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Piezoelectric materials with tunable photoluminescence have gained widespread attention for their application in optical communications and optoelectronic sensing devices. This has provided new opportunities to explore the possibility of developing flexible piezoelectric devices with both piezoelectricity and photoluminescence for multifunctional applications. In this study, we prepared a crystalline Pr‐doped perovskite BaTiO3 (BPTO) film on a flexible mica substrate using the radio‐frequency (RF) sputtering technique. The photoluminescence intensity remarkably increased by about 210% when external mechanical stress was applied to the film. This remarkable increase in photoluminescence is attributed to lattice distortion and a decrease in crystal symmetry. The BPTO film also exhibited reversible and high‐endurance behavior even after 103 fatigue bending cycles. Moreover, the BPTO film was utilized as a piezoelectric nanogenerator device, which demonstrated a maximum output voltage of about 2.68 V when external stress was applied through palm tapping. The nanogenerator device yielded an instantaneous output power of 1.80 μW with an external load resistance of 0.8 MΩ. These versatile and robust properties of the BPTO film demonstrate its potential for future development of lead‐free self‐powered optoelectronic sensing applications, such as artificial intelligence and biomedical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of Withania somnifera root powder (WSRP) on different aspects of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), including growth, hematobiochemical parameters, antioxidant status, nonspecific immune response, and resilience to bacterial infections. Over a 60‐day period, 180 common carp fingerlings (11.73 ± 0.52 g) were subjected to diets supplemented with increasing WSRP levels (0 (control), 1% (WSRP1), 2.5% (WSRP2.5), and 4% (WSRP4)). Nonspecific immune parameters were evaluated using serum samples collected at intervals of 0, 20, 40, and 60 days. After the feeding trial, the fish underwent experimental challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila, and relative percentage survival (RPS) was monitored for 14 days. The findings revealed a considerable (p < 0.05) enhancement in growth performance and a decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) with increasing WSRP supplementation. Additionally, hematological and biochemical profiles exhibited improvements in groups receiving WSRP‐enriched diets. Fish serum antioxidant status showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase, as indicated by increased activities of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in WSRP4. WSRP‐supplemented diets led to remarkable enhancements in lysozyme activity (p = 0.001), phagocytic activity (p = 0.002), and RPS (p = 0.003), peaking in WSRP4 at day 60. Furthermore, WSRP2.5 and WSRP4 demonstrated a substantial decrease (p > 0.05) in serum glucose and cortisol levels compared to other groups. In conclusion, WSRP proves valuable for enhancing growth, blood parameters, antioxidant balance, immune response, and infection resistance in common carp, especially at 2.5%–4% dietary supplementation levels. In the future, it will be crucial to study the long‐term effects of WSRP supplementation on fish health, as well as its potential for large‐scale aquaculture and economic viability in the aquafeed industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) has excellent nutritional significance as well as medicinal and therapeutic benefits, such as antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. Whole wheat flour (WWF) is associated with a reduced risk of cancer (colon cancer), constipation, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes. In this regard, the objective of the study is to determine the chemical composition, nutritional value, and antioxidant activity of moringa leaves and their MLP containing snack food (bread) to make a strong recommendation for their consumption in a balanced diet. The present study was aimed at assessing the effects of dehydrated moringa leaf powder (MLP) supplementation at 0–10% MLP levels on proximate, antioxidant, mineral, and sensory quality attributes of WWF leavened bread. Further, these quality attributes for MLP and WWF were also analyzed individually. As compared to WWF, MLP exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant activities, such as DPPH activity (10.38 ± 0.25 μmol TE/g DW), FRAP activity (21.43 ± 0.08 μmol TE/g DW), and total phenolic content (2.33 ± 0.04 mg GAE/100 g DW). MLP-supplemented bread exhibited significantly improved proximate, antioxidant, and mineral profile. It was evident from the proximate and sensory analysis that there was significant improvement in the nutritional composition of MLP-supplemented leavened bread; however, the overall acceptability scores of WWF leavened bread showed gradually decreasing tendency with corresponding rises in the addition levels of MLP. Based on results, it was implied that maximum acceptability was exhibited by the sample T2 supplemented at MLP addition