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Herein, we report a sustainable catalytic self-deposition (CSD) synthesis approach to fabricate 1D ultralightweight magnetic CNT helical/chiral porous carbon fibers (Nix@CNTs@HPCFt's) that exhibit tremendous absorption performance over a broad range of temperature (700–800 °C) and magnetic contents (1.00–2.00 mmol). The synergistic impact of in situdipping and the CSD synthesis approach enables the regulation of morphology and CNT density by encapsulating Ni nanocatalysts. Nix@CNTs@HPCFt's unprecedentedly exhibit splendid absorption capabilities over broad spectrum of microwave (4.00–18.00 GHz) with efficient absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL ≤ −10 dB) and 2.00–4.50 mm thickness. Moreover, the unprecedented absorption capabilities of Nix@CNTs@HPCFt's refer to their sophisticated helical/chiral structure, ultralow density, large specific surface area, CNTs, interface polarization, cross-polarization, dielectric loss by integration of 0D/1D dielectric components, magnetic loss, and well-matched impedance. Notably, Ni1.00@CNTs@HPCF700at 11.92 GHz and 2.41 mm matching thickness exhibits an astronomical RL of −45.20 dB with an EAB of 10.40–18.00 GHz (7.60 GHz) covering 40% of the X band and the entire band. The EAB improves to 8.00 GHz (10.00–18.00 GHz) covering 50% of the whole Ku band at a matching thickness of 2.30 mm. Meanwhile, Ni1.50@CNTs@HPCF800at just a matching thickness of 4.10 mm and 8.24 GHz gained an RL of −64.40 dB with an EAB of 4.32 GHz (6.80–11.12 GHz) covering 30% of the C band and 78% of the X band. This study opens new doors for the development of absorbers produced at a broad carbonization temperature range with comparable performance.

The road construction industry aims to contribute to the protection of already compromised environment. Cold mix asphalt (CMA) is a measure initiated by the road industry to protect the environment and preserve energy. Despite having additional benefits, CMA has attracted little attention due to its inferior performance. CMA's performance is enhanced using a sustainable binder bio-modifier, natural cup lump rubber (CLR) is one of them. This study evaluated the tensile properties, rutting, moisture susceptibility, and adhesion properties of CLR-modified CMA (CMA-CR). The tensile property was enhanced by 26% due to CLR modification. CMA-CR had excellent rutting resistance of less than 2 mm rut depth at 10,000 load cycles, showing 70% improvement compared with conventional CMA. Moisture susceptibility evaluation indicated that CMA-CR had tensile strength ratio (TSR) value of 104%, satisfying the minimum 80% requirement of AASHTO T283. It also retained more than 96% bitumen coating. The moisture damage resistance was improved by 12% and 10% in terms of TSR and stripping, respectively. The durability results revealed that the CMA-CR mixture prevented higher mass loss, representing 14% improvement compared with conventional CMA.

