface area and an enhancement in mechanical strength. Overall, the compounds exhibit characteristics of semiconductors, as evidenced by evaluations of their electrical properties. As pressure increases, the bandgap decreases linearly, narrowing until it aligns with the Fermi level, leading to a transition toward a metallic state. In addition, the pressure induces a rise in the electrical density of states around the Fermi level by displacing valence band electrons in an upward direction. As pressure increases, the electron density peak shifts to lower photon energy values. Notably, InGeCl3 exhibits a more pronounced shift in this peak compared to InGeBr3, indicating greater sensitivity to pressure. In terms of optical properties, both compounds demonstrate significant absorption coefficients in the visible region, suggesting their potential suitability for photovoltaic applications. The dielectric constant, absorption, and reflectivity values all increase gradually as pressure increases. The absorption spectra shift toward longer wavelengths. Furthermore, the mechanical properties analysis reveals that all InGeX3 compounds are mechanically stable up to 8 GPa pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media and climate change are some of the most controversial issues of the 21st century. Despite numerous studies, our understanding of current social media trends, popular hot topics, and future challenges related to climate change remains significantly limited. This research presents a systematic review of climate change and social media for the first time. Review the studies published between 2009 and 2022 in places like Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web-of-Science, Scopus, ResearchGate, and others. For this systematic review, we found 1,057 articles. Forty-five articles were the most relevant according to our goals and study design, which followed the PRISMA framework. The results of this review demonstrate that Twitter is the most popular platform. Every year, we identify rising trends in the number of publications. Past studies often focused on just one social media site, like Twitter (n = 26) or Facebook (n = 5). Although most studies focus on the United States, the study area is primarily "all over the world." This study offers a theoretical framework by examining the relationship between social media platforms and the discourse surrounding climate change. It looked into how social media trends influence public perception, raise awareness, and spur action on climate change. In practical terms, the study focuses on important and trending topics like nonbelievers and climate change. The contribution consists of synthesizing the body of research, providing insights into the state of the digital world, and suggesting future lines of inquiry for the field of social media and climate change studies. We highlighted the studies' quality assessment result of "moderate quality." This systematic review provides information about how climate change is now portrayed on social media and lays the groundwork for further study in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universities play a crucial role in urban economic and structural development. The government of Bangladesh has undertaken the initiative to establish a public university in each of the 64 districts. These newly founded universities have the potential to impact urban growth significantly. We aimed to project university-induced urban expansion to address this knowledge gap and identify the mechanisms driving urban growth. The classification of supervised and unsupervised methods was employed to analyze urban development for the years 2000, 2010, 2016, and 2022. We used the Cellular Automata and Markov Chain approach to forecast future urban growth and land transition capacity. Additionally, the driving factors and selection of the study area were derived from Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Key Informant Interviews (KII), Probit Model, and Perception Index (PI). The findings of this study reveal a 1.6% urban growth rate within ten years of the establishment of the university, while urban expansion accelerated to 29.78% after ten years. The predictions also indicate a sustained urban growth rate of 4.7% by 2042. Furthermore, the PI index demonstrates that the establishment of the university has resulted in high demand for rental housing, serving as one of the primary drivers of urban expansion. Moreover, the Probit model highlights strong economic capability, proximity to the town, railway station, hospital, and easy access to credit as vital facilitators behind the drivers of urban expansion. Policymakers, the scientific community, and urban planners can benefit from this study in pursuing sustainable city development through university establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incident of Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP) explosion has pioneered a plethora of studies unfolding various biological effects of radiation stress on several living systems. Determining radiation dose rates at which both acute and chronic biological effects occur in different biological systems will aid in the ex-situ generation of radiation-tolerant organisms. So far, the accumulation of data on different radiation doses from Chernobyl area demonstrating various biological impacts has not been documented altogether vastly. Therefore, this review aims to document the recorded doses in CNPP over the years at which different biological changes have been observed in plants, soil, aquatic organisms, birds, and animals. A total of 72 peer-reviewed papers obtained from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Research4life were included in this review. A few factors have come under attention in this review. Firstly, plant and soil systems combinedly showed the most published studies after the catastrophe where plants showed a higher frequency of DNA methylation in their genome to resist radiation stress. Secondly, reduced species abundance, chromosomal aberrations, increased sterility, and mortality were mostly observed in the aftermath of Chernobyl catastrophe among plants, soil, aquatic organisms, birds, and small mammals. Furthermore, major scares of data after 2018 were prominently observed. Very few studies on radiation dose levels after 2018 are available. Hence, a major research area has emerged for radiation biologists to study present radiation levels and any genetic changes in the recent generation of the original victim species. This will help provide a standard dataset that can act as a reference resource for radiation biologists and future research on the impact of both acute and chronic radiation on the different biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A considerable amount of fruit waste is being produced every day worldwide. The green synthesis of metal nanoparticles from fruit peel waste can be an innovative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were synthesized by a green method using the pineapple peels extract (PLX) and copper sulfate pentahydrate. The formation of CuNPs was visually identified and detected by UV–Visible spectroscopy. The CuNPs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The antioxidant and reducing power of CuNPs were conducted by %DPPH scavenging and electron transfer-based ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, respectively. The antibacterial properties of CuNPs were determined in gram-positive, and gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that the CuNPs were spherical in shape with mean particle size 290.5 nm. The zeta potential of the nanoparticles was found to be − 12.3 mV indicating the instability in the colloidal state. The FTIR study confirmed the peaks of phytochemicals present in the PLX and the nanoparticles supporting the use of pineapple peels as stabilizing, reducing and capping agents. Both the DPPH and reducing power assay depicted that the synthesized CuNPs had significant antioxidant