level of 5%. Moreover, the nutritional, mineral profile, and antioxidant profile of the supplemented bread were significantly improved owing to MLP addition, and it may be implied that MLP could be exploited for improving the nutritional status of people in underdeveloped and developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shelf life of tomato is limited due to its perishable nature. The fruit is highly susceptible to fungal attack such as Fusarium oxysporum. The edible coating has been used to enhance the postharvest life of different food products. The present study was designed for the development of edible antifungal coating on tomato fruit using pomegranate peel extract in combination with chitosan. Pomegranate peel extract was obtained from pomegranate peel using water distillation method. The antifungal coating was prepared with different concentrations of pomegranate peel extract (To, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 for 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%) respectively. Coated tomatoes were subjected to physicochemical, microbial, and sensory analysis during storage. The firmness and lycopene content were decreased during storage. However, the coated tomatoes have more firmness and lycopene content than uncoated tomatoes. Maximum weight loss was observed for To (6.22 ± 0.07%) after 21 days. Lycopene content of coated tomato were improved during storage as compare with uncoated samples. Maximum total plate count was observed for To (6.11 ± 0.07 CFU/g) and minimum was observed for T5 (2.11 ± 0.08 CFU/g). All the treatments were significantly effective to control total plate count and mold count in comparison with the control. The coating materials did not affect the sensory profile of tomatoes. Pomegranate peel extract was proved effective antimicrobial coating material for tomatoes. The study will pave way for the researchers to use coating material for fruits based on the fruit waste. Practical applications: Fruit waste‐based edible coating can prevent postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables. Pomegranate peel extract and chitosan have shown potential to reduce postharvest losses in tomatoes. PPE‐based coating has antimicrobial activity against Fusarium oxysporum. The edible coating can help to reduce qualitative and safety issues in tomatoes during storage. It may be used as a replacement of synthetic preservatives in tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, network security has become a major concern. Using the Internet to store and analyze data has become an integral aspect of the production and operation of many new and traditional enterprises. However, many enterprises lack the necessary resources to secure information security, and selecting the best network security service provider has become a real issue for many enterprises. This research introduces a novel decision-making method utilizing the 2-tuple linguistic complex q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers (2TLCq-ROFNs) to tackle this issue. We propose the 2TLCq-ROF concept by combining the complex q-rung orthopair fuzzy set with 2-tuple linguistic terms, including the fundamental definition, operational rules, scoring, and accuracy functions. Aggregation operators are the fundamental mathematical approach used to combine various inputs into a single output. Taking into account the interaction between the attributes, we develop the 2TLCq-ROF Hamacher (2TLCq-ROFH) operators by using the innovative operational rules. These operators include the 2TLCq-ROFH weighted average (2TLCq-ROFHWA), 2TLCq-ROFH ordered weighted average (2TLCq-ROFHOWA), 2TLCq-ROFH hybrid average (2TLCq-ROFHHA), 2TLCq-ROFH weighted geometric (2TLCq-ROFHWG), 2TLCq-ROFH ordered weighted geometric (2TLCq-ROFHOWG), and 2TLCq-ROFH hybrid geometric (2TLCq-ROFHHG) operators. In addition, we talk about the properties of 2TLCq-ROFH operators such as idempotency, commutativity, monotonicity, and boundedness and also examine their spatial cases. To tackle the problems of the 2TLCq-ROF multiattribute group decision-making (MAGDM) environment, we develop a novel approach according to the COPRAS (complex proportional assessment) model. Finally, to validate the feasibility of the given strategy, we employ a quantitative example related to select the best network security service provider. In comparison with existing approaches, the developed decision-making algorithm is most extensively used and reduces the loss of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalysts utilized for oxidative desulfurization have acquired significant attention and ability to improve the quality of the fuel oil by removing sulfur. In this work, the catalysts used for oxidative desulfurization include CoWO4 and Bi2WO6 with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as support were synthesized by the one-pot hydrothermal method. Graphitic carbon nitride was obtained by thermal polycondensation of melamine at 550°C for 5 h. These catalysts were homogeneously dispersed on the surface of the support and their structure, morphology, and properties were determined by different