Purpose: Thailand's Halal-friendly destination attributes are the focus of this study. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Halal-friendly attributes on tourists’ intentions to visit non-Muslim destinations. Also, this study analyzes the impact of Muslim tourists’ attitudes on Halal-friendly characteristics and their intentions to visit countries that are not predominantly Muslim. Design/methodology/approach: To accomplish objectives, a survey was used to gather the data by using a convenient non-probability sampling approach from Muslim-majority countries Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. A proposed structural equation model was used to assess the influence of the variables above on the outcomes. Findings: This study found that the factors of Halal-friendly facilities and Halal-friendly service positively influence the visiting intentions of Indonesian, Malaysian and Brunei Muslim tourists. In contrast, the social environment, food/beverages and local and staff attributes do not influence visit intentions. The tourist attitude mediates the relationship between the intention to visit and three dimensions of Halal-friendly attributes (social environment; food/beverage; and locals and staff). Research limitations/implications: This study did not investigate different kinds of dimensions for Muslim tourists visiting Thailand, such as preferences regarding personnel and families, cultural and artistic characteristics and the attributes of events and festivals. These dimensions cover a wide range of Halal-friendly tourism aspects. Second, this research did not investigate the associations between the demographics of Muslim tourists (age, gender, education level and income level) and the model variables. Such an investigation could have helped business developers and marketers in Thailand develop an efficient strategy for target marketing. The results of this research provide fundamental guidance and information for tourist enterprises in non-Muslim nations on how to enhance Muslim travellers’ images and intentions. However, because of the influence of other variables, locations in various areas of Asia, Africa and Europe may exhibit somewhat different effective qualities (e.g. environment, culture, history, etc.). Practical implications: This study sheds light on the factors contributing to visitor satisfaction in the context of a desire to go to a Halal-friendly site. This insight from this study can be adapted and applied by tourism managers and marketing executives to build or develop the Halal-friendly destination image of a tourist destination (Phuket) in the right dimensions. It is a possibility that the image of a tourist attraction has a tight relationship with travelers’ perceived value, contentment and loyalty (Hsu et al., 2008; Khunrattanaporn, 2013; Pike, 2008). Battour et al.(2022) found that Muslims’ behavioural intentions are affected by the Halal attributes of the destination. It indicates that Halal attributes are very important for Muslim tourists when selecting a destination. To attract Muslim tourists, this study can be used for strategies and planning. Originality/value: This study sheds fresh light on the concept of Halal tourism. It examines the perspective of Muslim tourists using Halal goods or services in anticipation of a future trip to a non-Muslim location (Phuket). This study is crucial for destination tourism operators, managers and marketers who lead Muslim tourists to non-Muslim destinations.

Zinc (Zn) stress adversely affects the growth of wheat seedlings. Chitosan (CTS), a growth regulator, can mitigate stress-induced damage in plants. This study aims to investigate the alleviating effects of chitosan on zinc stress in wheat seedlings. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to examine the impact of various concentrations of exogenous chitosan (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg·L−1) on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of wheat seedlings under Zn stress (500 µmol·L−1). Chitosan enhanced biomass accumulation, root morphology, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic parameters, the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, antioxidant enzyme activity, and soluble protein content in wheat seedlings, while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and Zn translocation to the above-ground parts. Additionally, partial least squares (PLS) analysis identified zinc accumulation as a key factor in wheat seedlings’ response to Zn stress. Specifically, 100 mg·L−1CTS increased the tolerance index of shoots and roots by 30.59% and 47.90%, respectively, and significantly reduced oxidative damage caused by Zn stress. The study recommends using 100 mg·L−1CTS as an effective exogenous treatment to enhance zinc stress tolerance in wheat seedlings.

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease (MND) that typically causes death within 3-5 years after diagnosis. Regardless of the substantial scientific knowledge accrued more than a century ago, truly effective therapeutic strategies remain distant. Various conventional drugs are being used but are having several adverse effects.Objective/Aim: The current study aims to thoroughly review plant-derived compounds with welldefined ALS activities and their structure-activity relationships. Moreover, the review also focuses on complex genetics, clinical trials, and the use of natural products that might decrypt the future and novel therapeutics in ALS.Methods: The collection of data for the compilation of this review work was searched in PubMed Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct.Results: Results showed that phytochemicals like-Ginkgolides, Protopanaxatriol, Genistein, epigallocatechingallate, resveratrol, cassoside, and others possess Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) activity by various mechanismsConclusion: These plant-derived compounds may be considered as supplements for conventional (ALS). Moreover, further preclinical and clinical studies are required to understand the structureactivity relationships, metabolism, absorption, and mechanisms of plant-derived natural agents.

