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The research aspired to determine the effecting determinants of the implementation of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in the manufacturing industry, examining how 4IR readiness (R) acts as a mediator to facilitate the process of 4IR adaptation (ADP) in Bangladesh. Employing the extended technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, the research method integrated both quantitative approaches and structured surveys using random sampling approaches to explore the specific determinants that influence the adoption of 4IR technologies. A total of 500 organizations were approached with an online questionnaire, yielding 370 completed responses, a response rate of 74%. After ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings, the structural equation model was analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0 and SPSS 29 with structural equation modeling (SEM). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed among technology readiness (TR), government support (GS), and technology innovation decision‐making (TIDM) on 4IR R, as well as 4IR R on 4IR ADP based on the findings. Practical implications were discussed with a focus on strategic recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to enhance the structural and supportive infrastructure necessary for 4IR integration. To extend the R and flexibility of the manufacturing sector in anticipation of the 4IR, policymakers must urgently contemplate the expansion of government aid and the formation of expert consulting groups. The originality of this study applied in its ADP of the TOE framework to the context of a developing country, specifically targeting the R factors that facilitate technological ADP in Bangladesh. Unlike traditional models that focus solely on technological adoption, this extended model integrates organizational and environmental factors, offering a comprehensive view of industry R. The findings highlighted the significant positive correlations between technology infrastructure R, governmental support, and decision‐making processes in technology innovation, which distinguish this model by its specific ADP to the developmental and economic conditions in a developing economy like Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is the most important cash crop in Ethiopia. However, the poor quality of the seed affects germination and seedling performance of hot pepper. Therefore, this study was initiated to investigate the germination and seedling growth response of hot pepper to potassium nitrate (KNO3) seed priming at Jimma, southwest Ethiopia under laboratory conditions. A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the effects of KNO3 concentrations, which consists five levels of KNO3 concentration (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% KNO3), nonprimed seed as a control, and the experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBCD) with four replications. The results of the study showed that all KNO3 concentrations significantly (p < 0.05) increase germination percentage, rate, seedling height, dry weight, and seedling vigour‐I and seedling vigour‐II except at 2% KNO3 concentration as compared to control. But at 1% KNO3 concentration, there was more pronounced result on the abovementioned response variables (90 cm, 9.67 cm, 9.01 cm, 2.75 mg, 811.48 mg, and 247.3 mg, respectively). Even though, this treatment resulted the most pronounced effect, KNO3 concentrations at 0.5% KNO3, 0% KNO3 (distilled water only) seed priming had also resulted higher germination percentage, rate, seedling height, dry weight, and seedling vigour‐I and seedling vigour‐II. Correlation analysis of the positive and significant relationship was observed between germination percentage, root length, shoot length, seedling dry weight, seedling fresh weight, seedling vigour index‐I and vigour index‐II, etc. Negative correlation was observed between germination rate and other mentioned parameter in the above. Therefore, we alternatively recommend these two (0.5% and 1%) levels of KNO3 concentration and more promisingly distilled water due to its simple priming protocol and availability for both subsistence and commercial type of farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preharvest losses, which are often neglected, limit the availability of fresh tomato fruit to varying degrees in tomato‐based cropping systems in Cameroon. Increasing tomato yields requires identifying, understanding, and controlling the factors responsible for preharvest losses in the identified cropping systems. Field surveys were conducted in three production areas of western Cameroon (Foumbot, Bansoa, and Dschang) to characterize cropping systems and growers, quantify production losses, and identify causal factors associated with losses and proffer solutions. One hundred and ninety‐six growers were interviewed in 13 villages, using purposive sampling to select zones and simple random sampling to select growers. Factor analysis for mixed data (FAMD) and canonical discriminant analysis, combined with multinomial logistic regression, were used to analyze the collected data. The FAMD results indicated that 72% of the farm variability was expressed through technical route, preharvest losses, and technical mastery. The tomato‐based cropping systems were classified into three types: (1) a pure cultivation system that consumes excessive synthetic fertilizers and results in significant losses; (2) a pure cultivation system that consumes high amounts of synthetic fertilizers and moderate amounts of organic fertilizers with moderate losses; and (3) a cultivation system that involves moderate synthetic fertilizer consumption, extremely low organic amendment, and low losses. Preharvest losses can be significantly affected by the unregulated use of synthetic fertilizers. The study's implications are many, affecting agricultural practices, policy, economic stability, and food security in Cameroon. A more sustainable and productive tomato industry can be achieved by addressing preharvest losses through informed strategies. To address this issue, it is crucial to establish fertilization protocols that consider the soil's fertility status and the tomato's essential macro‐ and micronutrient requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercetin, a major representative of the flavonol subclass found abundantly in almost all edible vegetables and fruits, showed remarkable therapeutic properties and was beneficial in numerous degenerative diseases by preventing lipid peroxidation. Quercetin is beneficial in different diseases, such as atherosclerosis and chronic inflammation. This study aims to find out the anticancer activities of quercetin and to determine different mechanisms and pathways which are responsible for the anticancer effect. It also revealed the biopharmaceutical, toxicological characteristics, and clinical utilization of quercetin to evaluate its suitability for further investigations as a reliable anticancer drug. All of the relevant data concerning this compound with cancer was collected using different scientific search engines, including PubMed, Springer Link, Wiley Online, Web of Science, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. This review demonstrated that quercetin showed strong anticancer properties, including apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis, and inhibition of invasion and migration against various types of cancer. Findings also revealed that quercetin could significantly moderate and regulate different pathways, including PI3K/AKT‐mTORC1 pathway, JAK/STAT signaling system, MAPK signaling pathway, MMP signaling pathway, NF‐κB pathway, and p‐Camk2/p‐DRP1 pathway. However, this study found that quercetin showed poor oral bioavailability due to reduced absorption; this limitation is overcome by applying nanotechnology (nanoformulation of quercetin). Moreover, different investigations revealed that quercetin expressed no toxic effect in the investigated subjects. Based on the view of these findings, it is demonstrated that quercetin might be considered a reliable chemotherapeutic drug candidate in the treatment of different cancers. However, more clinical studies are suggested to establish the proper therapeutic efficacy, safety, and human dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin oxide (SnO2), with its low resistivity properties and high transparency in the visible spectrum, makes it an attractive electron transfer layer (ETL) for use in perovskite solar cells. Here, we use two techniques, coprecipitation and solvothermal, to synthesize pure and 4% copper‐doped SnO2. The X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed that the films synthesized using both methods have a crystalline structure with a tetragonal arrangement. Furthermore, the lack of any secondary peaks indicated the absence of mixed tin oxide (Sn2O4) or copper oxide (CuO) components. Additionally, it demonstrated that adding a 4% Cu doping concentration reduced the crystal size in both methods. The optical results indicate adequate transmission in the central range of the visible spectrum. Calculations were performed to find the energy gap of pure SnO2 in both techniques to be 3.85 eV and 4.17 eV, respectively. When we doped SnO2 with 4% Cu, this band gap energy decreased to 3.75 eV and 3.9 eV. Furthermore, with 4% Cu doping, the particle size decreases, as demonstrated by FESEM. The EDX spectroscopy images revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles consisted of copper, oxygen, and tin. The analysis of functional groups using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and the roughness analysis using AFM images showed a decrease in roughness from 46.1 nm to 12.3 nm in doped samples prepared by solvothermal synthesis, compared to those synthesized by the coprecipitation technique from 4.7 nm to 0.3 nm. We discovered that Cu plays an essential role in reducing nanocrystalline SnO2 particle sizes. In addition, the solvothermal technique is more impressive than coprecipitation in the synthesis of tin oxide nanostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study the modulation instability (MI) and closed‐form soliton solution