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Agency independence is understood to instil credibility in regulatory policy. This is a core tenet of regulation theory, foundational to the EU regulatory state's own origin story. We put the assumption to rigorous testing, in addition to expanding on it theoretically. We expect that stakeholder perceptions of credibility depend not only on agencies' institutional insulation, but also on whether regulatory outcomes are congruent with stakeholders' prior beliefs and preferences. Focusing on EU food safety regulation and the European Food Safety Authority, we test, observationally and experimentally, whether the credibility of agency scientific outputs is enhanced when stakeholders perceive the agency as more independent. Some support for the theorised link is present observationally, yet we do not find consistent and reliable experimental causal evidence for the purported relationship. We further find that the credibility of agency outputs is greatly influenced by stakeholders' prior positions on the issue, pointing at persistent contestation. The study advances our understanding of the factors that shape credibility perceptions, supplementing institutional accounts with individual-level considerations, namely the role of priors. Our study indicates independence is a necessary but partial solution in that it can enhance stakeholder perceptions of credibility but does not compensate for the negative effect of priors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycine max L. (soybean) is an important leguminous staple crop. In this study, nutritional value, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant properties of soybean milled fractions (MF) were determined. Protein contents in different milled fractions ranged from 4.6% to 47.2%, and fat contents ranged from 1.9% to 22.1%. MF amino acid contents ranged from 6.8% to 37.9 g/100 g. Glycitein and genistin were the most concentrated isoflavones in the cotyledon and germ fractions. Although MF phenolics of protocatechuic, chlorogenic, hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, caffeic, and sinapic acids were abundant in bound and free phenolic extracts. In addition, MF total phenolic indexes ranged from 65 to 270.1 GAE/100 g and total flavonoid 7.5 to 92.3 mg GAE/100 g, which were found to be the most active of FRAP (80.2–197.1) and ABTS (28.2–125.6 µmol TEAC/100 g), respectively. The overall results provided useful information and encouraged the effective utilization of soybean-milled fractions as functional food ingredients for health requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractGellan Gum (GG) grafted poly-acrylic acid (GG-g-pAAc) hydrogels of different composition were synthesized by changing the concentration of GG through free radical polymerization. The hydrogels were characterized through SEM, TGA, and FTIR. The FTIR spectra confirmed the grafting of GG into the network of polyacrylic acid and evidenced the GG-g-pAAc formation. The rough surface nature of the hydrogels was elaborated through SEM analysis provided the information about the materials to be utilized for removal purpose. The thermal stability was confirmed by TGA analysis and the hydrogels were found stable upto a high temperature range. With an efficiency of 96%, Basic Orange-2 dye (BO-2) was successfully removed from wastewater using synthesized hydrogels as an adsorbent. The adsorption parameters were calculated using a number of different kinetic models. According to the findings, the pseudo-second order kinetics model best suited to the kinetics data, while the Langmuir isotherm provided the most comprehensive explanation of the process of adsorption. BO-2 was removed to the greatest extent (257.5 mg/g). Additionally, the results showed that the adsorption process on synthesized hydrogels was exothermic with values of ΔH = −13.2, −219.4 and −12.9 kJ/mol for pAAc, 10%GG-g-pAAc, and 20%GG-g-pAAc respectively. The adsorption process is spontaneous, with negative values of ΔG = −8.2, −214.4 and −7.947 kJ/mol for pAAc, 10%GG-g-pAAc and 20%GG-g-pAAc at 293K, respectively. The adsorption process on synthesized hydrogels showed no dis-orderness with negative values of ΔS = −17.2, −461.16 and −16.42 kJ/mol for pAAc, 10%GG-g-pAAc and 20%GG-g-pAAc, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solvent extraction of cobalt (II) and nickel (II) from a sulfate medium using di (2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) dissolved in chloroform was studied in the absence and presence of the synergic agent 1-octanol according to the following parameters: pH, concentrations of the extractant and 1-octanol. The extraction reaction of cobalt (II) and nickel (II) with the synergistic mixture was determined using slope analysis in the presence of 1-octanol. The extraction curves show several species of complexes that depend on the concentration of 1-octanol. For very weak concentrations, the extracted complexes are ML2(org). For high concentrations, the extracted complexes are ML2(org)(1-octanol)(org) and ML2(org) (1-octanol)3(org) (M = Co, Ni). A mechanism and structure for the metal-extractant complex formed during the synergistic extraction were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips are insect pests that threaten pepper crops. This study, conducted in the arid Biskra region of Algeria, evaluated the