Bubble columns are widely used as multiphase contacting devices in chemical process industries (CPIs), wherein, the gas–liquid interaction is very crucial. The rheological behavior of the liquid phase shifts from Newtonian (NF) to non-Newtonian (n-NF) during the process in CPIs that alters the bubble dynamics inside the bubble column at the local level which further contributes to modifying the global hydrodynamics parameters i.e., gas holdup, regime transitions, mixing time, and mass transfer. In order to understand this complex phenomenon, an isolated bubble was simulated inside an infinite domain in the presence of water (a low-viscosity NF) and CarboxyMethyl Cellulose (CMC) (a shear-thinning n-NF). Simulations were performed ANSYS Fluent 19.2 using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) model to capture/track bubble interface along with the Continuum Surface Force (CSF) model to treat surface tension. The CFD results of terminal velocity were validated with the experimental measurement and correlation’s prediction for bubble ascent in conventional bubble columns. The validated CFD model effectively demonstrated the terminal velocity, bubble shape, trajectory, molecular viscosity, strain rate and bubble–liquid dynamic behavior. There is a limited research comparing bubble behavior in both NF and n-NF. This study significantly contributes by comparing the unique bubble behavior and dynamics in these fluids. The findings of this study will provide a useful guideline for designing and development of diverse gas–liquid contacting devices.

AbstractSalmonellainfections are continuously growing. Causative serovars have gained enhanced drug resistance and virulence. Current vaccines have fallen short of providing sufficient protection. mRNA vaccines have come up with huge success against SARS-CoV-2; Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have resulted in >90% efficacy with efficient translocation, expression, and presentation of antigen to the host immune system. Herein, based on the same approach a mRNA vaccine construct has been designed and analyzed against Salmonellaby joining regions of genes of outer membrane proteins C and F of S. Typhi through a flexible linker. Construct was flanked by regulatory regions that have previously shown better expression and translocation of encoded protein. GC content of the construct was improved to attain structural and thermodynamic stability and smooth translation. Sites of strong binding miRNAs were removed through codon optimization. Protein encoded by this construct is structurally plausible, highly antigenic, non-allergen to humans, and does not cross-react to the human proteome. It is enriched in potent, highly antigenic, and conserved linear and conformational epitopes. Most conserved conformational epitopes of core protein lie on extended beta hairpins exposed to the cellular exterior. Stability and thermodynamic attributes of the final construct were found highly comparable to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine construct. Both contain a stable stem-loop structure downstream of the start codon and do not offer destabilizing secondary structures upstream of the start codon. Given structural and thermodynamic stability, effective immune response, and epitope composition the construct is expected to provide broad-spectrum protection against clinically important Salmonellaserovars.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are emerging biodegradable bioplastics, and rhamnolipids are sustainable biosurfactants; both are considered as alternatives to synthetic petroleum-based plastics and surfactants, respectively. Herein, the effects of three distinct nitrogen sources on PHAs and rhamnolipid yields during the fermentation process have been undertaken. The study focuses on the optimum co-production of PHAs and rhamnolipid using a Pseudomonas aeruginosastrain grown on wasted soybean oil (WSO) with different nitrogen sources in the minimal salts’ media under salinity stress with shake flask conditions. The yields of PHAs and rhamnolipids were observed to be 2.20 g L−1and 1.02 g L−1, respectively, with carbamide as the sole nitrogen and WSO (2 %, w/v) as the sole carbon source. The fermentative yields of both PHAs (2.37 g L−1) and rhamnolipids (1.24 g L−1) roughly increased up to 8 % under salinity stress. The products were characterized using advanced analytical techniques. The chemical structure of rhamnolipid with this strain had previously been elucidated, whereas the PHA produced was identified as a poly(hydroxybutyrate).

Agricultural and lignocellulose residues are a large number of available biomass substrates and important sources for the fermentation of biofuels. Gasification and enzymatic hydrolysis are the main technologies for converting lignocellulose biomass into products for the production of biofuels as a sustainable energy source for fuel transportation. Bio-fuel production is getting interest due to the depletion of crude oil reserves. Biofuel production is an economical alternative source for transport and energy sectors since it offers the utilization of cheap lignocellulose biomass for generating valued bio-fuels and chemicals. However, most of the processes are still in development phase due to techno-economic challenges and diversity in composition of lignocellulose biomass. Optimizations have been made over the years to make these processes developed enough to be employed on the industrial scale. This review accounts the sources and compositions of different lignocellulosic biomasses along with several thermo-chemical, catalytic, and integrated strategies for their conversion to produce bio-fuels and other valuable chemicals.