of the modified Korteweg–de Vries–Zakharov–Kuznetsov (mKdV‐ZK) equation with a truncated M‐fractional derivative. The mKdV‐ZK equation can be used to describe the behavior of ion‐acoustic waves in plasma and the propagation of surface waves in deep water with nonlinear and dispersive effects in fluid dynamics. To execute a closed soliton solution, we implement two dominant techniques, namely, the improved F‐expansion scheme and unified solver techniques for the mKdV‐ZK equation. Under the condition of parameters, the obtained solutions exhibit hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational functions with free parameters. Using the Maple software, we present three‐dimensional (3D) plots with density plots and two‐dimensional (2D) graphical representations for appropriate values of the free parameters. Under the conditions of the numerical values of the free parameters, the obtained closed‐form solutions provided some novel phenomena such as antikink shape wave, dark bell shape, collision of kink and periodic lump wave, periodic wave, collision of antikink and periodic lump wave, collision of linked lump wave with kink shape, periodic lump wave by using improved F‐expansion method and kink shape, diverse type of periodic wave, singular soliton, and bright bell and dark bell‐shape wave phenomena by using unified solver method. The comparative effects of the fractional derivative are illustrated in 2D plots. We also provided a comparison between the results obtained through the suggested scheme and those obtained by other approaches, showing some similar solutions and some that are different. Besides, to check of stability and instability of the solution, the MI analysis of the given system is investigated based on the standard linear stability analysis and the MI gain spectrum analysis. With the use of symbolic calculations, the applied approach is clear, simple, and elementary, as demonstrated by the more broad and novel results that are obtained. It may also be applied to more complex phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a fact that the performance of most crop genotypes varies across environments due to genotype‐environment interactions. Sharing knowledge about maize genotypes that are well‐adapted and high‐yielding in specific environments is essential for smallholder farmers to boost their productivity. A field trial was established in three locations during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons to identify and select better‐adapted high‐yielding maize genotypes for production. A total of 10 improved varieties were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The AMMI analysis of variance showed grain yield significantly (p ≤ 0.001) influenced by genotype‐environment interaction. This suggests that different genotypes showed varying grain yield performance across environments, implying the opportunity to choose effective genotypes suitable for both specific and broad adaptability. Moreover, the combined analysis of variance showed that genotype‐environment interaction significantly influenced plant height, ear height, dry biomass yield, and hundred‐kernel weight. The sum of squares factor explained that grain yield variation was contributed by the genotype (71.22%), followed by the environment (16.54%) and the genotype‐environment interaction effect (12.24%) of the total variation. Genotypes BH‐661, BH‐549, and BH‐546 demonstrated superior performance and stability, surpassing the national maize mean productivity and indicating broad adaptability. The AMMI analysis, GSI, and GGE biplot confirmed their robustness and high yield potential, especially for BH‐661 and BH‐549, making them optimal for variable conditions. Therefore, BH‐661 and BH‐549 are selected as stable genotypes for production in all agroecologies suitable for maize in the Dawuro zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs the Lie symmetry technique to explore the symmetry features of the time fractional Kupershmidt equation. Specifically, we use the Lie symmetry technique to derive the symmetry generators for this equation, which incorporates a conformal fractional derivative. We use the symmetry generators to transform the fractional partial differential equation into a fractional ordinary differential equation, thereby simplifying the analysis. The obtained reduced equation is of fourth order nonlinear ordinary differential equation. To find the wave solutions, F/G‐expansion process has been used to obatin different types of solutions of the time‐fractional Kuperschmidt equation. The obtained wave solutions are hyperbolic and trigonometric in nature. We then use Maple software to visually depict these wave solutions for specific parameter values, providing insights into the behaviour of the system under investigation. Peak and kink wave solutions are achieved for the given problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glyphosate herbicide is a pesticide widely used in the world and can contaminate soil, air, and water. The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of a glyphosate‐based herbicide (GBH) in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fish were exposed to different concentrations of GBH (0, 50, 250, and 500 µg/L) for 96 hours. Brain, liver, and blood were collected for biochemical and genotoxicity analyses, and behavioral tests were performed. The results showed that there was a reduction in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes of catalase (CAT) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) in the liver at all concentrations and at the highest concentration in the brain. There was also a reduction in lipid peroxidation in the liver at all concentrations of glyphosate. There was an increase in micronuclei in the blood at the 500 µg/L concentration. However, the count of nuclear abnormalities showed no differences from the control. Interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) generation was inhibited at all concentrations in the liver and at the highest concentration in the brain. No significant differences were found in the behavioral test compared to the control. The results showed that acute exposure to GBH promoted an inflammatory event, which reduced the efficiency of antioxidants, thus producing a disturbance in tissues, mainly in the liver, causing immunosuppression and generating genotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodborne epidemics have become a serious public health emergency worldwide. Foods of animal origin, in particular chicken meat, are considered to be potential vectors of pathogenic bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium can be resistant in the form of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or produce enterotoxins leading to food poisoning when ingested. This study is aimed at exploring the virulence genes in S. aureus responsible for producing enterotoxins (staphylococcal enterotoxin [SE] A [sea] and SE E [see]) and determining the prevalence of MRSA in raw broiler meat in the Casa‐Rabat region in Morocco. A quantitative (q) PCR (qPCR) assay, using specific primers for S. aureus (nuc) confirmation and detection of enterotoxin genes (sea and see), as well as the methicillin‐resistant gene (mecA), was employed. Our findings indicated that all tested strains were positively identified as S. aureus. Among them, one isolate (1/54) tested positive for the see gene (1.85%), while none carried the sea gene. Furthermore, the mecA gene, indicative of MRSA, was present in 12/54 of the isolates (22.22%). The potential presence of MRSA in Moroccan poultry meat underscores a public health risk. Thus, stringent measures are imperative to curtail the contamination and proliferation of this bacterium during the slaughtering process, underscoring the importance of continuing research into the prevalence of MRSA colonization among poultry slaughterhouse personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of high‐yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a crucial need for succeeding food security that needs the presence of great genetic variability to be used in breeding programs. Creating new variants through sodium azide mutagenesis can be a better alternative in advancing plant breeding issues. The generation and characterization of mutants represent an effective method for choosing genotypes with desired attributes. In this study, we focused on inducing mutations in the genetic base of a mega rice variety (BRRI dhan28) using sodium azide, evaluating the genetic diversity of the mutants, and identifying promising genotypes among the mutants using quantitative trait analysis and genetic criteria. The mutants exhibited substantial variation, as evidenced by descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The estimated heritability and genetic advance indicated that nearly all traits had a high level of heritability and followed a complex pattern of inheritance. The strong correlations observed between grain yield and flag leaf length, branch panicle−1, grain panicle−1, 100‐grain weight, straw yield hill−1, and harvest index indicate that prioritizing these traits during selection could substantially improve other desirable characteristics. Additionally, we employed the principal component analysis which revealed that the first two components collectively accounted for 32.16% of the total variation, providing essential information about the genetic relatedness of the mutants. The Multitrait Genotype–Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) analysis revealed that out of 100 mutants, only eight exhibited noteworthy performance. These findings provide insights into the efficiency of azide in creating genetic variations in rice traits and offer valuable resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing high‐performing rice varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work deals with the investigation of the time‐fractional Klein–Gordon (K‐G) model, which has great importance in theoretical physics with applications in various fields, including quantum mechanics and field theory. The main motivation of this work is to analyze modulation instability and soliton solution of the time‐fractional K‐G model. Comparative