characterization techniques (Powder X-Ray Diffractometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, Specific Surface Area (Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (SBET)). The parameters that affect the efficiency of the desulfurization process such as catalyst amount, amount of oxidizing agent, and reaction temperature have been optimized thoroughly. The oxidative desulfurization reaction was studied in terms of kinetics which shows that reaction is pseudo first order. The thermodynamic studies revealed that the reaction is endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The results determined that the catalytic efficiency for the removal of sulfur (as dibenzothiophene) is more than 90% in the presence of support (g-C3N4) to obtain sulfur free fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was designed to prepare an edible antifungal coating of orange peel essential oil and carnauba wax against Penicillium expansum in strawberry. Orange peel essential oil was extracted using water distillation and was used to develop coating with carnauba wax. Prepared coating was applied to strawberries using different concentrations of orange peel oil (To, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%). The physicochemical, microbial, and sensory analyses were performed during storage. The weight of the strawberries decreased during storage. The firmness and microbial load were increased during storage. An increasing trend was observed for TSS, weight loss, and anthocyanin content. Minimum inhibitory concentration of orange peel oil was 0.35 μL/mL with 96% maximum growth inhibition against P. expansum. The coating materials did not exert negative effect on sensory characteristics. The sensory and keeping qualities were better as compare to the control. Comparatively, better results were observed for coated strawberries with T3 (3%) as best treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is the most polymorphic and gene dense region of human DNA that has shown many disease associations. It has been further divided into HLA classes I, II, and III. Polymorphism in HLA class II genes has been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). It also showed association with T2D in different ethnic populations. However, a little is known about the relationship of HLA class I gene polymorphism and T2D. This study has evaluated the association of HLA-B (class I gene) variants with T2D in Pashtun ethnic population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the first phase of the study, whole exome sequencing (WES) of 2 pooled DNA samples was carried out, and DNA pools used were constructed from 100 diabetic cases and 100 control subjects. WES results identified a total of n = 17 SNPs in HLA-B gene. In the next phase, first 5 out of n = 17 reported SNPs were genotyped using MassARRAY® system in order to validate WES results and to confirm association of selected SNPs with T2D. Minor allele frequencies (MAFs) and selected SNPs×T2D association were determined using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. The frequency of minor C allele was significantly higher in the T2D group as compared to control group (45.0% vs. 13.0%) (p = 0.006) for rs2308655 in HLA-B gene. No significant difference in MAF distribution between cases and controls was observed for rs1051488, rs1131500, rs1050341, and rs1131285 (p > 0.05). Binary logistic regression analyses showed significant results for SNP rs2308655 (OR = 2.233 , CI 95 % = 1.223 ‐ 4.077 , and p = 0.009), while no considerable association was observed for the other 4 SNPs. However, when adjusted for these variants, the association of rs2308655 further strengthened significantly (adjusted OR = 7.485 , CI 95 % = 2.353 ‐ 23.812 , and p = 0.001), except for rs1131500, which has no additive effect. In conclusion, the finding of this study suggests rs2308655 variant in HLA-B gene as risk variant for T2D susceptibility in Pashtun population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoidan is a sulphated polysaccharide isolated from brown seaweeds. It has attracted a lot of attention due to its multiple physiological and biological properties. The most dominant polysaccharides in brown seaweeds are laminarin and alginic acid. Fucoidan extracted from brown seaweed possess various biological functions including anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumour, antibacterial, antiviral, anticoagulant, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardio‐protection and growth‐promoting effects. Dietary supplementation of fucoidan showed significant therapeutic influences on aquatic organisms, human, livestock and poultry. This review highlights the medicinal importance and nutritional values of fucoidan polysaccharides for fish, animals and humans, to be used as a natural agent for the treatment of various pathological disorders and to replace the synthetic antibiotics. Previously, most studies are focused on in vitro model and in mice. Further studies are warranted on in vivo model and focusing on a molecular basis to understand the mechanisms of action of fucoidan as an alternative