To check the feasibility of the steam glycerol reformation process, thermodynamic analysis of steam glycerol reformation plays vital role. The aim of this work is to carry out thermodynamic analysis, equilibrium calculations of steam reforming of glycerol for hydrogen production. Production of hydrogen is affected by parameters including temperature, pressure, water/glycerol ratio, and byproducts. The thermodynamic analysis has been done by calculating mole fractions as a function of xand mole fraction as a function of εfor single reaction. The effect of temperature, pressure, and water/glycerol ratio is observed on single and multiple reactions. The thermodynamic analysis is carried out on variable ranges of temperature 573.15–1073.15 K, pressure 1–5 atm, and water/glycerol ratio 1:1 to 6:1.The results show that by changing temperature from 573.15 to 1073.15 K, reducing pressure from 5 to 1 atm and rising water/glycerol ratio from 1:1 to 6:1 hydrogen production is improved; glycerol and water are converted to products.

This paper examines the relationship between idiosyncratic risk and stock returns in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries by applying parametric and nonparametric approaches. It also explores the idiosyncratic risk puzzle by dividing firms into groups based on fundamentals, such as their market risk, financial constraints, and liquidity position. Finally, it investigates whether the idiosyncratic risk is priced in BRICS countries’ equity markets. The results provide strong evidence of the idiosyncratic risk puzzle in all BRICS countries, as the stock returns are significantly and negatively related to idiosyncratic risk during the period examined. Consistent with the arbitrage asymmetry, this negative relationship among high-beta, illiquid, and financially constrained firms is stronger and is more statistically significant than that of their counterpart firms. Finally, the results prove that the arbitrage score factor is a significant pricing factor in all the markets examined.

Over the past few decades modern technologies have been developed and adopted to improve sugarcane processing. These improvements have not only reduced operating and production costs but have also helped increase productivity and profitability. Separation in a flotation clarifier is performed by generating adequate bubbles and sustaining a suitable environment for these bubbles to adhere to the impurities to be removed. Due to the presence of air, the density of flocs formed by mixing bubbles and impurities is lower than that of liquids. Buoyancy causes the flocs to surge to the surface, forming a layer of scum that is relatively easy to remove. A clarifier used in a sugar factory has a unilateral discharge. There is a ring inside, with 24 2-inch-diameter holes. Because the outlet is one-sided, the control is not ideal. This study presents the outcomes attained from a numerical analysis of the full-scale flow in a clarifier. The results were validated by comparing the numerical results with experimental results. The average flow rate from the four outlets of the proposed geometry was 2399 kg/h, with an error of less than 1% compared with base case geometry. The main governing equations used during simulations of the juice clarifier were the continuity equation and the momentum equation commonly known as Navier–Stokes equations. The turbulent modeling approach standard k–εwas adopted. The values of kand εare calculated using turbulence kinetic energy (k) equation and dissipation rate (ε) equations, respectively.

Purpose: The religious-based brands are increasing daily, and different organizations target religious consumers. However, a scarcity of research in developing nations makes it difficult to determine how customers evaluate religious brands. This study aims to develop a model based on Ajzen’s (1985) theory of planned behaviour (TPB). It incorporates the three mediating factors of religious brand attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 499 (232 Malay and 267 Thai Muslim) respondents were surveyed systematically by adopting the purposive non-probability sampling technique. Empirically three studies with the extended model were tested in a cross-cultural context. Findings: The results illustrate that the religious brand attitude affects the buying behavioural intentions of Muslims. The analysis found the significant role of Islamic brand attitude and mediating variables. Islamic brand by the customer is the second most significant component after Islamic brand by country of origin. The research provides a theoretical model for the research foundation and a model to analyse religious brands in diverse backgrounds. Research limitations/implications: Only three different religious brand views were considered independent factors in this study, together with the development of TPB behavioural expectations. The research looked at three different regions in Malaysia as well as Thailand. The research also provides a model that can be used to analyse how various customers view well-known companies and religious brands. Practical implications: Researchers, teachers and practitioners in the domains of advertising, marketing communications, consumer behaviour and sociology will find this study useful. Originality/value: The authors develop a novel dual religiosity conceptual model to delineate the sequential nature of religious opinion formation, behaviour and consumption of religious brands. In addition, the authors provide an example using the PLS model analysis as a supporting example.