studies are investigated by β‐fraction derivative and M‐fractional derivative. For this purpose, we used unified and advanced exp(−ϕ(ξ))‐expansion approaches that are highly important tools to solve the fractional model and are used to create nonlinear wave pattern (both solitary and periodic wave) solutions for the time‐fractional K‐G model. For the special values of constraints, the periodic waves, lumps with cross‐periodic waves, periodic rogue waves, singular soliton, bright bell shape, dark bell shape, kink and antikink shape, and periodic wave behaviors are some of the outcomes attained from the obtained analytic solutions. The acquired results will be useful in comprehending the time‐fractional K‐G model's dynamical framework concerning associated physical events. By giving specific values to the fractional parameters, graphs are created to compare the fractional effects for the β‐fraction derivative and M‐fractional derivative. Additionally, the modulation instability spectrum is expressed utilizing a linear analysis technique, and the modulation instability bands are shown to be influenced by the third‐order dispersion. The findings indicate that the modulation instability disappears for negative values of the fourth order in a typical dispersion regime. Consequently, it was shown that the techniques mentioned previously could be an effective tool to generate unique, precise soliton solutions for numerous uses, which are crucial to theoretical physics. This work provided the effect of the recently updated two fraction forms, and in the future, we will integrate the space–time M‐fractional form of the governing model by using the extended form of the Kudryashov method. Maple 18 is utilized as the simulation tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor behavior has emerged as a promising substance for numerous advancements in natural energy production, storage, and conversion, as well as in medical technology due to exceptional properties and capabilities of the perovskites. Additionally, this property also presents a great opportunity for solar cells to serve as a substitute for conventional silicon‐based photovoltaic systems, as they provide greater efficiency and cost‐effective conversion of sunlight to electricity. Here, we are for the first time investigating lead‐free environment‐friendly cubic perovskites ASnX3 (A = Na and Li; X = Cl, Br, and I) under different hydrostatic pressures ranging from 0 to 5 GPa. Utilizing the GGA + PBE functional method with a space group of 221 (Pm3m), ASnX3 compounds (A = Na and Li; X = Cl, Br, and I) demonstrate direct bandgaps at 0 GPa, ranging from 0.790 to 0.282 eV for Li‐based halides and 0.760–0.296 eV for Na‐based halides, characterizing their semiconductor nature within the perovskite crystal lattice. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that the conduction band and the valence band intersect at a point above the Fermi level which influences the transition of semiconductor to metal or the creation of a half‐metallic state. The optical and structural properties of the compound were also examined, and as the pressure rose from 0 to 5 GPa, the absorption redshift occurred. The analysis of magnetic properties revealed that ASnX3 (A = Na and Li; X = Cl, Br, and I) compounds have diamagnetic behavior in both normal and under pressure conditions. Meanwhile, compounds that satisfy mechanical stability requirements up to certain pressures demonstrate alternations in bulk modulus, shear modulus, and Young's modulus. The compounds show ductile behavior as their Poisson's ratio values range between 0.28 and 0.44 for every compound. Increasing pressure increases the values of the compounds, but the compounds remain in the same range of ductile material and show better ductility. Finally, increasing pressure influences the characteristics of the compounds as I‐based compounds change phase transitions from semiconductor behavior to metallic behavior. On the other hand, Cl‐based and Br‐based compounds show semimetallic behavior for increased pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytotoxic compounds isolated and identified from different plants have the ability to use as plant‐based herbicides. Phytotoxic chemicals may be essential to weed management and environmental protection in order to reduce the indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides. It has been reported that Elaeocarpus floribundus plant possesses phytotoxic compounds. The leaf extracts of this species demonstrated significant growth inhibition against the tested plants (dicot plant lettuce and plant monocot timothy) and inhibition was dose‐ and species‐dependent pattern. Two phytotoxic compounds were separated using different purifications methods and identified as compounds 1 and 2. All phytotoxic compounds displayed potent growth limitation against the tested species (cress). The compound concentrations needed for the inhibition of 50% growth (IC50 value) of tested species ranged from 1.06 to 8.53 µM (micromolar). Findings of this research suggest that these compounds might be responsible for the phytotoxicity of Elaeocarpus floribundus plant. The results of this study may be helpful for the development of natural herbicide to control weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the impact of enriching bread with banana peel powder (BPP) on nutritional attributes, bioactive components, antioxidant activity, and sensory characteristics. Four bread samples were prepared and evaluated: S1 (control), S2 (5% BPP), S3 (7% BPP), and S4 (10% BPP). The addition of BPP resulted in a reduction in moisture content and an increase in ash, fat, protein, and fibre levels, while reducing overall carbohydrate content. Furthermore, BPP‐enriched bread exhibited an increase in total phenolic content (TPC) (ranging from 28.46 to 42.38 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid content (TFC) (ranging from 6.63 to 9.46 QE mg/g), indicating enhanced antioxidant properties. The DPPH assay demonstrated the antioxidant potential of BPP‐incorporated bread, with the radical scavenging activity (RSA) increasing from 18.84% to 53.03% with increasing BPP enrichment. Color assessment revealed changes in both crust and crumb, with a decrease from 78.46 to 40.53 in the lightness (L∗) value of the crust and from 61.21 to 41.10 in the lightness (L∗) value of the crumb. Additionally, changes in a∗ and b∗ values were observed. The a∗ values varied between 17.59 and 12.42 for the crust and between 6.96 and 5.89 for the crumb. The b∗ values varied between 31.61 and 23.65 for the crust and between 19.63 and 16.58 for the crumb. Sensory evaluation suggested that up to 5% BPP inclusion in bread mirrored the texture, taste, appearance, and overall acceptability of control bread, but enrichment beyond 5% resulted in lower sensory scores. In summary, the incorporation of BPP significantly influenced various aspects of bread, highlighting its potential for applications in the food and industry sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, density functional theory (DFT) as it is implemented in the Quantum Espresso simulation package was employed to investigate the structural, electronic, mechanical and optical properties of RhZrZ (Z = As, Sb) half‐Heusler compounds. Results reveal that both the two compounds are most stable in α phase. Analysis of mechanical properties shows that the compounds are ductile in nature and mechanically stable. Calculations of band structure and density of states indicated that they are semiconductors with RhZrAs direct and RhZrSb indirect band gap. Furthermore, the investigation of the optical properties reveals that there is a high absorption coefficient and low electron energy loss in visible and some ultraviolet energy spectrum indicating that these compounds are potential candidates for optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important zoonotic pathogen associated with a wide range of infections in humans and animals. Thus, the emergence of MRSA clones poses an important threat to human and animal health. This study is aimed at elucidating the genomics insights of a strong biofilm‐producing and multidrug‐resistant (MDR) S. aureus MTR_BAU_H1 strain through whole‐genome sequencing (WGS). The S. aureus MTR_BAU_H1 strain was isolated from food handlers' hand swabs in Bangladesh and phenotypically assessed for antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm production assays. The isolate was further undergone to high throughput WGS and analysed using different bioinformatics tools to elucidate the genetic diversity, molecular epidemiology, sequence type (ST), antimicrobial resistance, and virulence gene distribution. Phenotypic analyses revealed that the S. aureus MTR_BAU_H1 strain is a strong biofilm‐former and carries both antimicrobial resistance (e.g., methicillin resistance; mecA, beta‐lactam resistance; blaZ and tetracycline resistance; tetC) and virulence (e.g., sea, tsst, and PVL) genes. The genome of the S. aureus MTR_BAU_H1 belonged to ST1930 that possessed three plasmid replicons (e.g., rep16, rep7c, and rep19), seven prophages, and two clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) arrays of varying sizes. Phylogenetic analysis showed a close evolutionary relationship between the MTR_BAU_H1 genome and other MRSA clones of diverse hosts and demographics. The MTR_BAU_H1 genome harbours 42 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), 128 virulence genes, and 273 SEED subsystems coding for the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, cofactors, vitamins, minerals, and lipids. This is the first‐ever WGS‐based study of a strong biofilm‐producing and MDR S. aureus strain isolated from human hand swabs in Bangladesh that unveils new information on the resistomes (ARGs and correlated mechanisms) and virulence potentials that might be linked to staphylococcal pathogenesis in both humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wet market poultry processing is a concern of spreading microbial pathogens into the environment or to the products. So, this study evaluated the microbiological contamination in poultry settings, i.e., slaughter and processing lines of wet market poultry shops, and the use of nonchlorine