therapeutic drug for fish, animals and humans. Another objective of this review is to give more light about the beneficial impacts of fucoidan on productive performance of animals and poultry as well as aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Spinel materials have excellent properties for advance applications. These properties are largely depending on their accurate structure and composition. Here, in this study, we have used density functional theory calculations to study a few new and less explored spinel materials (X2ZnZ4 (X = Sc, Y; Z = S, Se)). Further, we have used modified Becke‐Johnson exchange correlation potential for calculating the electronic and optical properties. All the spinel materials are found stable in the cubic phase with direct bandgap nature at Γ symmetry point. Band structures are found dispersive hence, we expect low effective masses and excellent transport properties. We have also calculated the absorption efficiencies of these spinel materials for soar cells applications. Scandium‐based spinels, especially Sc2ZnSe4 are found with excellent absorption efficiencies. We expecting that this study will provide new candidates to the scientific community in the field of spinel materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to explicate the effect of encapsulation on the stability of Bifidobacterium bifidum in pasteurized grape juice and in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. Purposely, hydrogel beads were prepared using sodium alginate and K‐carrageenan by internal gelation method. Free and encapsulated probiotics were incorporated in pasteurized grape juice samples. The initial count in grape juice samples with free probiotic cells was calculated as 9.35 log cfu/mL that reduced to 6.58 log cfu/mL after 35 days. Likewise, the probiotic count, that is, in samples containing encapsulated probiotics reduced to a level of 8.51 log cfu/mL and 7.09 log cfu/mL after the mentioned storage period. The number of free viable cells in juice samples was lower than (107 cfu/g) the minimum recommend level. Similarly, the free cells showed a poor survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Furthermore, encapsulation affected the physicochemical (pH, acidity, and Brix) and sensorial characteristics of the juice samples. Practical applications: The probiotic delivery through carrier food and under hostile gastrointestinal conditions is a great challenge due to their low survival. The encapsulation technology can be used to protect the target delivery of probiotics. The encapsulation technology is a useful tool for delivering the probiotics for both dairy and nondairy food matrices. Encapsulation also ensures the recommended therapeutic level (1107–108 cfu) during transit and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present investigation was to determine chemical composition and antioxidant activity of sorghum and millet. Antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene assay and total phenolic content (TPC). Individual phenolic acids were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography. TPC ranged 0.166-0.362 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g in sorghum and 0.275-0.305 mg GAE/g in millet. The major phenolic acid identified in sorghum was chlorogenic acid (11.90-39.10 μg/g) while in millet was m-coumaric acid (21.50 μg/g). DPPH was found to be 88.4-94.2% in sorghum and 47.1-48.2% in millet. β-carotene revealed wide range in sorghum (16.8-43.0%) and millet (20.6-28.8%). Sorghum had higher antioxidant activities and phenolic acids than millet. Cookies were prepared from wheat-sorghum and wheat-millet composite flour at ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50. Cookies were evaluated for organoleptic properties and found highly acceptable at 10 and 20% level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lipid oxidation depressed the meat quality and can be triggered during industrial processing. The current study was designed to assess the antioxidant activity of thigh meat and meat products enriched with natural antioxidants (α-lipoic acid and α-tocopherol acetate). Broilers (21 days) were fed on feed supplemented with varying α-lipoic acid and constant concentration of α-tocopherol acetate for 3 weeks. Birds were slaughtered at the age of 42 days and meat samples were collected and stored for further analysis and product preparation. TPC and DPPH value indicated that meat of broilers receiving 100 mg of α-lipoic acid with 200 mg of α-tocopherol acetate/kg of feed possessed the highest antioxidant activity. TBARS and peroxides values were found to be lower for meat of broilers fed on different levels of α-lipoic acid. The antioxidants (lipoic acid and tocopherol) enrichment in meat helps to reduce PUFAs. A similar lipid stability trend was observed in nuggets prepared from broiler thigh meat and maximum sensory evaluation scores for nuggets prepared from thigh meat of broilers having the highest dose of lipoic acid. The lipoic acid supplementation in feed enhances the antioxidant capacity of thigh meat and meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]