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Due to the amphiphilic structure of surfactants, aqueous surfactant solutions can behave like very good solvents and dissolve both polar and non-polar solutes. This study reports on the solubilisation of a direct dye (Direct Blue 86) in a micellar medium using the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Solubilisation of dyes is important for their subsequent removal from aqueous media. UV spectroscopy and conductometry, among others, were used to quantitatively evaluate this process. The extent of solubilisation, the interaction between the molecules and the stability of the processes were checked using the partition coefficient (Kx), the binding constant (Kb) and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters. From the results, it could be concluded that the solubilisation of Direct Blue 86 is a spontaneous process supported by an increase in entropy. It was also found that the micellar medium CTAB is efficient for solubilisation and binding of the dye and can be used economically.

Background: Cortical myoclonus originates at cerebral cortex, predominantly occurring on voluntary movements. Few case reports described usage of Acetazolamide (ACZ) for myoclonus. Methods: Chart review of 2 patients was performed. Literature review was conducted on myoclonus and ACZ using Pubmed. Results: 22-year-old female was diagnosed with Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy (PME) secondary to a KCNC1 mutation. Her symptoms started at 10 years old with bilateral tonic clonic seizures (BTCS), later developing progressive ataxia and myoclonus, involving face and limbs, which worsened with stimulus and menses. Medications included Perampanel, Clonazepam and Levetiracetam, however myoclonus was still limiting. At the age of 19, ACZ 250 mg BID was started for 2 weeks around her menses. Follow up revealed significant improvement of myoclonus, resulting in better ambulation, balance and speech, sustained 2.5 years after. 67-year-old male presented BTCS at the age of 53 along with cortical myoclonus, dementia and ataxia, leading to diagnosis of PME with a mutation on IRF2BPL. Improvement of myoclonus occurred with ACZ 250 mg BID biweekly, although balance and cognition still deteriorated. Conclusions: Previous literature outlines 4 cases of action myoclonus that responded to ACZ. We believe that ACZ should be considered to treat myoclonus, especially in cases with cortical involvement and hormonal fluctuations.

Purpose: This research aims to inspect the existence of the “environmental Kuznets curve” (EKC) in the presence of foreign direct investment (FDI), financial development (FD) and urbanization throughout 1972–2018 for Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach: For time series analysis, Phillips and Perron (PP) and Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) unit root tests are used to confirm the level of integration. For robustness, Kim and Perron (2009)’s structural break unit root test is employed, which identifies the order of integration in the presence of structural break years. Further, combined cointegration analysis is performed to confirm the existence of a long-run association between underlying variables. Furthermore, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) analysis is employed for the robustness of the cointegration approach. Findings: The cointegration analysis confirms the existence of a long-run association among variables. The authors find a positive and significant impact of urbanization, FD and foreign development on environmental degradation in the long run. Similarly, only FDI increases environmental degradation in the short run. In addition, the authors find an inverted U-shape relationship between economic growth and environmental quality which, further, confirms the presence of EKC in Pakistan. Originality/value: This research contributes to applied economics in many ways: the combined effect of urbanization, FD, FDI and economic growth on carbon dioxide (CO2) emission is checked simultaneously. To avoid ambiguity, this study constructs the FD index through the principal component analysis (PCA). Moreover, the role of structural breaks has been considered through the analysis. Novel Bayer-Hanck combined cointegration analysis is employed to detect the existence of long-run relationships among underlying variables.