impact of applying infra-doses of fructose at the concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ppm) on enhancing the resistance of chilli pepper plants to thrips. We monitored the population of thrips after 24, 48, 72 hours, 7 and 21 days post treatment application for each concentration. The same infra-doses were re-applied using the same protocol. The data revealed that spraying fructose at 100 ppm was the most effective, reducing thrips population significantly after 48 hours (F = 61.383, P < 0.05), resulting in an average of 52 ± 10.56 adult thrips per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of transformational leadership is vital in engaging employees to perform for the betterment of organization. This study intends to predict hospitality industry frontline managers work engagement, innovative work behavior, sustainable employability, and organizational citizenship behavior. Limited empirical research conducted on these behaviors in the context of hospitality industry. Two hundred and nine frontline managers of four and five-star hotels in six tourists' city of Pakistan participated. The study results revealed that transformational leadership has positive influence on managers' work engagement. Further, work engagement significantly mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior, sustainable employability, and organizational citizenship behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galleria mellonella L., is an insect pest of the honey bee combs and causes huge economic losses worldwide. Its management heavily relies on the use of chemical pesticides. However, chemical pesticides have drawbacks, including the incidence of colony collapse disorder and the development of pesticide resistance. Ionizing radiation has the potential to treat infested bee combs without leaving chemical footprints, thereby increasing agricultural output in general and honey production in particular. In the current study, research on how the type, energy, and dose rate of ionizing radiation affect radiation-induced damage was done on the eggs and larvae of G. mellonella. It was observed that although larval mortality increases with electron beam energy, egg hatchability depends more on dose rate and less on the energy of gamma and x-ray radiation in the MeV range of energy. Additionally, a significant association between dose rate and larval mortality was seen. Doses of 179.40 Gy and 158.60 Gy, respectively, of 0.66 MeV gamma rays and 15 MeV electrons, were required to stop pupal development completely. Gamma radiation in the MeV range of energy was found to be the most suitable modality of all ionizing radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the asymmetric impact of the nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) on the trade balance in GCC countries over the period of 2000:Q1 to 2017:Q4. The empirical findings of the nonlinear pooled mean group (PMG) estimator reveal the presence of a J-curve shape where an increase in NEER (currency depreciation) deteriorates the trade balance in the short run and improves it in the long run. Findings also prove that the trade balance's response to NEER positive changes is greater compared to negative changes. The policy implication of these findings reveals that NEER is a useful tool to sustain the trade balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the research was to potentiate solubility of Rosuvastatin by nanogels synthesized by free radical polymerization. Surface morphology and structural compatibility were studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Zeta sizer was used for particle size analysis. Swelling, in-vitro release and solubility studies were accomplished in different media. Similarly, results of in-vitro release of nanogels and commercially available tablets of Rosuvastatin were compared in different dissolution media. Biocompatibility study was performed in healthy rabbits for safety profile. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of corresponding peaks of respective functional groups of individual constituents and that of the drug in unloaded and loaded nanogels. SEM images depicted the fluffy appearance of nanogels with small pores inside the structure. Particle size of the optimized formulation was in the range of 217.70 ± 2.23 for unloaded and 257.33 ± 2.11 for loaded nanogels. Percent drug loading, in-vitro drug release and solubility profiles were also satisfactory. In comparison with commercially available tablet Rovista®, in-vitro release profiles of synthesized nanogels showed better response. Moreover, synthesized nanogels were also biocompatible. It was concluded that the solubility of Rosuvastatin was potentially enhanced by nanogels and such formulation can also be used for other poorly soluble drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the application of LMS and RLS algorithms in adaptive beamforming for a linear array of half wavelength dipole (HWD) antennas with known mutual coupling. The research initiates by deriving analytical expressions for the covariance matrix of signal impinging on an HWD antenna array, accounting for mutual coupling effects. Leveraging these expressions, we calculate the weights for both LMS and RLS algorithms, enabling the evaluation of the overall far-field radiation patterns of the HWD antenna array. The results demonstrate that these algorithms