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Although metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐derived nanoporous C (NPC) materials offer several advantages for electrochemical sensor applications, surface functionalization and porosity tuning can affect sensor performance. This study presents the development of a skin patch for perspiration and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, leveraging the unique properties of MOF‐on‐MOF‐derived surface‐functionalized hybrid nanoporous C (f‐HNPC) incorporated into laser‐scribed graphene (LSG). Hydroxyl (OH) group‐functionalized NPC, achieved through KOH activation, facilitates electron transport at the electrode–electrolyte interface. This enhances the electrochemical activity, thereby improving sensor sensitivity and expanding the detection range. The integration of f‐HNPC provides enhanced surface area and electrochemical properties, enabling sensitive and selective detection of sweat biomarkers, including glucose (103 µA mM−1 cm−2) and uric acid (184 µA mM−1 cm−2) along with an ultra‐wide glucose detection range (up to 41.5 mM). Moreover, the incorporation of LSG ensures excellent mechanical flexibility, facilitating conformal contact with the skin for reliable signal acquisition. The proposed skin patch demonstrates promising performance in real‐time perspiration analysis and ECG monitoring with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 23.63 dB, along with high stability and long‐term durability. The synergistic combination of f‐HNPC and LSG shows great potential for developing advanced wearable biosensing platforms for personalized healthcare applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose, a naturally abundant biopolymer, holds great potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. However, the limited understanding and awareness surrounding cellulose utilization, particularly from agricultural origins, have impeded the complete harnessing of this highly biodegradable resource. This study aimed to extract and characterize cellulose from jute and banana fibers. The extracted cellulose exhibits a light yellow to white color, and microscopic analysis of the fibers showed micro‐fibrils. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) characterization indicated that the extracted cellulose from biomass primarily consists of cellulose II structures, except for the treated banana fiber (M:L = 1:8), which contains both cellulose I and II. Moreover, increasing the M:L ratio of alkali treatment enhanced the percentage of cellulose‐II, as observed from the XRD data. The findings of this study carry significant implications for the efficient production of cellulose fibers, with diverse applications spanning from high‐volume products like regenerated fibers, automotive parts, packaging, absorbent products (diapers), textiles, and precast concrete, drug delivery mediums, electronics, additive manufacturing, bone and tissue scaffolding, and so on. This research opens the door to harnessing the potential of cellulose derived from jute and banana fibers in various industries. Highlights: Extraction cellulose using the kraft process.Isolated cellulose shows a micron‐sized structure.Optimal extraction achieved with M:L ratio of 1:4.Applications of isolated cellulose: regenerated fibers, packaging, absorbent products (diapers), textiles, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recycled hydroponics, successive crop cultivation by maintaining electrical conductivity (EC) suffers lower growth performance due to accumulating autotoxic root exudates. In this study, the efficiency of alternate current electro degradation (AC-ED) was evaluated for degrading allelochemicals and recovering retarded lettuce yield cultivated in EC-adjusted repeatedly used nutrient solutions. From benzoic acid (BA)-added nutrient solution, BA was completely degraded after 24 h by applying AC-ED at 551 and 940 Hz frequency with 50 and 80% electrical duty. In lettuce bioassay, fresh mass was negatively affected without the AC-ED-treated solution. Finally, lettuce seedlings were hydroponically grown in a plant factory using a half-strength Enshi nutrient solution. Culture solutions were unchanged in non-renewed solutions. Nutrient elements were supplied based on the EC (1.42 dS m−1) of culture solutions. The fresh weight of lettuce was gradually decreased in subsequent cultures. Nutrient absorption rate was reduced in non-renewed solutions though enough of all nutrient elements were available in the solution. In the final culture, the highest shoot fresh weight (SFW) was recorded in the renewed (83.0 g plant−1) solution which was similar to the AC-ED-treated solution (81.0 g plant−1) and the lowest (58.0 g plant−1) was in the non-renewed solution. By applying AC-ED, 40% lettuce yield was recovered in the EC-adjusted solution without renewing. Therefore, it is recommended that the continuous application of AC-ED with the capacity of 551 Hz and 50% duty would be applied for recovering the retarded lettuce yield cultivated with repeatedly used culture solutions in recycled