activity. However, the synthesized CuNPs had strong inhibitory capacity against both gram-positive and gram-negative test organisms. Thus, the CuNPS could be used for its viable antibacterial potential to preserve fruits, flowers, and vegetables from bacterial contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in an ongoing pandemic worldwide. Countries have adopted non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) to slow down the spread. This study proposes an agent-based model that simulates the spread of COVID-19 among the inhabitants of a city. The agent-based model can be accommodated for any location by integrating parameters specific to the city. The simulation gives the number of total COVID-19 cases. Considering each person as an agent susceptible to COVID-19, the model causes infected individuals to transmit the disease via various actions performed every hour. The model is validated by comparing the simulation to the real data of Ford County, KS, USA. Different interventions, including contact tracing, are applied on a scaled-down version of New York City, USA, and the parameters that lead to a controlled epidemic are determined. Our experiments suggest that contact tracing via smartphones with more than 60% of the population owning a smartphone combined with city-wide lockdown results in the effective reproduction number (Rt) to fall below 1 within 3 weeks of intervention. For 75% or more smartphone users, new infections are eliminated, and the spread is contained within 3 months of intervention. Contact tracing accompanied with early lockdown can suppress the epidemic growth of COVID-19 completely with sufficient smartphone owners. In places where it is difficult to ensure a high percentage of smartphone ownership, tracing only emergency service providers during a lockdown can go a long way to contain the spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The active flow optimization and the entropy generation of a spinning porous cylinder on laminar mixed convective flow in a lid-driven differentially heated square chamber have been explored numerically in this study. The cold top surface of the chamber is sliding in the right direction at a fixed velocity, while the cylinder is rotating at a fixed angular velocity, either assisting or opposing the main flow. Navier–Stokes and thermal energy equations define the transport phenomena, while an averaging approach via the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model is implemented for the porous medium. Three different mixed convection cases based on Reynolds number (31.62 ≤ Re ≤ 316.23), Grashof number (103 ≤ Gr ≤ 105), and Richardson number (0.1 ≤ Ri ≤ 10) are considered in the flow optimization along with the alteration of rotational Reynolds number (Rec = 10, 0, − 10), size (λ = 0.3, 04, 0.5), and position (1–5) of the cylinder. Quantitative evaluations of thermal performance are done in terms of mean Nusselt number, Bejan number, performance evaluation criterion, and thermal performance criterion. The optimization study primarily supports clockwise rotation at the central position of the porous cylinder with specific sizes (diameters) based on the ranges of governing parameters in each simulation case. It is found that the porous cylinder's rotation primarily determines fluid flow across the porous area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Bangladesh, remittances constitute a substantial portion of the country's foreign exchange earnings and serve as a primary source of income. However, a considerable number of Bangladeshi citizens reside overseas without proper documentation, exposing them to significant challenges such as limited access to healthcare and socioeconomic opportunities. Moreover, their irregular migration status often results in engaging in risky health behaviors that further exacerbate their vulnerability. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the risky health behavior and HIV/STI susceptibility of Bangladeshi irregular international migrants residing across the globe with undocumented status. Methods: Using a qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), 25 illegal migrants were interviewed who are currently living illegally or returned to their home country. The author used a thematic approach to code and analyze the data, combining an integrated data-driven inductive approach with a deductive approach. Concurrent processing and coding were facilitated by employing the Granheim model in data analysis. Results: The study identified four risky health behaviors among irregular Bangladeshi migrants: hazardous living conditions, risky jobs, suicidal ideation, and tobacco consumption. Additionally, the authors found some HIV/STI risk behavior among them including engaging in unprotected sex, consuming alcohol and drugs during sexual activity, and having limited access to medical facilities. Conclusions: The findings of this study can be used by health professional, governments, policymakers, NGOs, and concerned agencies to develop welfare strategies and initiatives for vulnerable undocumented migrant workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong spin–orbit coupling (SOC) in iridates has long been predicted to lead to exotic electronic and magnetic ground states. Ba 2 YIr O 6 (BYIO) has attracted particular attention due to the expectation of a J eff = 0 state for Ir 5 + ions under the j j -coupling scheme. However, controversies surround the actual realization of this state, as finite magnetic moments are consistently observed experimentally. We present a multi-physics study of this system by progressively introducing nonmagnetic Sb 5 + ions in place of Ir 5 + ( Ba 2 YIr ​ 1 − y Sb ​ y O ​ 6 , BYISO). Despite similar charge and ionic radii, Sb ​ 5 + doping appears highly inhomogeneous, coexisting with a fraction of nearly pure BYIO regions, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). This aligns with observations in related compounds. While inhomogeneity creates uncertainty, the doped majority phases offer valuable insights. It is relevant that the inclusion of even small amounts of Sb ​ 5 + (10–20%) leads to a rise in magnetization. This strengthens our previous suggestion that magnetic Ir ions form dynamic singlets in BYIO, resulting in a near-nonmagnetic background. The observed moment enhancement with nonmagnetic doping supports the breakdown of these singlets. Furthermore, the magnetization steadily increases with an increasing Sb ​ 5 + content, contradicting the anticipated approach towards the J eff = 0 state with increased SOC due to reduced hopping between Ir ​ 5 + ions. This reinforces the presence of individual Ir ​ 5 + moments. Overall, our findings suggest that Ba ​ 2 YIrO ​ 6 might not possess sufficiently strong SOC to be solely described within the j j -coupling picture, paving the way for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that claims the lives of millions of people around the world. A number of factors like disease's non-specific symptoms, increased viral mutation, growing antiviral drug resistance due to reduced susceptibility, unavailability of an effective vaccine for dengue, weak immunity against the virus, and many more are involved. Dengue belongs to the Flaviviridae family of viruses. The two species of the vector transmitting dengue are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, with the former one being dominant. Serotypes 2 of dengue fever are spread to the human body and cause severe illness. Recently, dengue has imposed an aggressive effect synergistically with the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we concentrated our efforts on finding a potential therapeutic. For this, we chose natural compounds to fight dengue fever, which is currently regarded as successful among many drug therapies. Following this, we started the in silico experiment with 922 plant extracts as lead compounds to fight serotype 2. In this study, we used SwissADME for analyzing ligand drug-likeness, pkCSM for designing an ADMET profile, Autodock