effectively steer the main lobe of the radiation pattern towards the desired user while creating nulls in the direction of undesired users. Notably, simulations indicate that the proposed compensation method enhances the performance of beamforming algorithms, particularly when considering mutual coupling effects. Specifically, the LMS algorithm outperforms the RLS algorithm in reducing interference, resulting in lower side lobe levels (SLL) in the radiation pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initially, density approximations and generalised gradient approximations (GGA) functional of DFT were executed to determine the electronic structure where the non-local functionals of GGA obtained more close value of reference value, so that GGA method was used to calculate the band structures, DOS, PDOS and optical properties of ZrO2, Zr0.93Si0.07O2 and Zr0.86Si0.14O2 using the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE), Revised Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (RPBE), Perdew Wang (PW91), and Wu-Cohen. The transferability of electrons is completely related to PseudoPotential (PP), where four methods, such as OTFG ultra-soft, OTFG norm-conserving, ultra-soft, and norm-conserving, were used in this study. Finally, the norm-conserving PP has been selected as the most accurate method for determination of electronic structure. In addition, to assess the nature of orbital, the DOS and PDOS were additionally simulated and even the optical properties of crystals were calculated. Furthermore, the chemical reactivity, such as HOMO and LUMO, quantum properties, is justified where doping can have a vast effect as well as the open circuit voltage (Voc) is increased after doping. Finally, the toxicity data from in silico study refers to us that these are non-toxic or non-carcinogenic materials with not readily biodegradable status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the current research work was to fabricate polyethylene glycol-based hydrogels for the controlled delivery of Ketorolac. Polyethylene glycol was chemically cross-linked with acrylic acid using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as a cross-linker with ammonium persulfate and sodium metabisulphite as initiators. To determine the efficiency of the synthesized system, it was subjected to various structural characterization, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Differential scanning calorimetry, Thermogravimetric analysis, and Scanning electron microscopy. All the results obtained from structural characterizations confirmed a well-cross-linked, thermally stable, and a porous system. Swelling and in-vitro release studies performed in pH 1.2 and 7.4 showed pH responsiveness as more swelling and drug release were observed in pH 7.4 as compared to pH 1.2. The drug release was considered as non-Fickian transport from kinetic modeling and partially controlled by the viscoelastic relaxation of hydrogel. Sol-gel fraction depicted that gel content was increased as the concentrations of the polymer, monomer, and cross linker were increased. Similarly, the results obtained from stability studies confirmed a stable synthesized system. Moreover, statistical analysis was also employed for a better comparison of the swelling and in-vitro results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic pesticides have made an impact on aphid control but limitations due to the development of resistance and negative impact on humans and the environment, focus has shifted to alternative strategies. We explored the effectiveness of indigenous plant extracts of Artemisia absinthium and Prunus armeniaca against B. brassicae and H. pruni while preserving its natural enemies. Four replicates of the extracts were studied under laboratory conditions. Ethanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium (EEAA) shows 75.64% and 60.25% mortality while ethanolic extract of Prunus apricot kernel (EEPAK) shows 66.66% and 48.71% mortality of H. pruni and B. brassicae respectively (p < 0.01). Similarly, aqueous extracts of Artemisia absinthium (AEAA) and Prunus apricot kernel (AEPAK) also seem to be useful with 62.5% and 58.78% mortality in H. pruni, respectively. Of the different ethanolic extracts, 5% of AA was found most effective against aphids with a population reduction of 75.64% while 1% of aqueous extract of the PAK showed the least (7.69%) aphid mortality. Due to their availability, affordability, and eco-friendly, small-scale farmers can use them as a replacement for chemical pesticides. Thus, we suggest the use of Prunus apricot kernel (PAK) and Artemisia absinthium (AA) for the management of aphids in and around Ladakh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyslipidemia is a common encounter in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the current strategies to manage it are still suboptimal. Subsequently, identifying newer molecules with lipid-lowering effects is necessary. A great deal of attention has been given in recent years to fiber supplements, e.g., guar gum. Thus, we screened and evaluated the quality of the evidence regarding the benefits of guar gum supplementation in T2DM and conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effects of this compound on serum lipids in T2DM. We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and Embase, from the inception of these databases