Textile industries extensively use colorants, such as methylene blue, and if disposed off untreated, they contaminate the effluent streams, causing a severe impact on the environment and aquatic life. Photocatalytic degradation has been found as an inevitable approach to treat them. Herein, we decorated the copper oxide nanoparticles on graphene nanosheets during the reflux process. The resultant copper oxide/graphene nanocomposites were analyzed for structural and functional attributes. It was observed that on increasing the copper oxide contents, the z-average size of the resultant nanocomposites decreased. The X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated the crystalline nature of the nanocomposite. The surface morphology of the copper oxide nanoparticles appeared to be spherical and that of the copper oxide/graphene composite somehow wrinkled. The infrared analysis indicated successful intercalation of precursors in the nanocomposite. The bandgap of copper oxide/graphene nanocomposites varied in the range of 1.03—1.30 eV, which indicated their effective photocatalytic activity. The results demonstrated that after 120 min of exposure, the methylene blue removal efficiency reached 94.0%, 92.2%, and 89.4%(mass fraction) on the copper oxide/graphene nanocomposite at copper oxide nanoparticles to graphene nanosheets ratios of 1:1, 1.5:1, and 2:1 (mass ratio), respectively. The photodegradation performance of the prepared nano-catalyst was found satisfactory even after five cycles.

Purpose: This study aims to discuss the influence of Islamic brand attitude, Islamic brand knowledge and Islamic brand health advantages over the consumption behaviour towards Islamic brands among non-Muslims and tests the subjective norm (Muslim friends and family members) moderating role. Design/methodology/approach: The model was tested by adopting the PLS-SEM testing methodology after collecting data by using the convenient sampling technique. Total 497 responses were used for data analysis. Findings: The findings indicated that the non-Muslims of Thailand are influenced by the Islamic brand knowledge and Islamic brand health advantages. Research limitations/implications: This work examines the non-Muslims who are buying an Islamic brand, and they are the consumers and users of it. Practical implications: These results guide future researchers and organisations to strategies accordingly to motivate non-Muslim consumers towards the Islamic brands. Originality/value: The research presents the construction of a model for understanding Islamic brand attitudes plus its components and as well as the moderating role of subjective norm between Islamic brand attitudes and consumption behaviours of non-Muslims of Thailand towards Islamic brand.

Purpose: In southeast Asia, international companies are growing to serve customers with multiple faiths. This study aims to focus on Thailand and it is one of Southeast Asia’s nations and it has Muslim minority customers. To represent Thai Muslim companies, Thai Muslims are marketing their goods by bearing the tagline “we are Islamic”. Scholars described it as “Islamic brands”. This research describes the significant feature of Islamic brands between Thai Muslim people. It examines, which of the Islamic brand dimensions motivates Thai customers towards buying Islamic brands. Design/methodology/approach: The current study’s conceptual model was the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and 281 Thai Muslims responded via a standardised survey. The data was collected from four southern Thailand provinces (Narathiwat, Pattani, Satun and Yala) and the statistical application Smart-partial least-squares 3 was used for data analysis. Findings: The most significant factor motivating Thai Muslims towards purchasing Islamic brands is the customer’s Islamic brand. The second factor was the Islamic brands by compliance and Islamic brands by country of origin. Research limitations/implications: Three regions in Thailand have been researched, as well as the results concentrate only on three Islamic brand attitudes as independent variables and the development of behavioural expectations of TPB. This research also presents a model that could help understand the consumer perceptions about Islamic brands and established brands amongst various consumers. Practical implications: The present research applies to small companies and multi-national businesses, as it illuminates and recognises the image of Islamic brands and suggests the preferences of customers in selecting the brand of Islamic brand. Originality/value: The current study aims to explain Thai Muslim customers’ buying behavioural intentions while purchasing Islamic brands in Thailand.