vina 4.2 and Swissdock tools for molecular docking, and finally Desmond for molecular dynamics simulation. Ultimately 45 were found effective against the 2'O methyltransferase protein of serotype 2. CHEMBL376820 was found as possible therapeutic candidates for inhibiting methyltransferase protein in this thorough analysis. Nevertheless, more in vitro and in vivo research are required to substantiate their potential therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles are particularly interesting because of their potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Here, we have created ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanocomposites using the co-precipitation process, calcined them at various temperatures (300–750 °C), and explored their various properties. With a rise in calcination temperature, the average crystal size grows and crystallinity increases while the dislocation density and microstrain are reduced. XRD patterns and SEM pictures confirm the formation of the existing desired composites. The distinct purity of the composites was demonstrated through EDAX spectra. At a concentration of 300 μg mL−1, the nanocomposite calcined at 600 °C displays the highest anti-microbial action against Gram-positive bacterial strains like Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium and Gram-negative strains like Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli showed the highest susceptibility to IZ 3 with a mean zone of inhibition of 22.333 ± 0.577 mm. The overall findings of the synthesized nanocomposites, especially the low-temperature product, showed improved antioxidant activity against a wide range of free radicals and these nanocomposites showed the least activity against nitric oxide (higher IC 50 value) radicals and the highest activity against the ABTS+ (lower IC 50 value) radical. IZ 1 was also found to be effective in the enhancement of wheat seed germination and seedling growth, confirming its role in promoting plant growth (increase in carbohydrate, protein and chlorophyll content by 29.65%, 36.16% and 26.66%, respectively, over the control). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The global significance of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) cannot be overstated, extending far beyond the confines of developing nations and encompassing even the most developed ones. This study, rooted in the Bihari refugee camp in Bangladesh, seeks to underscore the universality of WASH concerns. Methods: Using a cross‐sectional design and a structured questionnaire, we conducted a meticulous evaluation of WASH practices with 313 participants selected through random sampling. Results: Findings shows the water practice, among all of them, only 4.8% of the respondents were very happy with the water supply system and 16.0% of the respondents were happy with this. A total of 29.7% of the respondents were satisfied with safe drinking water and only 4.8% of the respondents were very satisfied with safe drinking water. Regarding the hygiene practice, among all respondents, 10.2% of them were satisfied with using the same bathroom by multiple people. Only 5.4% respondents were happy in their living environment. Regarding sanitation practice, only 31.3% had private toilet facilities. Among all of the respondents, 13.7% of the respondents were satisfied with using the same toilet by multiple people. Respondents who were illiterate (p < 0.01) and self‐employed (p < 0.04) were satisfied with the water supply. Similarly, respondents who were illiterate (p < 0.03) and self‐employed (p < 0.00) were satisfied with safe drinking water. Respondents who were illiterate (p < 0.02) and whose monthly income was below 8000 BDT (p < 0.00) were satisfied using same bathroom by multiple people. Respondents who were self‐employed (p < 0.01), whose monthly income 8000–12,000 BDT (p < 0.01) and having single room (p < 0.00) were satisfied using the same toilet by multiple people. Conclusion: Enhanced access to safe WASH facilities, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the study's findings, have the potential to serve as vital signposts for the development and implementation of policies and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes an effective and eco-friendly approach to the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) utilizing papaya fruit peel extract (PPE). The structural evaluation and morphological features of synthesized ZnONPs were examined using various physicochemical analyses. The formulated ZnONPs were spherical to hexagonal in shape with ⁓ 170 nm in diameter. ZnONPs exhibited improved antioxidant potential in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 98.74 µg/ml) and ferric-reducing potential compared with PPE. The antibacterial activity of ZnONPs was measured against pathogenic strains of Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The biosynthesized ZnONPs showed potential antibacterial efficacy against all microbes. In addition, ZnONPs exhibited potential photocatalytic activity in rhodamine B degradation in the presence of sunlight. The results indicated that papaya peels, which are these fruit wastes, could be helpful for the green synthesis of ZnONPs with good dose-responsive antioxidant, antibacterial, and photocatalytic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equisetum diffusum D. Don (Fam. Equisetaceae), an important medicinal pteridophyte species has been traditionally used in the treatment of bone fracture, bone dislocation, and arthritis by various tribal communities of India. Objectives: To validate the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the whole plant methanolic-extract (EDME) using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo strategies. Materials and Methods: The EDME was characterized through total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, saponin content and five antioxidant assays. The GC-MS analysis was done to screen the active phyto-constituents followed by in silico molecular docking studies with inflammatory markers. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring protein denaturation-inhibition test, heat-induced and hypotonicity-induced haemolysis test. Carrageenan-induced paw-edema test was used to determine the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of EDME. Results: Our results showed quite higher tannin content in EDME compared to saponin content, and showed satisfactory phenol and flavonoid contents. From the antioxidant survey, it was found that EDME has the highest activity against ABTS radical and the least against superoxide radical. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis of EDME reported the presence of 47 phyto-compounds, out of which few compounds showed good inhibition against Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and IL-6 compared to standard NSAIDs, in molecular docking analysis. In vitro anti-inflammatory studies indicated that EDME inhibits protein denaturation, heat-induced, and hypotonicity-induced haemolysis significantly (p<0.001) compared to standard drugs. The in vivo anti-inflammatory study of the plant showed 52.26% and 73.36% reduction in paw-edema in both protective-dose groups respectively, when compared to the carrageenan control group. Conclusion: Our findings established the anti-inflammatory roles of the whole plant methanolic extract of Equisetum diffusum on strong ground which may lead to drug development for the treatment of inflammation-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article delves into the latest advancements and transformative impacts of remotely sensed methods in measuring water depth and underwater topography. It particularly focuses on topobathymetric data acquisition which is crucial for numerous applications including navigation, flood control, coastal erosion, sea-level rise predictions, and mapping, modelling, and monitoring of offshore resources. Traditionally, measuring depths, distribution, and volumes of submerged resources has been