sanitizer to improve the sanitation. Swab samples from inner drum surfaces, defeathering machine inner surfaces, knife surfaces and workers' hands, drum's water, feather/carcass, and debris were collected, and their microbiological quality was determined. Most of the samples including workers' hand surfaces were heavily contaminated with coliform, fecal coliform (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp.), E. coli, Salmonella enterica, and yeast and mold. The antibiotic sensitivity/resistivity test showed that E. coli was resistant to 9 antibiotics, K. pneumoniae to 8 antibiotics, S. enterica to 5 antibiotics, and Enterobacter spp. to 4 antibiotics, which were found common to all the bacterial isolates against 11 antibiotics. Additionally, in comparison to hot water washing, nonchlorine sanitizer (0.01% calcinated calcium from scallop or eggshell source) was found to effectively reduce pathogens from the surfaces of wet market poultry slaughter and processing lines. Hence, the use of nonchlorine sanitizer could be a novel practice to improve the hygiene and safety status of wet market poultry slaughterhouses and processing environment as well as reduce occupational hazard associated with poultry processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we explore the utilization of the Caputo derivative and the Riemann–Liouville (R–L) fractional integral to analyze the optimal auxiliary function method for approximating fractional nonlinear long waves. Approximate long wave equation with a distinct dispersion relation offers the most accurate description of shallow water wave properties. Various methods, including the Adomian decomposition technique, the variational iteration method, the optimum homotopy asymptotic method, and the new iterative technique, have been employed and compared to those obtained using the fractional-order approximate long wave equation. The results of our study indicate that the optimal auxiliary function method is highly successful and practically simple, achieving better and more rapid convergence after just one repetition. This method is recognized as an efficient approach, demonstrating high precision in solving intriguing and intricate problems. Furthermore, it proves to be more time and resource efficient than other relevant analytical techniques, leading to significant savings in both volume and time. Compared to the Adomian decomposition technique, the new iterative technique, the variational iteration method, and the optimum homotopy asymptotic method, the suggested technique is extremely accurate computationally. It is also easy to analyze and solve fractionally linked nonlinear complex phenomena that arise in science and technology. We present the numerical and graphical findings that support these conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa recently (2017-18) experienced the largest outbreak of human listeriosis in the world caused by L. monocytogenes following the consumption of "polony," a ready-to-eat meat product. Most (59%) cases originated from Gauteng province, South Africa. As a follow-up study to the outbreak, we used standard bacteriological and molecular methods to determine the prevalence of pathogenic and virulent serogroups of L. monocytogenes in various beef and beef products retailed in Gauteng province, South Africa. The overall prevalence of Listeria spp. was 28% (112/400), comprising Listeria monocytogenes (9.3%), Listeria innocua (16.3%), and Listeria welshimeri (2.5%) (p < 0.001). It is crucial to have detected that the region (p = 0.036), type of product (p = 0.032), and temperature at storage (p = 0.011) significantly affected the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in beef products. It is alarming that pathogenic serogroups 4b-4d-4e (51.4%) and 1/2a-3a (43.2%) were detected among the isolates of L. monocytogenes. Importantly, they were all carriers of seven virulence-associated genes (hlyA, inlB, plcA, iap, inlA, inlC, and inlJ). Our study also demonstrated that 16.7% of "polony" samples investigated were contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Considering that pathogenic and virulent L. monocytogenes contaminated beef and beef products retailed in South Africa, the food safety risk posed to consumers remains and cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is imperative to reduce the contamination of these products with L. monocytogenes during beef production, processing, and retailing to avoid future outbreaks of human listeriosis in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal parasites cause health problems and even death in captive animals. These animals are more susceptible to parasitic infestations because of confinement and stress. The aim of the study is to describe parasitic causal agents in captive wild animals at the Bangladesh National Zoo, Chittagong Zoo, and Tilagarh Eco Park, in Sylhet. A total of 54 fecal samples were collected from the Bangladesh Zoo, Chittagong Zoo, and Tilagarh Eco Park from April 2022 to November 2022. Samples were collected from animals of the groups Aves (16), Reptiles (4), Artiodactyla (23), Perissodactyla (8), and Proboscidea (3). All samples were examined using a modified formalin ether sedimentation technique. Fecal examination consoled an overall occurrence of 61.1%. Out of 54 samples, 33 were positive for parasitic infection. The parasites observed were as follows: Ascarididae eggs (57.58%), Capillaria spp. (18.18%), Strongyloides spp. (9.09%), Trichuris spp. (6.06%), and mixed infection (9.09%). The order Reptiles had a 100% infection rate, while Aves had the lowest infection rate (50%). Only nematodes were detected in this study. Without showing evident, clinical signs and symptoms of disease, the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites is high. This indicates a subclinical infection. This study shows that more epidemiological research and sanitation management programs, including regular antihelminthic therapy for controlling parasitic infection, should be adopted in zoos and ecoparks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic astaxanthin is an effective nutritional strategy for improving shrimp body color and promoting growth. However, the optimal amount of astaxanthin in feed also varies with the synthetic technology and purity. In the present study, five diets containing different doses of synthetic astaxanthin (0% (CON), 0.02% (AX0.02), 0.04% (AX0.04), 0.08% (AX0.08), and 0.16% (AX0.16)) were administered to Penaeus monodon (initial body weight: 0.3 ± 0.03 g) for 8 weeks. With an increase in astaxanthin content in feed, weight gain and specific growth rate increased initially and subsequently decreased, with the highest value appearing at AX0.08. Dietary astaxanthin supplementation obviously improved the carapace and muscle color by enhancing astaxanthin pigmentation. Meanwhile, the fatty acid profile was altered by dietary astaxanthin, as evidenced by a decline in palmitic acid proportion, along with an increase in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) contents in muscle. In addition, dietary astaxanthin supplementation regulated prawn's antioxidant capacity. In the hemolymph, the activities of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) showed a significantly decrease trend with linear effect. The activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) were first downregulated and then upregulated with significantly quadratic pattern. In the hepatopancreas, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the contents of MDA were significantly downregulated with the increase of dietary astaxanthin levels. Reduced glutathione (GSH) contents and catalase (CAT) activities were also significantly decreased in group AX0.08. Correspondingly, astaxanthin decreased GSH and MDA contents under transportation stress. Moreover, the mRNA expression of immune genes (traf6, relish, and myd88) were inhibited by dietary astaxanthin supplementation. Based on the results of polynomial contrasts analysis and Duncan's test, dietary synthetic astaxanthin is a suitable feed additive to improve the growth, body color, antioxidant capacity, and nonspecific immunity of P. monodon. According to the second-order polynomial regression analysis based on the weight gain, the optimal supplementation level of dietary astaxanthin was 90 mg kg−1 in P. monodon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Brucellosis is prevalent in Mediterranean countries. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and associated factors among Syrian refugees in Jordan. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Syrian refugees who attended the Public Health Lab (PHL) in Al Mafraq governorate, during the period of May-June 2022 to obtain a health certificate, which is legally required to receive governmental authorization for employment in Jordan. Blood samples were obtained from participants and a serum specimen was tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against Brucella using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG kits (Vircell Microbiologists, Granada, Spain). Results. A total of 1562 Syrian refugees were enrolled in the study. Their ages ranged between 18 and 74 years, with a median age of 30 years at presentation. The majority were males (75.9%, n = 1186) and 24.1% (n = 376) were females. The Brucella ELISA IgG results were positive for 149 persons, with an overall seroprevalence rate of 9.5% (95% confidence interval: 8.0%–11.0%). Having animal-related occupations, residing outside refugee camps, consuming unpasteurized milk, handling animals or their tissues, and slaughtering animals within 6 months of study inclusion were significantly higher among the seropositive group. In the multivariate analysis, IgG-positive persons were 13 times more likely to report being diagnosed with brucellosis (OR = 13.1, 95% CI: 6.1–28.3; p ≤ 0.001). In addition, they were more likely to reside in the city of Al Mafraq, as opposed to a refugee camp (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.2; p = 0.025) and to have handled animals within 6 months of study inclusion (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1–8.9; p = 0.035). Conclusions. In conclusion, one-tenth of adult