In this study, the antifungal, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory (α-amylase), phytochemical and cytotoxicity profile of Jatropha curcasseed oil and de-oiled seed cake extracts was determined. The antifungal activities were investigated against different phytopathogenic fungi including Colletotrichum coccodes, Pythium ultimum, Phytophthora capsici, Rhizoctonia solani, Bipolaris oryzaeand Fusarium fujikuroi. Methanolic extract was found to be highly fungicidal as compared to aqueous extract, n-hexane extract and seed oil, against P. capsiciand F. fujikuroi. Methanolic extract was also found to possess significantly higher antioxidant potential (p< 0.05) than the other extracts. Conversely, seed oil was found to be rich in cytotoxic phytochemicals and exhibited significantly higher (p< 0.05) α-amylase inhibitory activity while remained more cytotoxic against brine shrimps than n-hexane, methanolic and aqueous extracts. Methanolic extract was found to possess significantly higher content of total phenolics and flavonoids (p< 0.05) than the seed oil and other extracts. These results suggested that J. curcasseed oil and extracts can be further investigated for antimicrobial potential and as competent bio-pesticides.

Purpose: Governance quality has been a dominant factor to formulate policies for the development of financial institutions in the world. Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact of governance quality on financial institutions along with globalization in the case of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach: Time series data from 1996 to 2018 are considered for analysis. The NG-Perron is applied to check the order of integration. In addition, Kim and Perron (2009) structural break unit root test is used to identify break years. The autoregressive distributive lags (ARDL) bound testing approach is used to detect the long-run association among governance quality, financial institutions and globalization. Findings: The results of unit root analysis show that all series are stationary at a different level of integration, I(0)/I(1). However, the long-run association is detected in the presence of break years. The authors find a positive impact of governance quality to determine financial institutions in the long-short-run. Similarly, globalization also enhances financial institutions but only in long run. Originality/value: This study fills the gap in the economic literature by exploring the linkages between the financial institution and disaggregated governance indicators in the case of Pakistan. Moreover, a role of structural break is also captured during analysis. This study also opens some new insights for policymaking.

Background: Genus Berberis (family Berberidaceae), which contains about 650 species and 17 genera worldwide, has been used in folklore and various traditional medicine systems. Berberis Linn. is the most established group among genera with around 450-500 species across the world. This comprehensive review will not only help researchers for further evaluation but also provide substantial information for future exploitation of species to develop novel herbal formulations. Objective: The present review is focussed to summarize and collect the updated review of information of Berberis species reported to date regarding their ethnomedicinal information, chemical constituents, traditional/folklore use, and reported pharmacological activities on more than 40 species of Berberis. Conclusion: A comprehensive survey of the literature reveals that various species of the genus possess various phytoconstituents mainly alkaloids, flavonoid based compounds isolated from different parts of a plant with a wide range of pharmacological activities. So far, many pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory both in vitro and in vivo and clinical study of different extracts/isolated compounds of different species of Berberis have been reported, proving their importance as a medicinal plant and claiming their traditional use.

Recently, heterogeneous cluster networks (HCNs) have been the subject of significant research. The nature of the next‐generation HCN environment is decentralized and highly dynamic; optimization techniques cannot quite express the dynamic characteristics of node resource utilization and communication of HCN networks. In this article, we present an intelligent Hybrid‐Q Learning approach (Hybrid QL)‐based clustering approach for IoT and WSN. Using the self‐learning abilities of (HCNs), we propose a model for dynamic accessing systems on nodes and agents that identify the best possible paths and communication over heterogeneous cluster networks using reinforcement learning. In addition to reducing energy consumption, it creates efficient and effective resource utilization and node communication performance. Through increased throughput and link management, the HCN aims to reduce energy consumption. The proposed model is compared to existing approaches based on various scenarios. Finally, the results of the evaluation tasks demonstrate high accuracy, low‐level complexity, fast dynamic response times, and scalability for heterogeneous cluster networks. Our model showed exceptional node allocation efficiency for dynamic IOT environments and WSNs. We propose a Hybrid‐Q Learning (Hybrid QL)‐based clustering for IoT and WSN. Self‐learning solution to solve the problem of decentralized and dynamic self‐access for heterogeneous nodes. Our proposed model dynamic accessing system on node/agents identifies the best possible paths and communication over heterogeneous cluster networks using self‐learning abilities (HCNs).