challenging due to time, cost, labor, and reliance on sophisticated, mostly airborne technologies. These conventional methods often struggled in remote, hazardous, or shallow water areas. Recent advances in Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, especially its miniaturization and integration with unoccupied aerial systems (UAS), have significantly improved the collection of three-dimensional bathymetric data. This progress presents effective solutions for previously faced challenges. Despite these advancements, there's a need for a thorough assessment of the state of LiDAR-based topobathymetric mapping and the impact of the increasing accessibility of UAS in this field. Our systematic review scrutinizes topobathymetric LiDAR technology and research, centering on acquisition platforms and methods in coastal and riverine environments for mapping, planning, monitoring, and inspections. We document the spread of topobathymetric LiDAR research over time, geographically, across disciplines, and in various publication outlets. Utilizing the VOSviewer analytical tool, we conducted a bibliometric keywordbased network analysis, evaluating the distribution of topobathymetric citations, and their bibliographic coupling, co-citation, and co-authorship relationships. Our findings reveal the innovative yet emerging state of UAS applications in topobathymetry and the ongoing reliance on LiDAR technology for 3-D underwater data acquisition. This study provides a fundamental assessment of current trends and developments in coastal and riverine bathymetric applications, highlighting the evolving landscape of remotely sensed methods in underwater topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Having powerful antibacterial and antioxidant effects, zinc oxide and manganese oxide nanomaterials are of great interest. Here we have synthesized manganese oxide decorated zinc oxide (MZO) nanocomposites by co-precipitation method, calcined at different temperatures (300–750 °C) and studied various properties. Here the crystalline structure of the nanocomposite and phase change of the manganese oxide are observed with calcination temperature. The average crystalline size increases and the dislocation density and microstrain decrease with the increase in calcined temperature for the same structural features. The formation of composites was confirmed by XRD pattern and SEM images. EDAX spectra proved the high purity of the composites. Here, different biological properties change with the calcination temperature for different shapes, sizes and structures of the nanocomposite. Nanomaterial calcined at 750 °C provides the best anti-microbial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri (gram-negative), Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium (gram-positive) bacterial strain at 300 µg/mL concentration. The nanomaterial with calcination temperatures of 300 °C and 450 °C provided better antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the development of iron manganese doped graphene quantum dots (FeMnO4@GQD) having peroxidase-like catalytic activity detected through chromogenic reaction in the presence of supplementary H2O2. Synthesized hetero-atoms doped GQD showed excellent peroxidase mimicking activity with a Vmax value of 9.91547 × 10− 6 (M/min) and Km value of 0.0491 mM towards substrate TMB (based on Hanes-Woolf kinetics) suggesting higher affinity towards the substrate than the natural enzyme (horseradish peroxidase). In another experiment, we systemically examined the efficacy of GQD and its nanocomposites on germination, vigor, and biochemical activity of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). Prepared nanomaterials were applied at 200 and 500 µg/mL, initially through seed priming (solid matrix priming) and later through foliar spray on transplanted wheat seedlings grown on nutrient-free sand. The application of iron manganese nanocomposites (FeMnO4) and FeMnO4@GQD improve seed germination and maintain an optimum level of carbohydrates and protein contents that eventually promotes seedling growth. Different germination-related parameters were found to be influenced by the applied higher dose (500 µg/mL) of FeMnO4@GQD. Seedling growth, plant biomass, and biochemical parameters like chlorophyll, carotenoid, sugar, protein, and phenolic content were stimulated by both FeMnO4 and FeMnO4@GQD applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After three decades of global climate initiatives, local governments' capabilities to implement policies and solutions have not always been effective in making the urban environment more resilient and adaptive to climate change. All the previous climatic initiatives and decisions were mostly carried out by governments or affiliated actors on global or regional scales. However, the lack of notable climate actions at the community level is evident in the current crisis of urban sustainability. To drive a radical change toward a zero-carbon transition at the city scale, massive decarbonization is required at the institutional level (academic/nonacademic campus) of a city. Among all the nongovernmental actors, it is always expected that Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) would take the lead in promoting a resilient and sustainable future for the cities through their education, research, and innovation. HEIs' multidimensional activity resembles the "small scale model of a city" interacting with different subsystems like education, administration, transport, housing, health, etc. However, the present studies were found to be mostly based on specific regions and developed countries. In addition, the previously developed methods of assessing energy consumption and CO2 emissions at the university level lack adaptability for other countries and urban settings. Following the need for a comprehensive method of evaluating energy consumption and accelerating the zero-carbon practice to a broader scale, a new framework is proposed here for a university campus. It can be implemented regardless of the campus type and geographic and weather conditions. After implementing the evaluation methods on a 753-acre campus of Rajshahi University, the campus typology and natural resources were identified. Following that, the behavior patterns of the users in terms of energy usage and waste generation were also determined. Finally, the results show that 1900.71 tons of CO2 was emitted in the academic year 2022. The per-capita CO2 emission was 0.041 tons of CO2. To boost the zero-carbon city transition, three core parameters of scaling-up methods were taken into consideration to evaluate the benefits of zero-carbon campuses. The scalability of the zero-carbon practices was evaluated based on the ideas of (1) expansion—how educating future generations about the environment can have a long-lasting impact, (2) demonstration—adopting innovative practical and technological solutions to exhibit the benefits of zero-carbon practices to society, and (3) collaboration—building strong alliances with state and nonstate actors of the city to promote sustainability through sharing knowledge, innovation, and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bangladesh is one of the countries at risk of natural disasters due to climate change. In particular, inhabitants of its riverine islands (char) confront ongoing climatic events that heighten their vulnerability. This study aims to assess social vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation strategies to climate change in the riverine island areas of Bangladesh. Methods: A mixed-method approach incorporating qualitative and quantitative procedures was used on data collected from 180 households of riverine islands in Gaibandha, Bangladesh. The social vulnerability of riverine island communities was assessed based on their adaptation capacity, sensitivity, and exposure to climatic stressors. Results: The findings show that char dwellers' vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation capability to climate change vary significantly depending on their proximity to the mainland. Social vulnerability factors such as geographical location, fragile and low-grade housing conditions, illiteracy and displacement, climate-sensitive occupation and low-income level, and so on caused to the in-height vulnerability level of these particular areas. This study also displays that climate change and its associated hazards cause severe life and livelihood concerns for almost all households. In this case, the riverine dwellers employed several adaptation strategies to enhance their way of life to the disaster brought on changing climate. However, low education facilities, deficiency of useful information on climate change, poor infrastructure, and shortage of money are still the supreme hindrance to the sustainability of adaptation. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of evaluating the susceptibility of local areas to climate change and emphasize the need for tailored local initiatives and policies to reduce vulnerability and enhance adaptability in communities residing in char households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In electrides, interstitial anionic electrons (IAEs) in the quantized energy levels at cavities of positively charged lattice framework possess their own magnetic moment and interact with each or surrounding cations, behaving as quasi-atoms and inducing diverse magnetism. Here, we report the reversible structural and magnetic transitions by the substitution of the quasi-atomic IAEs in the ferromagnetic two-dimensional [Gd2C]2+·2e− electride with hydrogens and subsequent dehydrogenation of the canted antiferromagnetic Gd2CHy (y > 2.0). It is demonstrated that structural and magnetic transitions are strongly coupled by the presence or absence of the magnetic quasi-atomic IAEs and non-magnetic hydrogen anions in the interlayer space, which dominate exchange interactions between out-of-plane Gd−Gd atoms. Furthermore, the magnetic quasi-atomic IAEs are inherently conserved by the hydrogen desorption from the P 3 ¯ 1m structured Gd2CHy, restoring the original ferromagnetic state of the R 3 ¯ m structured [Gd2C]2+·2e− electride. This variable density of magnetic quasi-atomic IAEs enables the quantum manipulation of floating electron phases on the electride surface. Interstitial quasi-atomic electrons (IQE) have shown promising magnetic elements. Here authors present the reversible hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of ferromagnetic [Gd2C]2+ 2e− electride to canted antiferromagnet by reducing and restoring IQEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of graphene quantum dots (GQD) and its nanocomposites on germination, growth, biochemical, histological, and major ROS detoxifying antioxidant enzyme activities involved in salinity stress tolerance of wheat. Seedlings were grown on nutrient-free sand and treatment solutions were applied through solid matrix priming and by foliar spray. Control seedlings under salinity stress exhibited a reduction in photosynthetic pigment, sugar content, growth, increased electrolyte leakage, and lipid peroxidation, whereas iron-manganese nanocomposites doped GQD (FM_GQD) treated seedlings were well adapted and performed better compared to control. Enzymatic antioxidants like catalase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase and NADPH oxidase were noted to increase by 40.5, 103.2, 130.19, and 141.23% respectively by application of FM_GQD. Histological evidence confirmed a lower extent of lipid peroxidation and safeguarding the plasma membrane integrity through osmolyte accumulation and redox homeostasis. All of these interactive phenomena lead to an increment in wheat seedling growth by 28.06% through FM_GQD application. These findings highlight that micronutrient like iron, manganese doped GQD can be a promising nano-fertilizer for plant growth and this article will serve as a reference as it is the very first report regarding the ameliorative role of GQD in salt stress mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to investigate the obstacles faced by elderly indigenous individuals in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh when accessing healthcare services. A qualitative research approach was utilized, and data collection was carried out in three distinct regions of the aforementioned area. A total of 30 in-depth, semi-structured interviews and participant observations were conducted to achieve the research objectives. Thematic analysis utilizing both a deductive and inductive approach was employed to analyze the data. The Granheim method and Nvivo-12 software were utilized to process, analyze and code the data. The study's findings indicate that a lack of knowledge about healthcare needs, geographical barriers, poor financial conditions, higher cost of medical services, scarcity of hospitals nearby and communication barriers all contribute to inadequate access to healthcare services. By recognizing the factors that impede access to healthcare services in this region, this study offers valuable insight for policymakers and healthcare providers on how to enhance healthcare services for the indigenous population, especially the elderly. Furthermore, the government can adopt a more efficient approach to include these elderly individuals in various social safety net programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, in order to improve the bioavailability of a non-biodegradable pollutant, inclusion complexation procedures had been used to develop better formulations of this pollutant, Bisphenol A (BPA). In our research, an inclusion complex (IC) of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with BPA was formed to investigate the effect of β-CD on the water solubility, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial activity, toxicity, and thermal stability of BPA. UV-Vis and other spectrometric methods such as NMR, FTIR, and XRD indicated the molecular mechanism of interactions between β-CD and BPA, which was further hypothesized using molecular modeling to confirm preliminary results. Studies of TGA and DSC demonstrated that encapsulation boosted the thermal stability of BPA. This research also makes predictions about BPA's release behavior when CT-DNA is present. In vitro testing of the IC's antibacterial activities showed that it outperformed pure BPA. The in silico study was found to have a considerable decrease in toxicity level for IC compared to pure BPA. Therefore, β-CD-encapsulated BPA can lessen toxicity by raising antioxidant levels. Additionally, as its antibacterial activity increases, it may be employed therapeutically. Thus, this discovery of creating BPA formulations with controlled release and/or protective properties allows for a more logical application of BPA by reducing its hazardous effects through boosting its efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Radiotherapy (RT) is used worldwide as a gold standard treatment approach for cancer management. However, the RT treatment modality contains limitations along with numerous side effects. Nanoparticles (NPs) have unique properties that can be utilized in the field of cancer treatment. Therefore, the combination of NPs with RT opens a new arena in cancer treatment. Their synergistic effect strengthens ionizing radiation sensitivity and allows for tumor-selective treatment while reducing side effects. More importantly, NP-based RT offers greater control over RT alone and has shown higher selectivity. In addition, the combined treatment also helps to overcome radioresistance and drug-resistance phenomena. The main mechanism through which NP-based RT destroys cancer cells includes production of ROS, which damage DNA, inhibiting the DNA-repair system, perturbing the cell cycle, and controlling the tumor microenvironment. NP-based RT has been reported to destroy cancer stem cells and has shown good results in clinical trials. Moreover, the addition of phototherapy to NP-based RT reduces the limitations of phototherapy and has shown