until January 2021. In total, 11 papers were included based on the eligible criteria in our meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of the eligible trials demonstrated a significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −20.32 mg/dL, 95% CI: −27.02, −13.62, P < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: −14.52 mg/dL, 95% CI: −20.69, −8.35, P < 0.001) following guar gum supplementation in T2DM patients. The subgroup analysis based on the dosage (g/day) of this compound revealed that ≥20 g/day of guar gum led to a notable decrease in triglyceride (TG) levels (WMD: −12.55 mg/dL, 95% CI: −23.72, −1.37, P = 0.02) versus < 20 g/day (WMD: −1.84 mg/dL, 95% CI: −32.18, 28.49, P = 0.90). Guar gum supplementation had no effects on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: 0.66 mg/dL, 95% CI: −0.95, 2.28, P = 0.42). Guar gum consumption has lipid-lowering effects when administered to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and it is particularly able to reduce TC, LDL-C and TG levels. Further research is however needed to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urticaria affects all age groups of a population. It is triggered by allergens in foods, insect bites, medications, and environmental conditions. Urticaria is characterized by itching, a burning sensation, wheals and flares, erythema, and localized edema. The aim of this study was to develop a polymeric dosage form of ebastine using Carbopol 940 and mixture of span and tween. The emulsion was prepared, the gelling agent was added and the desired emulgel loaded with active drug was formulated. The formulations were subjected to physical stability, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content analysis, thermal analysis, in vitro drug release, and in vivo anti-allergic activity in animal model. The formulated emulgel exhibited good physical stability. The pH of the formulation was in the range of 5.2 ± 0.17 to 5.5 ± 0.20 which is suitable for topical application. Insignificant changes (p>.05) were observed in viscosity and spreadability of stored emulgels. The drug content was in the official limit of Pharmacopeia (i.e. 100 ± 10%). DSC measurements predicted that there is no interaction between the active moiety and excipients in emulgel formulation. The optimized formulation (ES3) released 74.25 ± 1.8% of ebastine after 12 h. The ebastine emulgel showed significant (p<.05; ANOVA) in vivo anti-allergic activity as compared to commercial product BenadrylVR in histamine-induced allergy in rabbits. This study concluded that a topical drug delivery of ebastine-loaded emulgel could be well tolerated and safe for the treatment of urticaria/hives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the relationship between determinants of governance and poverty reduction. We also investigated how female participation in the labour market helps alleviate poverty. We collected the balanced panel data of 29 countries over the period 2004–2016 from the World Bank database and Worldwide Governance Indicators database. Results indicated that robust governance is necessary for poverty reduction and that policy implementation timeliness is more likely to mitigate poverty. Moreover, the inclusion of females in the labour market and an efficient governance system contribute to enhanced well-being among the poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous burn wounds are a common and troublesome critical issue of public health. Over the last decade, many researchers have investigated the development of novel therapeutic modalities which are capable of fully regeneration and reinstatement of structure and function of the skin with no or limited scar formation. Novel pharmaceutical carriers are offering a potential platform to deliver the drug effectively and to overcome the limitation associated with conventional wound dressings. The aim of this study was to investigate a pharmaceutical acriflavine-loaded polycaprolactone nanoemulsion (ACR-PCL-NE) for burn wound healing. Nanoemulsion was prepared by using the double emulsion solvent evaporation technique and it was subjected to thermodynamic stability testing, droplet size, polydispersity, zeta potential, pH, and surface morphology analysis. The in vivo study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of nanoemulsion using Sprague-Dawley rats as an animal model. The results of this study revealed that the optimized nanoemulsion was stable and had desirable physicochemical properties. The pH was about 4.02 at 25 °C and the particle size was found to be in the range of 302 ± 4.62 nm while the zeta potential was -7.8 ± 1.22 mV and the polydispersity index of 0.221 ± 0.017. The wound regeneration process was evaluated in vivo by different techniques, the formulation group (FG) showed high wound healing potential as compared to the standard group (SD) and control group (CG). These findings reveal that this nanoemulsion formulation can be used effectively for wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research aimed to develop nanocubosomes co-loaded with dual anticancer drugs curcumin and temozolomide for effective colon cancer therapy. Drugs co-loaded nanocubosomal dispersion was prepared by modified emulsification method using glyceryl monooleate (GMO), pluronic F127 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a lipid phase, surfactant, and