Syrian refugees were tested positive for Brucella ELISA IgG. Being diagnosed with brucellosis, residing in the city of Al Mafraq, as opposed to a refugee camp, and handling animals within 6 months of study inclusion were significantly associated with being positive for Brucella ELISA IgG. This study illustrates the need for improved brucellosis control measures via comprehensive vaccination of animals and enhanced laboratory detection and surveillance capacities, in addition to emphasizing the need for increased awareness sessions among Syrian refugees on the safe use and preparation of dairy products and safety practices of handling animals and their tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious illness that spreads widely over a short period of time and finally causes a pandemic. Unfortunately, the lack of radiologists, improper COVID-19 diagnosing procedures, and insufficient medical supplies have all played roles in these devastating losses of life. Deep learning (DL) could be used to detect and classify COVID-19 for potential image-based diagnosis. Materials and Methods. This paper proposes an improved deep convolutional neural network (IDConv-Net) to detect and classify COVID-19 using X-ray and computed tomography (CT) images. Before the training phase, preprocessing methods such as filtering, data normalization, classification variable encoding, and data augmentation were used in conjunction with the proposed IDConv-Net to increase the effectiveness of the detection and classification processes. To extract essential features, deep CNN is then employed. As a result, the suggested model can identify patterns and relationships crucial to the image classification task, resulting in more precise and useful diagnoses. Python and Keras (with TensorFlow as a backend) were used to carry out the experiment. Results. The proposed IDConv-Net was tested using chest X-rays and CT images collected from hospitals in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and online databases. After evaluating the model, the proposed IDConv-Net achieved an accuracy of 99.53% and 98.41% in training and testing for CT images and 97.49% and 96.99% in training and testing for X-ray images, respectively. Further, the area under the curve (AUC) value is 0.954 and 0.996 for X-ray and CT images, respectively, indicating the excellent performance of the proposed model. Conclusion. The findings of our proposed IDConv-Net model confirm that the model outperformed compared to existing COVID-19 detection and classification models. The IDConv-Net outperforms current state-of-the-art models by 2.25% for X-rays and 2.81% for CT images. Additionally, the IDConv-Net training approach is significantly quicker than the current transfer learning models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Sandha river of Bangladesh, we investigated the temporal and geographical fluctuation in species of fish composition and diversity. The extent of our understanding of the fish variety in this river varies greatly on both a temporal and a geographical scale. From July 2021 to June 2022, fish specimens were gathered from five stations using various conventional fishing methods. During the study period, 5118 individuals from 67 species were collected which include 8 orders, 24 families, and 54 genera. Cypriniformes made up the majority of the order (32.84%), whereas Beloniformes and Tetraodontiformes made up the least number of species (1.49% each). Six species were listed as endangered (8.96%), seven as vulnerable (10.45%), nine as near threatened (13.43%), forty-three as least concern (64.18%), one with data deficient (1.49%), and one as not evaluated (1.49%) in Bangladesh. In order to quantify the temporal and geographical changes in community composition, diversity indices were calculated and put to use. Three (temperature, humidity, and rainfall) out of the four environmental factors (temperature, humidity, rainfall, and photoperiod) had a big impact on how species were distributed. At a similarity level of 79% and 75.5% separation, 2 substantial clusters were seen in the case of stations and 2 large clusters were detected in the case of months, respectively. However, at a similarity threshold of 20% separation, three different groups of fish species were found. Our research offers the most recent status data on fish distribution in the Sandha river. The knowledge acquired from this research is crucial for creating protection and management plans that will promote the long-term viability of fishery resources in the Sandha river and its nearby coastal tributaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we proposed new inorganic ZrS2/CuInS2 heterojunction solar cells based on 2D dichalcogenides material using SCAPS-1D software. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are two-dimensional materials with outstanding semiconducting properties due to their high optical absorption coefficients, nontoxic nature, significant charge carrier mobility, and tunable energy band structures. In this study, eco-friendly solar cells having the arrangement Al/ZrS2/CuInS2/Au have been quantitatively analyzed. This simulation employed the absorber layer CuInS2 and the buffer layer ZrS2 with aluminum as the front contact and gold as the back contact. The impact of the absorber layer thickness, band gap, buffer layer thickness, acceptor density, defect density, series and shunt resistances, C-V, Mott–Schottky, and the operating temperature has been studied for the proposed solar cell structure. The best performance of proposed solar cell structure thickness, band gap, and donor density for n-ZrS2 is 0.3 µm, 1.7 eV, 1 × 1019 cm−3, and for p-CuInS2, respectively, 4 µm, 1.43 eV, 2 × 1017 cm−3. The suggested solar cell has a power conversion efficiency of 21.1% with 0.81 V Voc, 30.5 mA/cm2 Jsc, and 85.78% FF. The analysis reveals that CuInS2 absorber material and ZrS2 semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are potential materials for photovoltaic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this exploration, we reflect on the wave transmission of three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear electron–positron magnetized plasma, counting both hot as well as cold ion. Treated equation acquiesces to nonlinear-modified KdV-Zakharov–Kuznetsov (mKdV-ZK) dynamical 3D form. The model is integrated by the φ 6 -model expansion scheme and invented few families of ion acoustic solitonic propagation results in term of Jacobi elliptic functions. Various shock waves, bullet like bright soliton, dark soliton, singular soliton, as well as periodic signal solutions, are formed from the Jacobi elliptic solution for different parametric constraints. Some of the solutions are illustrated graphically and analyzed width and height due to change of exist parameters in the solutions. Figures are provided to explain the wave natures and effects of nonlinear and fractional parameters are presented in the same two-dimensional (2D) plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the limited technical properties of their native forms, oils and fats are frequently blended to achieve the desired textural and oxidative properties. In this study, canola and palm oil blends were prepared in nine different proportions: B1 (90 : 10), B2 (80 : 20), B3 (70 : 30), B4 (60 : 40), B5 (50 : 50), B6 (40 : 60), B7 (30 : 70), B8 (20 : 80), and B9 (10 : 90). Pure palm oil (PO) and canola oil (CO) were used as the controls. All blends were assessed for physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, heat treatment, and polymer content. The results indicated negative cold tests only for B1 and B2 blends with 10 and 20% PO, respectively. Iodine value decreased with increasing palm oil concentration and was lowest (62.03 ± 0.526) for blend B9, i.e., 90% PO. The fatty acid profile indicated more saturated fatty acids and a higher percentage of oleic acid in PO than in CO. The fatty acid profile values of blends B1–B9 were between those of the pure PO and CO. Linoleic and linolenic acids were more in blends B1–B9 than those in pure PO. The polymer content of PO (7.17%) was found to be lower than that of CO (10.32%) after 60 h of heating at 180°C. In addition, biologically active substances (BASs), which could be formed during the frying process, were tested by measuring the inhibition zone of E. coli growth. PO retarded BAS formation. The blended palm or canola oils resulted in better stability and increased organoleptic characteristics and hence can be suitable as economical and healthy alternatives to pure palm or canola oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the spawning and rearing habitats of fishes is critical to effective fisheries management and conservation. Longfin smelt Spirinchus thaleichthys is an imperiled migratory fish that is believed to spawn and rear in habitats of varying salinities; however, optimal conditions for each stage remain unknown. Here, we examined the effects of variation in salinity on egg fertilization, hatch success, and larval growth and survival. Eggs that were fertilized in freshwater (0.4 ppt) exhibited a significantly higher fertilization rate (81%) than those fertilized in brackish water (62% at 5 ppt), with no detectible effects of fish origin or female size. In contrast to fertilization rates, once the eggs were fertilized, their hatching rates were not affected by the fertilization salinity, incubation salinity, nor their interaction; however, hatching success and larval survival both increased with increasing maternal body mass. Larval growth rate appeared to be independent of salinity and maternal size. Taken together, the results indicate that fertilization is possible at a range of salinities, but optimal at lower salinities for longfin smelt; however, embryos and larvae can perform well across a range of salinities. Furthermore, results indicated that larger mothers produced high-quality offspring, a finding that supports the "bigger is better" paradigm in fisheries science and management. These results likely explain, in part, the spawning and rearing behaviors of wild longfin smelt and suggest that the conservation culture program would likely be optimized by utilizing freshwater fertilization and larger females as broodstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The passage of meconium during labor increased the chance of undesirable birth outcomes. The adverse effects of meconium are worsening in resource-limited countries. In Ethiopia, there is an argument concerning meconium's negative effects and management on pregnant women and their babies. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes of meconium in term labor in the South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted using 580 laboring mothers (145 exposed and 435 nonexposed groups). A two-stage sampling method was implemented to get study subjects. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and a medical chart review. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the two groups' differences. The strength of the association was measured using relative risk with a 95% CI. Result. There was more operative delivery (28.3% versus 5.3%), puerperal sepsis (79.54% versus 2.06%), nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern (29.7% versus 2.1%), meconium aspiration syndrome (7.58% versus 0.68%), neonatal sepsis (9% versus 4.1%), perinatal asphyxia (13.8% versus 7.6%), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (23.4% versus 3.2%), and early neonatal deaths (4.8% versus 1.4%) among meconium stained groups as compared to the clear amniotic fluid groups. Conclusion. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid significantly increased adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in Ethiopia. The risk of perinatal asphyxia, nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern, neonatal sepsis, meconium aspiration syndrome, admission to the NICU, early neonatal death, operative delivery, and puerperal sepsis were significantly higher in meconium-exposed groups. Special attention should be given to meconium-exposed mothers during the intrapartum period and in postnatal follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Diabetes is one of the most common diseases and major public health burdens worldwide. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and lncRNAs play an important role in HCV-induced T2DM. We aimed to explore the effect of lncRNA AC040162.3 on HCV-induced T2DM. Methods. HCV was used to infect MIN6 cells to establish an in vitro model. HCV copy number and miRNA expression were detected by Real Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect the secretion of insulin, and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) was applied to analyze cell viability. Apoptosis was analyzed by Western blotting and flow cytometry. In addition, Western blotting and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) were used to analyze pyroptosis. Luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate the targeting relationship. Results. The expression of LncRNA AC040162.3 and NLRP3 was markedly increased in HCV–T2DM, while the expression of miR-223-3p was remarkably inhibited. In vitro experiments demonstrated that lncRNA AC040162.3 silencing or miR-223-3p overexpression remarkably alleviated HCV-induced T2DM deterioration by inhibiting cell apoptosis and pyroptosis and enhancing cell viability. We then demonstrated that silencing lncRNA AC040162.3 promoted the expression of miR-223-3p and that miR-223-3p bound to lncRNA AC040162.3 and the NLRP3 binding site. In addition, the protective effects of LncRNA AC040162.3 silencing in HCV-infected MIN6 cells were reversed by overexpression of NLRP3 or silencing of miR-223-3p. Conclusion. Silencing of lncRNA AC040162.3 alleviates the process of HCV-induced T2DM by governing the miR-223-3p/NLRP3 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we have proposed a Sn-based perovskite solar cell using solar cell capacitance software. The main aim of this study is to develop an environment-friendly and highly efficient structure that can be used as an alternative to other toxic lead-based perovskite solar cells. This work performed a numerical analysis for the proposed (Al/ZnO/SnO2/CH3NH3SnI3/Ni) device structure. The absorber layer CH3NH3SnI3, buffer layer SnO2, and electron transport layer (ETL) ZnO, with aluminium as the front contact and nickel as the back contact, have been used in this simulation. Several analyses have been conducted for the proposed structure, such as the impact of the absorber layer thickness, acceptor density, defect density, series and shunt resistances, back contact work function, and operating temperature. The device simulation revealed that the optimum thickness of the absorber layer is 1.5 μm and 0.05 μm for the buffer layer. The proposed Sn-based perovskite structure has obtained a conversion efficiency of 28.19% along with FF of 84.63%, Jsc of 34.634 mA/cm2, and Voc of 0.961 V. This study shows the upcoming lead-free perovskite solar cell's enormous potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion is one of the major cash crops and helps improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Although genetically and morphologically different, seedlings of all released onion varieties are transplanted at the ages ranging from 40 to 50 days, which contributes to the low level of productivity in Ethiopia. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the research site of Fogera National Research and Training Center during the 2019/20 irrigation season with the objective of identifying the optimum seedling age for improved onion productivity in Northwest Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of three varieties (Adama red, Bombay red, and Nasik red) and four seedling ages (30, 40, 50, and 60 days) of onion, which were laid down in 3 × 4 factorial arrangement using randomized complete block design with three replications. Growth and yield parameters of onion were collected based on the standard procedures and analyzed using SAS version 9.6. The results revealed that both variety and seedling age significantly (P < 0.001) influenced plant height, leaf number, bulb diameter, fresh bulb weight, and marketable bulb yield, while their interaction effect did not influence these parameters. Days to maturity was significantly (P < 0.001) affected by main as well as by the interaction effects of variety and seedling age. Younger seedling took longer time to mature, while older seedlings matured relatively early. The seedlings of Bombay red variety at 60 days age gave the earliest maturity days (105.33 days) compared to the other combinations. The highest plant height (50.18 cm), leaf number (12.00), bulb diameter (53.47 mm), bulb weight (84.39 g), and marketable bulb yield (29.97 t/ha) were recorded from Bombay red variety where the marketable yield recorded from Nasik red was statistically similar with that of Bombay red variety. Seedlings with 60 days old performed best in terms of all the tested growth and yield parameters including the highest marketability (32.03 t/ha). Accordingly, 60 days old seedlings and Bombay red and Nasik red varieties can be used to increase the productivity of onion in the study area and areas with similar agroecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely accepted that an unintended lateral attack is inevitable in the intelligent connected vehicle environment. This paper explores the feasibility of a reinforcement learning method named PPO (Proximal Policy Optimization) to handle the unintended lateral attack and keep the vehicle stay in the ego lane. Based on the China highway design guide, the discrete speed variants of 120 km/h, 100 km/h, and 80 km/h were selected, along with different curvatures ranging from 250 m to 1200 m in every 50 m as combinations of speed-curvature test. The tests were implemented in the Open.ai CarRacing-v0 simulation environment with an external racing wheel attached to simulate the unintended lateral attack. The simulation results show that the PPO can handle the unintended lateral attack on the standard-designed highway in China. The results can be applied to the intelligent connected vehicle to be mass-produced in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consuming raw milk and milk-based products that have not been produced under strict control conditions can cause brucellosis, a highly contagious zoonotic disease. It is a significant global public health concern, particularly in regions with poor management and limited resources, such as Latin America, North and East Africa, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia. The study aims to summarize the occurrence of human brucellosis linked to milk and milk products and the presence of Brucella species in dairy foods. To achieve this goal, a meta-analysis was conducted on 69 studies ranging from 2001 to 2022, which were categorized into two groups: the incidence of Brucella species in milk and milk products and the prevalence of human brucellosis resulting from the consumption of contaminated milk. The following milk and milk products showed the highest incidence of Brucella species: cow milk (1.86%–81.7%), buffalo milk (10.4%–61.67%), camel milk (0%–24%), goat milk (0%–88.8%), and cheese (0%–39.1%). Consuming unpasteurized milk and milk products has been identified as the leading cause of human brucellosis, with incidence rates varying from 33.9% to 100%. Several human brucellosis cases have been linked to consuming raw milk and cheese in Spain, Israel, and other countries. Various serological techniques are employed to detect Brucella-specific antibodies in milk. The milk ring test (MRT) and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) are the two most widely utilized methods for detecting these antibodies in milk. Recently developed dual biosensors are a powerful approach for early diagnosis of Brucella from milk. Real-time PCR can rapidly detect organisms, reducing the risk of lab contamination and false positive results. To prevent and control brucellosis, essential steps include proper pasteurization of milk and dairy products, using the milk ring test (MRT) to detect Brucella in individual and bulk milk, immunization, education, and increasing public awareness of the disease. The consumption of raw milk and milk-made products that are not produced under strictly controlled conditions poses a significant risk to human health, mainly