excellent cancer cell-killing potentiality. Radiation has been utilized for a long time for the treatment of cancer patients. However, radiotherapy (RT) has many constraints, among which non-selectivity is the primary one. The implementation of nanoparticles (NPs) with RT not only localizes radiation in targeted tissue but also provides significant tumoricidal effect(s) compared to radiation alone. NPs can be functionalized with both biomolecules and therapeutic agents, and their combination significantly reduces the side effects of RT. NP-based RT destroys cancer cells through multiple mechanisms, including ROS generation, which in turn damages DNA and other cellular organelles, inhibiting of the DNA double-strand damage-repair system, obstructing of the cell cycle, regulating of the tumor microenvironment, and killing of cancer stem cells. Furthermore, such combined treatments overcome radioresistance and drug resistance to chemotherapy. Additionally, NP-based RT in combined treatments have shown synergistic therapeutic benefit(s) and enhanced the therapeutic window. Furthermore, a combination of phototherapy, i.e., photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy with NP-based RT, not only reduces phototoxicity but also offers excellent therapeutic benefits. Moreover, using NPs with RT has shown promise in cancer treatment and shown excellent therapeutic outcomes in clinical trials. Therefore, extensive research in this field will pave the way toward improved RT in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is blessed with abundant solar resources. Solar power is considered the most desirable energy source to mitigate the high energy demand of this densely populated country. Although various articles deal with solar energy applications in Bangladesh, no detailed review can be found in the literature. Therefore, in this study, we report on the current scenario of renewable energy in Bangladesh and the most significant potential of solar energy's contribution among multiple renewable energy resources in mitigating energy demand. One main objective of this analysis was to outline the overall view of solar energy applications in Bangladesh to date, as well as the ongoing development of such projects. The technical and theoretical solar energy potential and the technologies available to harvest solar energy were also investigated. A detailed techno-economic design of solar power applications for the garment industry was also simulated to determine the potential of solar energy for this specific scenario. Additionally, renewable energy policies applied in Bangladesh to date are discussed comprehensively, with an emphasis on various ongoing projects undertaken by the government. Moreover, we elaborate global insight into solar power applications and compare Bangladesh's current solar power scenario with that of other regions worldwide. Furthermore, the potential of artificial intelligence to accelerate solar energy enhancement is delineated comprehensively. Therefore, in this study, we determined the national scenarios of solar power implementation in Bangladesh and projected the most promising approaches for large-scale solar energy applications using artificial intelligence approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

French fries (FF) and fried chicken (FC) are known contributors to overweight and obesity among adolescents worldwide. Top selling five brands for both FF and FC were analyzed to determine their health compromising contents, which were sampled from the markets of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sodium (Na) was determined by flame photometry, trans fatty acids (TFAs) by gas chromatography and heavy metals like arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium and chromium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The median concentration of Na, TFA, As and Pb in FF was 0.45 gm/100 gm, 0.11 gm/100 gm, 0.93 mg/kg and 0.03 mg/kg, respectively. Similarly, in FC the median concentration of Na, TFA, As and Pb was 0.46 gm/100 gm, 0.13 gm/100 gm, 0.053 mg/kg and 0.06 mg/kg, respectively. The study findings suggests that consuming FF and FC impose a health risk among the exposed population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity is one of the rising problems in Bangladesh, and it is severely prevalent among informal migrant workers. In this case, the COVID‐19 pandemic has multiplied the food insecurity of informal migrant workers. This study explores and synthesizes the COVID‐19 induced food insecurity impact among informal migrants and recommends policy actions to tackle the COVID‐19 led food crisis in Bangladesh. A qualitative research approach, including in‐depth interviews, four FGDs, and participant observation, has been applied to data collection from different parts of Dhaka city. A thematic approach to interpretive phenomenological analysis is followed in this study. The results show that COVID‐19 induced lockdown significantly affects informal migrants' household food security. Most participants report severe complications due to food insecurity like consuming less food, price hiking, no fish or meat, potato, and vegetable. Food insecurity leads to migrant's chronic food shortage, starvation, malnutrition of mother and children, and unhealthy food. As a result, the way of life of informal migrants has been directed to more fragility and vulnerability during the pandemic; even they are not affordable to maintain a minimal level of family affairs and necessity. The findings of this study would be essential guidelines for the governmental and non‐governmental organizations and development practitioners to address the food insecurity situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric hydrogels have drawn considerable attention as a biomedical material for their unique mechanical and chemical properties, which are very similar to natural tissues. Among the conventional hydrogel materials, self-healing hydrogels (SHH) are showing their promise in biomedical applications in tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery. Additionally, their responses can be controlled via external stimuli (e.g., pH, temperature, pressure, or radiation). Identifying a suitable combination of viscous and elastic materials, lipophilicity and biocompatibility are crucial challenges in the development of SHH. Furthermore, the trade-off relation between the healing performance and the mechanical toughness also limits their real-time applications. Additionally, short-term and long-term effects of many SHH in the in vivo model are yet to be reported. This review will discuss the mechanism of various SHH, their recent advancements, and their challenges in tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the impact of climate change on health, including local adaptation strategies. A mixed-method approach has been used in this study. The results reveal that increasing the frequency of flooding, severity of riverbank erosion and drought, and rising disease outbreak are the highest indicators of climate change perceived by riverine island (char) dwellers, which is similar to the observed data. It also uncovers, approximately all respondents encounter several health-related issues during different seasons where prevailing cold and cough with fever, skin diseases, and diarrhoea are the leading ailments. Several adaptation strategies are accommodated by char inhabitants in order to enhance resilience against the climate change health impacts, but the paucity of money, disrupted communication, lack of formal health-care centre are the most obstacles to the sustainability of adaptation. This research recommends that healthcare-associated project should be performed through proper monitoring for exterminating char dwellers' health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bangladesh, many people are being displaced in riverine island (char) areas every year due to climate change and its associated natural catastrophes. This study intends to investigate the