hydroponics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is a profitable grain crop for Australian growers. However, weeds remain a major constraint for its production. Chemical herbicides are used for weed control, but this tactic also leads to the evolution of herbicide resistance in different weed species. The suppression of weeds by crop interference (competition and allelopathic) mechanisms has been receiving significant attention. Here, the weed suppressive ability and associated functional traits and stability of four selected canola genotypes (PAK85388-502, AV-OPAL, AV-GARNET, and BAROSSA) were examined at different locations in NSW, Australia. The results showed that there were significant effects of canola genotypes and of genotypes by crop density interaction on weed growth. Among the tested genotypes, PAK85388-502 and AV-OPAL were the most weed suppressive and, at a plant density of 10 plants/m2, they reduced the weed biomass of wild radish, shepherd's purse, and annual ryegrass by more than 80%. No significant differences were found in the primary root lengths among canola varieties; however, plants of the most weed-suppressive genotype PAK8538-502 exhibited a 35% increase in lateral root number relative to plants of the less weed-suppressive genotype BAROSSA. The analysis of variance revealed a significant influence of genotypes with PAK85388-502 and AV-OPAL performing the best across all the research sites. Results showed that canola genotypes PAK85388-502 and AV-OPAL were more weed suppressive than AV-GARNET and BAROSSA and may release specific bioactive compounds in their surroundings to suppress neighboring weeds. This study provides valuable information that could be utilised in breeding programs to select weed-suppressive varieties of canola in Australia. Thus, lateral root number could be a potential target trait for weed-suppressive varieties. Additionally, other root architecture traits may contribute to the underground allelopathic interaction to provide a competitive advantage to the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The helical tube ground heat exchanger (GHE) surpasses all other types of vertical ground heat exchangers, such as the U-tube, double U-tube, triple U-tube, double W-tube, and double-tube type ground heat exchanger in terms of thermal performance. In the present study, the performance of several helix configurations that have an external helix outlet pipe is investigated and compared with a conventional U-tube ground heat exchanger. Another motive of this research is to find the best configuration in terms of heat transfer rate and pressure drop. Water is employed as the working fluid with a fixed flow rate of 2 L/min under laminar flow consideration and a constant inlet temperature of 300.15 K. To determine the optimal configuration among the 17 independent models, several performance parameters are considered, including heat exchange rate, outlet temperature, pressure drop, and the criterion of coefficient of performance (COP) improvement factor. Furthermore, the effects of using different materials for the tube and backfill on the performance of the GHE are evaluated. In a comparison study, it is found that a modified model with a 0.2 m pitch distance between the inlet and outlet pipes, but the upper portion of the outlet is kept straight for 8 m, provides the best thermal performance but consumes the highest pumping power. It has the highest average heat transfer among all configurations, which is 42.69% higher compared to U-tube GHE. The average heat transfer rate is increased by 6.54% for steel as a tube material compared to polyethylene. By using concrete as the backfill, there is a 5.41% improvement of average heat transfer rate compared to silica sand. The worst thermal performance is found in the U-tube ground heat exchanger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both dengue and Leptospira infections are endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, with their prevalence increasing in recent decades. Coinfection with these pathogens presents significant diagnostic challenges for clinicians due to overlapping clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. This case report aims to elucidate two clinical scenarios where the coinfection of dengue and leptospirosis complicates the disease course, creating a diagnostic conundrum. Case presentation: We present the clinical scenarios of two Bangladeshi males, aged 25 and 35 years, who were admitted to our hospital with acute febrile illness. The first patient exhibited hepatic and renal involvement, while the second presented with symptoms initially suggestive of meningoencephalitis. Both cases were initially managed under the presumption of dengue infection based on positive serology. However, further evaluation revealed coinfection with Leptospira, complicating the disease course. Both patients received appropriate treatment for dengue and antibacterial therapy for leptospirosis, ultimately resulting in their recovery. Conclusion: These case scenarios underscore the critical importance for clinicians in regions where dengue and Leptospira are endemic to consider both diseases when evaluating patients presenting with acute febrile illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Among various carbapenemases, New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamases (NDMs) are recognized as the most powerful type capable of hydrolyzing all beta-lactam antibiotics, often conferring multi-drug resistance to the microorganism. The objective of this review is to synthesize current scientific data on NDM inhibitors to facilitate the development of future therapeutics for challenging-to-treat pathogens. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews, we conducted a MEDLINE search for articles with relevant keywords from the beginning of 2009 to December 2022. We employed various generic terms to encompass all the literature ever published on potential NDM inhibitors. Results: Out of the 1760 articles identified through the database search, 91 met the eligibility criteria and were included in our analysis. The fractional inhibitory concentration index was assessed using the checkerboard assay for 47 compounds in 37 articles, which included 8 compounds already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States. Time-killing curve assays (14 studies, 25%), kinetic assays (15 studies, 40.5%), molecular investigations (25 studies, 67.6%), in vivo studies (14 studies, 37.8%), and toxicity assays (13 studies, 35.1%) were also conducted to strengthen the laboratory-level evidence of the potential inhibitors. None of them appeared to have been applied to human infections. Conclusions: Ongoing research efforts have identified several potential NDM inhibitors; however, there are currently no clinically applicable drugs. To address this, we must foster interdisciplinary and multifaceted collaborations by broadening our own horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For more than a half of a century, vehicular-mobility rate is thriving so much that it already has taken all the attentions of sidewalk infrastructure facilities, commonly called "pedestrian". At present, pedestrian facilities represent one of the essential challenges in terms of traffic safety and sidewalk environment, mainly for the urban dwellers of the Asian cities like in Bangladesh, as the average median walkability rating for the Asian countries is only 58.43. Currently, Rajshahi city has been severely affected regarding the safety and mobility of pedestrians, as there is no maintenance of supporting infrastructures, amenities and services at all. The impetuous and excessive increase of urbanization and motorization combined with limited attention to sidewalk facilities and public-transport opportunities resulted in a decrease in the overall pedestrian mode share. Considering the facts and to maintain the comfortable moving of the citizens, identifying the existing conditions of the walkability and pedestrian facilities of Rajshahi city must be considered as the topmost priority. This study aims to apply the principles of Global Walkability Index (GWI), incorporating a "field walkability survey" together with an ADB study, in four major intersection points of Rajshahi city; namely, zero point (CBD), Uposhohor, Kazla and Railgate. Each area will be assessed based on nine parameters of equal weight, with the average of each parameter transformed into a rating system from 0 to 100. The resulting walkability index will classify the areas into red, yellow and green zones for walking and assess Rajshahi city's global standing based on safety, security and convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study numerically investigates mixed convective cooling in a two‐dimensional horizontal channel containing periodically heated blocks by applying proportional (P), proportional‐integral (PI), and proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controllers. Three different controller configurations regulate the amount of cold air entering the chamber. The air's non‐dimensional temperature is continuously monitored at the set point to compare the controllers' performance, and the percentage of overshoot and the steady‐state error are analysed. The investigated chamber comprises one inlet and two exit ports, a temperature sensor, and two heated blocks that are isotherm heat sources. The Galerkin finite element approach computationally solves the equations of continuity, momentum, and energy to analyse the thermo‐fluid phenomena occurring within the chamber. Parametric simulation is carried for different values of the proportional gain (Kp = 0.005, 0.010, 0.050 m s−1 K−1), the integral gain (Ki = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 m s−2 K−1), the derivative gain (Kd = 10−5, 10−4, 10−3 m K−1) to achieve a consistent and expeditious response. Variations of Reynolds, Richardson, and mean Nusselt numbers with time are plotted to compare the system's performance. The investigation indicates that the PI controller produces a comparable level of performance with the PID controller, reducing the necessity to add a derivative controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background: The concept of sustainable firm performance has gained significant interest within the highly competitive business arena. There has been a significant increase in the adoption and implementation of circular economy practices by industries. If a company can implement an established approach to circular economy practices, it may expedite the attainment of sustainable corporate performance. This research is conducted in the context of ready-made garment organizations that are following green criteria in their business activities. The study focuses on an emerging South Asian country, Bangladesh, as it holds a strong position in the global apparel and garment market; it is imperative to assess and ensure the environmental maintenance of this country’s garment sector. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between circular economy practices and sustainable organizational performance. The study focuses on the contributory relationship of circular economy practices on three-dimensional sustainable performance, i.e. on environmental, financial, and social performance. Method: This is a quantitative survey-based study; a total of 418 managers were selected to participate. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire given to a sample of permanent managers of green garment organizations in Bangladesh. For data input and analysis, SPSS and PLS-SEM software were used. Findings & value added: The results of our study demonstrate a noteworthy relationship between circular economy practices and sustainable performance. This research enhances our comprehension of the efficacy of circular economy practices in addressing environmental issues. The study examines the potential ramifications of implementing circular economy practices for policymakers in the green garment sector, which is known for its significant labor-intensive activities, and ranks as the country's second-largest contributor. The outcomes provide a distinctive perspective for adding value to the environmental concerns in emerging economies. Thus, through an investigation of circular economy practices, our research provides valuable insights for the market of global garment products concerning the environment, resource maximization, energy saving, and circular production processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores a machine learning approach focused on predicting bank customer behavior, emphasizing deep learning methods. Various architectures, including CNNs like VGG16, ResNet50, and InceptionV3, are compared with traditional algorithms such as Random Forest and SVM. Results show deep learning models, particularly ResNet50, outperform traditional ones, with an accuracy of 86.66%. A structured methodology ensures ethical data use. Investing in infrastructure and expertise is crucial for successful deep learning integration, offering a competitive edge in banking decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. It discusses the global concerns surrounding the extensive use of agrochemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and their impacts on ecological and human health. The editorial highlights several research articles that delve into various aspects of agrochemical use, including the reduction of pesticide and fertilizer use, residue determination and dietary risk assessment of herbicides in maize, pesticide residues in tomatoes, and pesticide regulations for pollinator protection. The research emphasizes the need for innovative approaches, monitoring, and regulation to ensure the safe and sustainable use of agrochemicals. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: In 2023, the world experienced the worst dengue virus (DENV) outbreak on record. The study aimed to identify global regions and continents with high burden of dengue in 2023., Design: We collected data on the number of DENV cases and deaths reported by various countries to the World Health Organization and World Health Organization regional offices. We estimated DENV cases per million population and case fatality ratio (CFR) among the confirmed cases reported by each country., Results: Overall, in 2023 more than 6.5 million cases and over 6,800 deaths attributed to DENV were recorded globally, marking a historic milestone. Two distinct hotspots of DENV circulation emerged: South America and South and Southeast Asian regions. South America reported the highest number of cases (3,924,992), and 1,946 deaths, with a CFR of 0.05. In Asia, 1,622,405 cases and 3,637 deaths were reported, with a CFR of 0.22. We observed a statistically significant difference in the number of cases and deaths per million across different continents ( P -value <0.001). However, the CFR did not differ significantly across continents ( P -value = 0.123)., Conclusions: The increased cases and mortality highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive global approach aimed at DENV infection control, including vaccine development, vector control, public health initiatives, and improved clinical management., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare., (© 2024 The Authors.)