due to the high incidence of Brucella contamination. Therefore, ensuring strict control measures in producing milk and milk-made products is crucial to preventing the spread of this disease and safeguarding human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple food and generates income for smallholder farmers in southern Ethiopia. The performance of cassava genotypes varies in different growing environments; thus, the evaluation of genotypes tested in various environments plays an essential role in developing strategies to delineate environments, explore unstable genotypes in target environments, and identify stable genotypes for multiple environments. In this regard, there needs to be more information on the identification of mega-environments and stable genotypes with high yields for wide adaptation. Thus, this study aimed to identify mega-environment and high-yielding cassava genotypes for multiple environments using AMMI and GGE biplots. A total of 25 genotypes were evaluated in six environments using a RCBD during the 2020–2021 cropping season. The AMMI analysis of variances revealed that environments, genotypes, and genotype-environment interaction had a significant (P ≤ 0.001) influence on cassava fresh storage root yield (t·ha−1), showing genetic variability among genotypes by changing environments. The genotype-by-environment interaction showed a 61.36% contribution to the total treatment SS variation, while the environment and genotype effects explained 28.16% and 10.48% of the total treatment SS, respectively. IPCA1 and IPCA2 accounted for 33.42% and 23.5% of the GE interactions SS, respectively. The GGE biplot showed that the six environments used in this study were delineated into three mega-environments, namely, the first (Tarcha and Disa), the second (Wara and Areka), and the third (Jimma and Bonbe). Those mega-environments could be helpful for genotype evaluation and effective breeding. The GGE biplot indicated that the vertex genotypes were G16, G17, and G25. They are regarded as specifically adapted genotypes since they are more responsive to environmental change. The GGE biplot also revealed that Tarcha was ideal, having the most discriminating and representative environment, while G10 was the ideal and the overall winning genotype for the current study. Moreover, the genotypes G10 and G14 were identified as being the most stable, with a higher fresh storage root yield than the grand mean. Thus, G10 and G14 were selected as superior genotypes that could be promoted to advanced yield trials to develop stable cultivars with better storage root yield of cassava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a highly negative dispersion-compensating photonic crystal fiber (DC-PCF) with multiple zero dispersion wavelengths (ZDWs) within the telecommunication bands. The multiple ZDWs of the PCF may lead to high spectral densities than those of other PCFs with few ZDWs. The full-vectorial finite element method with a perfectly matched layer (PML) is used to investigate the optical properties of the PCFs. The numerical analysis shows that the proposed PCF, i.e., PCF (b), exhibits multiple ZDWS and also achieves a high negative chromatic dispersion of −15089.0 ps/nm·km at 1.55 μ m wavelength, with the multiple ZDWs occurring within the range from 0.8 to 2.0 μ m range. Other optical properties such as the confinement loss of 0.059 dB/km, the birefringence of 4.11 × 10 − 1 , the nonlinearity of 18.92 W − 1 k m − 1 , and a normalized frequency of 2.633 was also achieved at 1.55 μ m wavelength. These characteristics make the PCF suitable for high-speed, long-distance optical communication systems, optical sensing, soliton pulse transmission, and polarization-maintaining applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some Vibrio species can cause food-borne diseases in humans, including cholera, vomiting, septicemia, and gastroenteritis, which are associated with the consumption of contaminated seafood products. The study was conducted to detect antimicrobial-resistant Vibrio species in shrimp and shrimp environments in Bangladesh. Samples of shrimp (n = 50), water (n = 50), and mud (n = 50) were collected aseptically from 50 different shrimp culture ponds in the Khulna region of Bangladesh. Identification of Vibrio species was based on cultural and staining characteristics, biochemical tests, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined using a disk diffusion assay. By PCR, Vibrio isolates were found in 34% (95% CI: 26.9%–41.9%) of the samples, of which the detection rate was significantly higher in shrimp (54%), compared to mud (26%) and water (22%). Moreover, V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. alginolyticus were detected in 24.7%, 15.3%, and 4% of the samples, respectively. Among them, the detection rate of V. cholerae and V. alginolyticus was significantly higher in shrimp samples than in other samples. V. parahaemolyticus was also higher in the shrimp samples, but the difference was not statistically significant. Vibrio isolates showed high to moderate resistance (92.2%–15.7%) to ampicillin, amikacin, cefotaxime, tetracycline, ceftazidime, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin, and low resistance (3.9%) to imipenem, meropenem, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Interestingly, 52.9% of the isolates were multidrug resistant, and the multiple antibiotic resistance index was up to 1.0. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Bangladesh detecting these three Vibrio species (V. parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, and V. cholerae) from shrimp and shrimp environments by molecular approach in the same study. These findings reveal the alarmingly high occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant Vibrio species in shrimp and shrimp environments, which should be of concern to both the shrimp industry and public health management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health issue in Bangladesh like many other developing countries where data on resistance trends are scarce. Moreover, the existence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli exerts an ominous effect on the poultry sector. Therefore, the current systematic review, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was conducted to find out the AMR scenarios in E. coli isolates sourced from poultry and poultry environments in Bangladesh between 2010 and 2021. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 17 published scientific articles were selected for this systematic review. This review revealed that 18 out of 64 districts in Bangladesh reported E. coli in poultry, having a higher prevalence (combined prevalence: 69.3%, 95% confidence interval, CI: 67.3-71%). Moreover, the prevalence ranged from 24.3% to 100%. This review found that E. coli isolates showed resistance to 14 antimicrobial classes and 45 different antimicrobial agents, including the last-line (reserve group) antibiotics and banned antimicrobial categories for the treatment of infections in agricultural animals. Phenotypic resistance of E. coli against penicillins and beta-lactamase inhibitors (20.2%-100%), cephalosporins (1.9%-100%), fluoroquinolones (5.98%-100%), aminoglycosides (6%-100%), tetracyclines (17.7%-100%), carbapenems (13.6%-72.7%), macrolides (11.8%-100%), polymyxins (7.9%-100%), phenicols (20%-97.2%), sulfa drugs (44.7%-100%), cephamycins (21.4%-48.8%), nitrofurans (21.4%-63.2%), monobactams (1.2%), and glycylcyclines (2.3%) was recorded in the last decades in Bangladesh. Also, 14 articles reported MDR E. coli in poultry, including a 100% MDR in nine articles and a 92.7% (95% CI: 91.2-94%) combined percentage of MDR E. coli isolates. Twenty-four different AMR genes encoding resistance to beta-lactams (blaTEM, blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-2, blaCTX-M-9, blaOXA-1, blaOXA-47, blaSHV, and CITM), colistin (mcr1 and mcr3), fluoroquinolones (qnrB and qnrS), tetracyclines (tetA, tetB, and tetC), sulfonamides (sulI and sulII), trimethoprim (dfrA1), aminoglycosides (rmtB), streptomycin (aadA1), gentamicin (aac-3-IV), erythromycin (ereA), and chloramphenicol (catA1 and cmlA) were detected in E. coli isolates. The presence of MDR E. coli and their corresponding resistance genes in poultry and poultry environments is an alarming issue for all health communities in Bangladesh. We suggest a regular antimicrobial surveillance program with a strong One Health approach to lessen the hazardous effects of AMR E. coli in poultry industries in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluates the effectiveness of thermosonication treatment on the physicochemical and anti‐nutritional properties of blood fruit beverage. The study has revealed that physicochemical properties such as pH, titratable acidity, color difference, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, total flavonoids, and DPPH retained as the fresh juice. Similarly, anti‐nutritional components such as phytate, saponin, alkaloids, tannin, and oxalates were lowered significantly by the TST (Thermosonication treatment) TST‐1 (40°C/30 min), TST‐2 (42°C/27 min), TST‐3 (44°C/24 min), TST‐4 (46°C/21 min), TST‐5 (48°C/18 min), TST‐6 (50°C/15 min), and TST‐7 (52°C/12 min). Thermosonicated beverages had an extended shelf life of 4 weeks at 4°C with desirable physicochemical quality, and the storage study has exhibited minimal quality changes. The results obtained from this study may help the fruit beverage industries design similar processing of blood fruit beverages on a large‐scale production. Practical applications: Commercialization of blood fruit juice by value addition and lowering of its anti‐nutritional components may result in its availability all over the world along with its nutritious intake and healthy living among people. Thermosonically treated blood fruit juice with the unique parameter combination have resulted in better retention of phytonutrients as well as reduction in its anti‐nutritional factors, thereby offering excellent product quality as compared to the conventionally pasteurized beverages. This might increase the potential for commercialization of blood fruit and also result in the development of a trusted area for startup of this beverage industries, such as iron‐rich fruit beverage (58.16 mg/100) which will again promote better nutritional status, malnutrition free, and better livelihood in the local areas with ample blood fruit availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite which significantly impact small ruminant productivity, international animal trade and transboundary movement of animal across the globe. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) in sheep and goats is widely studied in many parts of the world and there is a lack of comprehensive information on prevalence estimates considering the global and regional perspectives. The aim of the study was to use systematic review and meta‐analysis methods to estimate the global and regional pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats, as well as factors that influence prevalence estimations. Relevant articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep and/goats were searched in five electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and ProQuest. After the publications were checked to verify they fit the inclusion criteria, a total of 225 articles were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis, reflecting data from 70 countries/regions. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effect meta‐analysis model. Overall, the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 33.86% (95% CI: 30.47–37.25%) in sheep and 31.78% (95% CI: 28.99–34.58%) in goats, with significant variation in prevalence estimates across geographical locations (p <.001). Substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 75%) was observed in most pooled seroprevalence estimates. The T. gondii infection in global sheep and goat population showed uptrend over the period. This information would be useful for epidemiologist, health authorities and farmers in order to plan future T. gondii survey and infection management strategies both locally and internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat ranks first in the production and productivity of staple cereal crops in the world. Several diseases, including Stripe (Puccinia striiformis f. Sp. tritici), Black (Puccinia graminis f. Sp. tritici), and Brown (Puccinia recondita), have a major negative impact on wheat output, with 20 to 80% loss annually. Growing rust-resistant varieties is the most durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to combat rust pathogens. In the present review, we provide updated information on all black stem rust, yellow leaf rust, and brown leaf rust resistance genes including chromosomal position, those derived from different sources, nature of resistance type, and amino acid changes done by this gene against rust pathogen. This study summarized the 68 black stem rust, 101 leaf rust, and 108 stripe rust resistance genes from diverse cultivars of wheat and wheat primary and secondary gene pools. This review will be valuable to wheat breeders in cloning rust-resistant genes and developing leaf as well as stem rust-resistant wheat cultivars using gene pyramiding as well as frequency multiplication through introgression of the gene of interest for disease-free, sustainable grain production of wheat. The success of pyramiding genes from other sources to bread wheat depends on the nature of germplasm, the gap between flanking marker and targeted genes, the selection of genotypes in each generation, large number of gentoyes large genotype-environment interaction, etc., which is the future area of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tiliacora triandra (Colebr.) Diels (Menispermaceae family) is a Southeast Asian angiosperm herb. Traditional medicine in these areas often includes the use of plant parts. Plant extracts are highly effective against various infections including bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic. The leaves and root extracts are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, hypertension, diabetes, skin diseases, and malaria as an antipyretic, detoxification agent, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulator. Bioactive compounds contained in T. triandra include phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acids, essential amino acids, peptides, carbohydrates, vitamins, and nucleic acid precursors. Despite the plant species' abundance of bioactive compounds, there is very little in vivo and clinical proof of its pharmacological significance. The present review focuses on the phytochemical configurations, extraction methods for major bioactive compounds, and pharmacology of T. triandra, in light of its potent medicinal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water productivity improvement is getting the prime concern to sustain irrigated rice production in the water-scarce areas of Bangladesh under changing climate. Besides, profitable cropping pattern selection is one of the major indicators of commercial agriculture. The study was conducted at Mithapukur and Pirganj Upazilas of Rangpur district during 2018–2020 to evaluate the water saving and profitability of three crop cropping patterns over two crops pattern. The experiment involved two improved patterns, T. Aman-Mustard-Boro (CP1) and T. Aman-Potato-Boro (CP2), and one locally popular pattern, T. Aman-Fallow-Boro (CP3). Irrigation management involved supplemental irrigation for T. Aman rice, irrigation application after disappearing standing water for Boro rice, and two irrigations at critical stages of potato and mustard. Both CP1 and CP2 received higher rainfall than CP3 because the delayed transplanting of Boro rice captured more rainfall. The improved patterns of CP1 and CP2 saved 22–40% of irrigation water compared with CP3. Among the patterns, CP2 achieved the highest rice equivalent yield (REY) of 21.1–33.6 t·ha−1 due to excellent potato production. Similarly, CP2 provided the highest irrigation water productivity because of higher REY as well as less irrigation requirement. Both CP1 and CP2 patterns returned a higher gross margin than CP3. The findings indicated that the inclusion of potato and mustard in the T. Aman-Fallow-Boro cropping pattern saved irrigation water as well as increased production and economic benefit. Adoption of these water-efficient cropping patterns may reduce groundwater irrigation in the water-scarce areas of Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry meat industry is primarily dominated by broilers, and conventional broiler meat is claimed to be malicious to human health and environment since it is produced using hazardous feeds and other dietary supplements. This study aimed to evaluate consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for safe broiler chicken meat following a contingent valuation model (CVM). Also, consumers' consumption and different types of perceptions on safe broiler meat were assessed from the data collected among 300 consumers in Bangladesh. Consumers' health and environmental perception of safe broiler meat are found to be high, indicating that they are more concerned about these attributes in the case of consuming broiler meat. The results reveal that conventional broiler meat losses its appeal to consumers after a certain income level and is mainly consumed by lower- and middle-income groups. This study divulges a unanimous demand for safe broiler meat among the consumers who intend to consume about 36% higher than their present consumption level if the availability was ensured in their local market. The average WTP premium for safe broiler meat is estimated to be about BDT 39.87 per kg. The consumers' WTP is positively influenced by their education, income level, the current consumption of broiler chicken meat, health perception, and taste and nutrition perception. This study recommends meat producers, entrepreneurs, and farmers adjust their production and marketing plans by incorporating suitable quality control procedures to meet the unfilled consumer demand for safer broiler meat. Besides, slow-growing safer broiler chicken needs to be introduced to improve meat's taste and nutritional aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease (NCD) is a highly contagious viral disease of poultry and remains a constant threat in poultry farms that causes huge economic losses. The objective of this study was to estimate and assess the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Newcastle disease in the Sodo Zuria district, southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey followed by a simple random sampling technique was conducted from May to July 2021 on 384 apparently healthy nonvaccinated chickens on 30 smallholder poultry farms using commercial indirect ELISA kits and a questionnaire survey. The data were analyzed by using STATA for windows version 20 and a logistic regression reporting odds ratiowas applied to describe the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease with associated risk factors. The result of the study demonstrates that there was a high seroprevalence 48.7% (n= 187/384) of Newcastle disease in the study district. Information on associated risk factors were assessed using a semistructured questionnaire. The sex of the chicken showed a statistically significant difference (x2 = 4.842; p = 0.028) with the seroprevalence of the disease. The difference in seroprevalence among intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive management system was statistically significant (x2 = 3.84; p = 0.0001). There was also a statistical significant difference (x2 = 2.3854; p = 0.496) in the absence and presence of safe disposal of a dead chicken with the occurence of Newcastle disease. However, no statistically significant difference was observed among age groups (x2 = 4.335; p = 0.114), disinfection of poultry house (x2 = 0.0; p = 0.998), presence and absence of footbath (x2 = 2.969; p = 0.085), the breeds (x2 = 4.490; p = 0.106), type of chicken (x2 = 0.302; p = 0.583), and housing system (x2 = 1.926; p = 0.588). A high seroprevalence without vaccination history showed that the virus was circulating within the poultry. Therefore, further molecular study has to be conducted to identify circulating strains and develop an evidence-based control program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]