impact of climate change on internally displaced char people's lives and livelihoods along with local adaptation strategies and hindrances to the coping mechanism. Data have been collected from 280 internally displaced households in two sub-districts. A mixed-method approach has been considered combined with qualitative and quantitative methods. The results disclose that frequent flooding, riverbank erosion, and crop loss are the leading causes for relocation, and social relations are impeded in the new place of residence. Increasing summer and winter temperatures, recurrent flooding, severity of riverbank erosion, and expanding disease outbreaks are also important indicators of climate change identified by displaced people, which are consistent with observed data. This study also reveals that almost all households come across severe livelihood issues like food shortage, unemployment and income loss, and housing and sanitation problems due to the changing climate associated with disasters in the former and present places. In response to this, the displaced people acclimatize applying numerous adaptation strategies in order to boost the livelihood resilience against climate change. However, fragile housing, financial conditions, and lack of own land are still the highest impediments to the sustainability of adaptation. Therefore, along with the government, several organizations should implement a dynamic resettlement project through appropriate scrutiny to eradicate the livelihood complications of internally displaced people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the food insecurity and coping mechanisms among the indigenous Bangladeshi population of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region to extract empirical evidence on the ongoing discussion on the COVID-19 pandemic-exacerbated food-insecurity situation. The study adopted a qualitative approach by interviewing 60 indigenous households. Data were collected in two phases between 15 June 2020, and 30 July 2021 in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region. Thematic data analyses were performed using the Granheim approach and NVivo-12 software. The authors used Huston's social–ecological theory to explain the indigenous coping mechanisms. The research evidence revealed that most households experienced challenges over daily foods, manifesting in the decreasing consumption of them, the increased price of food items, a food crisis due to an income shock, malnutrition, the shifting to unhealthy food consumption, starvation and hunger, and food insufficiency, thereby leading to mental stress. This study further revealed that the indigenous population took crucial coping strategies to survive the pandemic. In response to COVID-19, they took loans and borrowed foods, reduced expenses, changed their food habits, avoided nutritional foods, relied on vegetables, sold domestic animals and properties, collected forest and hill foods, and depended on governmental and societal relief. This study also provides the in-depth policy actions for the urgent intervention of government, stakeholders, policymakers, NGOs, and development practitioners to take necessary initiatives to enhance the quality of life of the people that were affected by the post-pandemic recovery period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is the most fundamental need for better yield in agriculture. Worldwide, diesel and electricity are typically used to pump water which contributes to atmospheric pollution. Besides, a power outage affects the irrigation process badly. Without water, the crop may wither away, causing a substantial economic loss. This paper discusses the resilience of a solar PV system during a power outage. HOMER Pro software was used to perform the techno-economic analysis of solar-based irrigation for four major divisions of Bangladesh, while 1-hour power outage was assigned in REopt lite to model the survivability of the system against the grid outage. The simulation outcomes showed that the energy cost is $0.1496/kWh, $0.1502/kWh, $0.1557/kWh, and $0.1576/kWh for Rajshahi, Sylhet, Dhaka, and Chattogram, respectively. About 45% of excess electricity can be stored after fulfilling all requirements. The system is more economical than a microgrid-based water pumping system and a diesel-based system, and the photovoltaic system is technically and economically suitable to pump water if the nearest grid connection is impossible. When connected to the main utility grid, the system can survive without grid power for several hours, subject to daytime outages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternanthera philoxeroides, a tropical herb and edible vegetable, has been popular as a medicinal plant. Applying in vitro approach, we initially attempted to assess the phytochemicals, bioactive chemicals, as well as antioxidant and anticoagulant activities of this plant. Following that, the in vivo toxicological effects of methanolic extracts of A. philoxeroides using different doses on the kidney, heart, lung, liver, stomach, brain, and blood of female Swiss Albino mice were investigated. We estimated phytochemicals content as well as antioxidant activity through DPPH, NO, CUPRAC, and reducing power assays, followed by the anticoagulant activities of PT and aPTT and bioactive compounds using HPLC. To confirm the biocompatibility of A. philoxeroides extracts, histopathological and hematological parameters were examined in a mice model. Total phenol, flavonoid, and tannin content in A. philoxeroides was 181.75 ± 2.47 mg/g, 101.5 ± 3.53 mg/g, and 68.58 ± 0.80 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, the HPLC study confirmed the presence of four phenolic compounds: catechin, tannic acid, gallic acid, and vanillic acid. The methanolic extract of A. philoxeroides showed considerable antioxidant activity in all four antioxidant assay methods when compared to the standard. In comparison to ascorbic acid, A. philoxeroides also demonstrated a minor concentration-dependent ferric and cupric reduction activity. In vivo evaluation indicated that A. philoxeroides extracts (doses: 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) had no negative effects on the relative organ or body weight, or hematological indicators. Our study concluded that A. philoxeroides had significant antioxidant and anticoagulant activities and demonstrated no negative effects on the body or relative organ weight, histopathological, and hematological indices in the mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hematological malignancies (HMs) cover 50% of all malignancies, and people of all ages can be affected by these deadly diseases. In many cases, conventional diagnostic tools fail to diagnose HMs at an early stage, due to heterogeneity and the long-term indolent phase of HMs. Therefore, many patients start their treatment at the late stage of HMs and have poor survival. Gold nanomaterials (GNMs) have shown promise as a cancer theranostic agent. GNMs are 1 nm to 100 nm materials having magnetic resonance and surface-plasmon-resonance properties. GNMs conjugated with antibodies, nucleic acids, peptides, photosensitizers, chemotherapeutic drugs, synthetic-drug candidates, bioactive compounds, and other theranostic biomolecules may enhance the efficacy and efficiency of both traditional and advanced theranostic approaches to combat HMs. Hematological malignancies (HMs) are a heterogeneous group of blood neoplasia generally characterized by abnormal blood-cell production. Detection of HMs-specific molecular biomarkers (e.g., surface antigens, nucleic acid, and proteomic biomarkers) is crucial in determining clinical states and monitoring disease progression. Early diagnosis of HMs, followed by an effective treatment, can remarkably extend overall survival of patients. However, traditional and advanced HMs' diagnostic strategies still lack selectivity and sensitivity. More importantly, commercially available chemotherapeutic drugs are losing their efficacy due to adverse effects, and many patients develop resistance against these drugs. To overcome these limitations, the development of novel potent and reliable theranostic agents is urgently needed to diagnose and combat HMs at an early stage. Recently, gold nanomaterials (GNMs) have shown promise in the diagnosis and treatment of HMs. Magnetic resonance and the surface-plasmon-resonance properties of GNMs have made them a suitable candidate in the diagnosis of HMs via magnetic-resonance imaging and colorimetric or electrochemical sensing of cancer-specific biomarkers. Furthermore, GNMs-based photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drug delivery enhanced the selectivity and efficacy of anticancer drugs or drug candidates. Therefore, surface-tuned GNMs could be used as sensitive, reliable, and accurate early HMs, metastatic HMs, and MRD-detection tools, as well as selective, potent anticancer agents. However, GNMs may induce endothelial leakage to exacerbate cancer metastasis. Studies using clinical patient samples, patient-derived HMs models, or healthy-animal models could give a precise idea about their theranostic potential as well as biocompatibility. The present review will investigate the theranostic potential of vectorized GNMs in HMs and future challenges before clinical theranostic applications in HMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials are practically used in every aspects of modern life, agriculture is one of them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bio-effectiveness of iron oxide and EDTA functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles as a nano-micronutrient fertilizer to replace traditional Fe-fertilizer. The responses of these fertilizers were evaluated on growth and development of mulberry (Morus alba L.) plants in a pot experiment. Iron oxide nanoparticles and its EDTA functionalized form had been applied in two different dosage (10 and 50 mg/kg soil) by both soil application and foliar spray. Applications of these green synthesized nanoparticles showed an increased influence on morpho-physiochemical attributes in treated plants. Iron oxide nanoparticles application at a rate of 10 mg/kg in soil significantly improved morphological traits like sprouting percentage, number of leaves (52.73% improved over control), plant biomass (37.20% and 90.24% increase of shoot and root biomass over control, respectively), root attributes (34% increment for root length) and also shortened the first leaf appearance period. The same treatment showed an improvement of 42% and 15% over control in case of chlorophyll and sugar content, respectively. Efficacy of antioxidant enzymes like CAT, POD and NOX were also found to be enhanced over control. Together, these results showed that our treated nanoparticles could replace traditional Fe-fertilizer in the cultivation and propagation of mulberry crop. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of iron oxide nanoparticles and EDTA functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles as a nano-micronutrient fertilizer on mulberry growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study intends to explore the impact of occupation and income on informal migrants in the face of COVID-19 induced lockdown in Bangladesh and their coping strategies to survive the pandemic situation. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a qualitative research design in which four urban areas were chosen purposively from various parts of Dhaka city. The authors conducted 21 semi-structured in-depth interviews, four FGDs and eight months over participant observation for achieving study objectives. The four stages of data analysis used a thematic approach in the interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings: The results showed that respondents were massively affected due to loss of income and occupation in the period of induced lockdown. Besides, most people lost their earning sources entirely in this amid pandemic which bound them starvation in the mealtime along with several dynamic complications. The findings also revealed that they followed some surviving strategies such as taking loans, reducing expenses, consuming less food, selling land, jewelry, and goods, relatives and neighbor support, and government relief. Although these strategies somewhat supported them to struggle with the situation, their livelihood features became fragile immensely. Research limitations/implications: The findings will be an important guiding principle for the policymakers, aid organizations and development practitioners to prepare development policies for vulnerable informal migrants in developing countries like Bangladesh. Originality/value: This is the first study that explores the informal migrants' occupation and income during COVID-19 induced lockdown in Bangladesh. This research also highlights coping strategies of the informal migrants to survive the pandemic situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In recent years, the investigation of quick, efficient, and green method of metal nanoparticles synthesis has gained considerable importance in various dimensions of nanotechnology. But there are certain limitations to this emerging interest assize, morphology, and bioactivity of nanoparticles produced through green synthesis often varies greatly corresponding to the specific condition of metallic precursor and reducing agent. Current study intends to explore optimum condition like concentration of metallic precursor, plant extract (PLX), their volumetric ratio during biogenic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) using aqueous extracts of mature tea leaves which is basically a waste product with no commercial importance and generally discarded after pruning of young leaves and buds. The study also deals with the characterization of nanoparticles synthesized at optimized condition, investigation of antimicrobial and antioxidant propensity of the same. The optimal reactant concentration for biosynthesis of FeNPs was claimed to be10 mM FeCl3, 100 mg/mL plant extract and volumetric ratio of FeCl3:PLX = 10:1. The FeNPs obtained through this route had a spherical to irregular morphology with crystalline nature, average TEM and hydrodynamic size of 13.09 and 75.25 nm, respectively, having a zeta potential value of + 46.2 mV indicating strong stability. Synthesized FeNPs was found to be effective against wide range of soil microbes with highest activity against gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) than gram-positive bacteria. Biosynthesized nanoparticles showed dose dependent antioxidant activity against all the tested parameters with highest against DPPH and least active against nitric oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current environmental catastrophes generating from fossil fuel power generation has attracted the attention of energy planners to look for sustainable energy sources. Hydropower is one of the oldest energy sources that have been utilized all over the world to generate electricity, especially in remote areas. Being one of the most densely populated countries, the majority of power demand is fulfilled from fossil fuel. Despite having lots of rivers, Bangladesh has not explored its true potential. So, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the current hydropower potential in Bangladesh. Locations having hydropower potential is evaluated. Different technologies used for hydropower generation have been reviewed. Moreover, global hydropower potential has also been discussed in this study. Based on the economic and environmental study, it is found that small scale hydropower is most feasible in Bangladesh to provide sustainable energy. With a reasonable flow rate, 232 rivers of Bangladesh can be utilized small scale hydropower generation as well as ensuring energy security for remote people. The current study is believed to provide useful information in advancing the generation of hydropower based electricity in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]