stabilizer, respectively. The resulting nanocubosomes were characterized by measuring hydrodynamic particle size, particle size distribution (PSD), drug loading capacity (DL), encapsulation efficiency (EE), colloidal stability and drug release profile. We also physiochemically characterized the nanocubosomes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and x-rays diffraction (XRD) for their morphology, polymer drug interaction and its nature, respectively. Further, the in-vitro cell-uptake, mechanism of cell-uptake, in-vitro anti-tumor efficacy and apoptosis level were evaluated using HCT-116 colon cancer cells. The prepared nanocubosomes exhibited a small hydrodynamic particle size (PS of 150 ± 10 nm in diameter) with nearly cubic shape and appropriate polydispersity index (PDI), enhanced drug loading capacity (LC of 6.82 ± 2.03% (Cur) and 9.65 ± 1.53% (TMZ), high entrapment efficiency (EE of 67.43 ± 2.16% (Cur) and 75.55 ± 3.25% (TMZ), pH-triggered drug release profile and higher colloidal stability in various physiological medium. Moreover, the nanocubosomes showed higher cellular uptake, in-vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis compared to free drugs, curcumin and temozolomide, most likely because its small particle size. In addition, BSA-stabilized nanocubosomes were actively taken by aggressive colon cancer cells that over-expressed the albumin receptors and utilized BSA as nutrient source for their growth. In short, this study provides a new and simple strategy to improve the efficacy and simultaneously overawed the adaptive treatment tolerance in colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketorolac tromethamine (KT), selected as a model drug, is used in management of moderate to severe acute pain. It has a short half-life (∼5.5 h) and requires frequent dose administration when needed for longer period of time. In our current project, we designed pH responsive hydrogel blends of chondroitin sulfate/pluronic F-127 (CS/Pl) for the controlled release of ketorolac. Hydrogel blends were fabricated using free radical polymerization reaction technique utilizing different ratios of chondroitin sulfate (CS) (polymer) and pluronic F-127 (polymer), acrylic acid (monomer), N,N′-methyl-bisacrylamide (MBA) (cross-linker), initiator ammonium persulfate (APS) and tween-80 (surfactant). The fabricated hydrogel blends were studied and evaluated for pH responsiveness, swelling, water absorbency, in vitro drug release, and morphological characteristics such as SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA/DSC. Acute toxicity study was performed on rabbits. Maximum swelling and water absorbency were shown by CS/Pl blends being significantly greater at 7.4 (basic pH) than in 1.2 (acidic pH). In vitro dissolution demonstrated pH responsive controlled KT release following zero order at higher pH (7.4) medium up to 36 h. FTIR studies confirmed the structures of our blends; SEM results showed porous framework; thermal studies revealed higher stability of hydrogels than the individual polymers; and XRD confirmed the nature of our blends. Toxicity study revealed the nontoxic nature of the hydrogel blends. The prepared CS/Pl hydrogels demonstrated stimuli-controlled release with delivery of drug for prolonged period of time and thus can minimize dosing frequency, safe drug delivery, increased patient compliance and easiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research adopts a consumer focus in examining the impact of perceived legitimacy of sharing economy platforms on attitude and behavioural intention in the accommodation sector. By investigating tourist adoption of sharing economy platforms from a legitimacy perspective, this research differs from past studies which focused on characteristics of new services to predict adoption. Results show that (1) tourists evaluate legitimacy through comparisons with traditional offers in the accommodation sector rather than with other sharing economy offers, (2) lack of legitimacy has a negative effect on guest behavioural intentions and (3) this effect is moderated by relativism. Even though sharing economy platforms' commercial success may imply that they are enjoying a high level of legitimacy in the eyes of tourists, our results suggest that tourists act as societal actors and that the legitimacy issues raised by the sharing economy are relevant to them and inform their decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking an inductive approach, this paper explores a key question with respect to tourists' meaning creation: What is the role of servicescapes in the development of place meanings for tourists? The research is situated in place and appropriation theory and leverages a large two-phase qualitative study on tourists' restaurant experiences in Brittany, an important tourism destination in the North-West of France. Analysis of the narrative data uncovers four dimensions of restaurant servicescapes that contribute to place meaning. These are: The Interior Environment; The Service Offer; The Social Environment, and the Restaurant Exterior. Furthermore, the research provides insights into the ways tourists connect servicescapes to destinations through physical and sensorial immersion, investigation, and learning. This research can help practioners in creating more meaningful holiday experiences and in branding and promoting tourism destinations. It opens the way for the exploration of the role other tourism services in the development of meaningful tourism experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, series of pH-responsive hydrogels (FMA1-FMA9) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as potential carrier for oral delivery of an antiviral drug, acyclovir (ACV). Different proportions of b-cyclodextrin (b-CD), chitosan (CS), methacrylic acid (MAA) and N0 N0-methylenebis-acrylamide (MBA) were used to fabricate hydrogels via free radical polymerization technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed fabrication of new polymeric network, with successful incorporation of ACV. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated presence of slightly porous structure. Thermal analysis indicated enhanced thermal stability of polymeric network. Swelling studies were carried out at 37 °C in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. The drug release data was found best fit to zeroorder kinetics. The preliminary investigation of developed hydrogels showed a pH-dependent swelling behavior and drug release pattern. Acute oral toxicity study indicated no significant changes in behavioral, clinical, or histopathological parameters of Wistar rats. Pharmacokinetic study indicated that developed hydrogels caused a significant increase in oral bioavailability of ACV in rabbit plasma as compared to oral suspension when both were administered at a single oral dose of 20mg kg-1 bodyweight. Hence, developed hydrogel formulation could be used as potential candidate for controlled drug delivery of an antiviral drug acyclovir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel-oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using aqueous Rauvolfia serpentine leaf extract were tested against Callosobruchus maculatus. Synthesis of NiO NPs was confirmed by various physiochemical methods such as UV-visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy etc. The sharp and strong reflections (111, 200, 220, 311 and 222 crystal planes) of the monoclinic phase and cubic NiO NPs were observed. The crystallite sizes varied in Scherrer's and W–H plots from 9.42 (20 ml) to 4.89 nm (15 ml) and 20.0 nm (10 ml) to 10.12nm (15 ml), respectively. The highest strain was observed in 15 ml (93.8 × 10−4) and the lowest (37.9 × 10−4) in 20ml extract. The C. maculatus on black gram seeds with 5, 10, 20 and 40ppm NiO NPs showed decreased fecundity and an increased developmental period in a dose-dependent manner. The longevity of the insect did not differ significantly. Seed germination was significantly reduced at 40ppm (79.12%) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates whether the impact of firm-level corruption on growth varies based on origin of the firm. More specifically, I examine how corruption in the business environment affects growth for privatized former state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and originally private firms in transition economies. Employing Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (BEEPS) data and using a sample of 15,103 unique firms in 30 Eastern European and Central Asian countries, I find that corruption hampers growth for private firms, but it is not detrimental to privatized firms' growth. In fact, some evidence suggests that corruption helps privatized firms growing faster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the Agile methodologies, Scrum and Kanban, to define their advantages and limitations of use. The methods are compared for their use in software development, specifying which would be a suitable option for a game development process focusing on maximizing productivity and quality of the software. Exploration of use cases and methodology guides are discussed, defining the benefits of choosing Kanban or Scrum for a software development team. Findings show Scrum to be a method that focuses on the verbal communication through sprint meetings and reviews. Kanban is described as a visually driven framework that utilizes a Kanban board and cards for communication. Scrum is a strict method can only implement change after a sprint, while Kanban is more flexible and can make changes at any point in the development process. A hybrid of the two methods, Scrumban, is also investigated and found to be an alternative for users who find aspects of both methodologies to be appropriate for their team. There is a great deal of consideration required for independent game developers as they need to reflect on their team dynamics and situation before determining which methodology is best suited for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, three isomeric Schiff's bases: salicylidene-2-nitroaniline N2HB2NA, salicylidene-3-nitroaniline N2HB3NA, and salicylidene-4-nitroaniline N2HB4NA, were synthesized and their effect on the liquid-liquid extraction of copper (II) was studied. During the extraction of metal ions from sulfate media in chloroform at 25°C, it has been shown that substitution of nitro group to the ortho, méta and, para position of the aniline ring in salicylideneaniline led to a large increase in the extraction of copper ions. It was concluded that the extracted species are CuL2 (L denote N2HB2NA, N2HB3NA, or N2HB4NA). The results revealed that the best extraction efficiencies for Cu2+ were according to the following order: N2HB2NA > N2HB3NA> N2HB4NA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-throughput sequencing approach of the 16S rRNA gene was employed to evaluate the bacterial diversity inhabit in melted water, snow, soil, and rocks samples at the lower altitudes of the Laohugou glacial environment. Bioinformatics tools were used to process millions of Illumina reads for alpha and beta diversities of bacterial communities. The diversity indices such as Chao, Shannon, and Simpson were different in the collected samples and solid samples (soil and rocks) showed higher taxon richness and evenness. Taxonomic diversity was unexpectedly higher and the major portion of sequences was assigned to Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria. Higher variation in community structure was reported at the class level and Alphaproteobacteria was dominant. The solid niches were occupied by a higher number of phyla compared with liquid. The physicochemical variables acted as spatial gradients and associated with the bacterial structural communities of the glacial ecosystem. Findings showed that both Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria in solid samples influenced the bacterial community structure in downstream liquid samples. Interestingly, the metagenomic biomarkers were higher in liquid samples. This study provides precious datasets to understand the bacterial community in a better way under the influence of spatial, physical and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authorities and policymakers have been advocating people to follow the traditional personal protective measures (e.g., social distancing) to avoid COVID-19 disease and to reduce its spread further. Based on terror management theory (TMT) and individuals' bounded rationality (BR), this study designs a conceptual framework to examine psychological limitations of people for obeying the experts' instructions—particularly, social distancing—during the pandemic. This is because, contrary to "social distancing," humans subconsciously use centuries-old defense mechanisms—seeking close relationships, validation or modification of cultural worldviews, and enhancement of self-esteem—by "social gatherings" for the sake of buffering their own paralyzing terror of death in time of a large scale mortality salience (e.g., COVID-19). This study argues that in pandemics in which diseases spread due to human interactions, societies need to trade-off between reducing human or economic losses by imposing immediate stringent restrictions on people movements (e.g., lockdowns) versus mitigating pandemic related psychological or mental issues by allowing them to use anxiety reduction buffering mechanisms (e.g., social gatherings). By studying people's recent responses to the COVID-19 outbreak and given their BR, this study proposes that governments' interventions are needed to curtail the disease spreading and its associated costs further. In addition, several recommendations for interventions are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 19-year-old apple orchard at Arabal, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, was selected during 2015 and 2016. Forty-five trees were treated with paddy straw mulch, paddy straw mulch followed by glyphosate @ 2.0 l ha−1, oxyflourfen @ 1.0 l ha−1, oxyflourfen @ 1.0 l ha−1 followed by glyphosate @ 2.0 l ha−1, atrazine @ 3.0 kg ha−1, atrazine @ 3.0 kg ha−1 followed by glyphosate @ 2.0 l ha−1, pendimethalin @ 2.0 l ha−1, pendimethalin @ 2.0 l ha−1 followed by glyphosate @ 2.0 l ha−1, bicolor polythene mulch, cowpea, white clover, clean cultivation, farmer practices, zero weeds and control. Three replications were maintained in a randomized complete block design. Minimum weeds (0.0) and weed control efficiency (100%) were recorded in zero weeds, bicolor polythene mulch and in paddy straw mulch followed by glyphosate. High levels of soil nutrients, large annual shoot extension (49.3 and 50.2 cm) and leaf area (77.83 and 78.57 cm−2) with maximum fruit yield (82.03 and 80.60 kg/tree) were recorded in paddy straw mulch followed by glyphosate during 2015 and 2016, respectively. Paddy straw mulch followed by glyphosate can be used for effective weed control with improved yield and growth characters of apple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2014 an experiment in the delivery of 'intensive' mode and 'blended' learning and teaching in screen production has been conducted at an Australian university. It was designed to investigate if a teaching situation that more closely approximates the intensity and urgency of 'real-world' screen-production was achievable and/or desirable in a university context more accustomed to a weekly tutorial and workshop model. Implications of this restructured 'intensive' teaching model on the student experience, and staff research-time are discussed in this paper. Five years after first being implemented, the project recently won a national teaching award and has been considered a pedagogical success. This paper also considers some limits to this success within the university context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of nickel(II) from sulfate medium of the ionic strength of 0.33 M by capric acid dissolved in chloroform has been carried out at 25 °C. The stoichiometry of the organometallic complexes extracted was given by using the slope analysis method. Nickel(II) complexes exist as mononuclear species NiL2.2HL and as dinuclear species (NiL2.2HL)2 in low and high capric acid concentrations, respectively. Extraction constants for each species were determined. UV–visible and FT-IR spectroscopy have also been performed for the study of the ligand and their complexes. Electronic spectra of nickel(II) caprate species suggest the octahedral geometry. The present results have been compared with the previous results for the extraction of cobalt(II) and copper(II) and found that the extraction order for capric acid for the three metals is as follows: Cu > Ni > Co. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide, and are bracketed as the foremost basis of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The treatment options are symptomatic and often the movement of drugs is restricted by a specialized network of endothelial cell layers (adjoined by tight cell-to-cell junction proteins; occludin, claudins, and junctional adhesion molecules), pericytes and astroglial foot processes. In recent years, advances in nanomedicine have led to therapies that target central nervous system (CNS) pathobiology via altering signaling mechanisms such as activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in ischemic stroke arrests apoptosis, interruption of α-synuclein aggregation prevents neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's. Often such interactions are limited by insufficient concentrations of drugs reaching neuronal tissues and/or insufficient residence time of drug/s with the receptor. Hence, lipid nanoformulations, SLNs (solid lipid nanoparticles) and NLCs (nanostructured lipid carriers) emerged to overcome these challenges by utilizing physiological transport mechanisms across blood–brain barrier, such as drug-loaded SLN/NLCs adsorb apolipoproteins from the systemic circulation and are taken up by endothelial cells via low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor mediated endocytosis and subsequently unload drugs at target site (neuronal tissue), which imparts selectivity, target ability, and reduction in toxicity. This paper reviews the utilization of SLN/NLCs as carriers for targeted delivery of novel CNS drugs to improve the clinical course of neurological disorders, placing some additional discussion on the metabolism of lipid-based formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro oral bioaccessibility of Cadmium (Cd) in two low (XGSJ), (SHQI) and two high (CGBC), (SIYM) Cd-accumulating affinity cultivars of Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis L. (pak choi) grown on Cd-contaminated Alfisol soil was assessed. In this study, physiologically based extraction test (PBET) and in vitro gastrointestinal (IVG) were chosen to assess the bioaccessibility for Cd by stimulating human digestion of plant material. The pak choi cultivars were grown on Cd-contaminated soil with six different Cd concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mg kg−1). The phytoavailability of Cd in soils was also measured through Mehlich-3 extraction and sequential extraction method. Plants were harvested and analyzed for their total Cd content and afterward extracted using PBET and IVG to provide the estimate of oral bioaccessibility for the human health risks of metal contamination in pak choi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic solvent extraction of cobalt(II) from sulfate medium with N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene) aniline in association of two synergistic agents, the methyl-isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and 1-octanolin chloroform at 25 °C, has been studied. Synergistic and antagonistic effects are observed for the title metal at low and high concentration ratios of the synergistic agents. The synergistic extraction of cobalt(II) with the mixtures has been investigated with the methods of slope analysis. The extracted species with the mixtures are CoL2(S)2 and CoL2 (HL) (S) (L, denoted N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene) aniline ion and S denoted MIBK or 1-octanol). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the community development practice of The Salvation Army in a public housing estate in Sydney, Australia. Drawing on interviews with community members, officers, staff, and volunteers from The Salvation Army, we explore the transformative potential of relational, rather than transactional, community development practices. In accepting the theological principle of imago Dei as the foundation for its practice, The Salvation Army prioritized listening, witnessing and simply loving people and place, and generated a profound sense of belonging and connectedness. This relational approach to community development offers valuable lessons for faith-based communities of social work practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impacts of trade openness, financial development, and energy imports on per capita real GDP in Turkey over the 1960-2014 period. The results show that there is evidence of a stable relationship in the presence of a shift in the cointegration vector in 1980 and 1988. Furthermore, the results indicate that trade openness and financial development have a positive impact on per capita real GDP growth whereas energy imports have a negative impact. Consequently, policy-makers should adopt policies that sustain the benefits of trade and financial developments and improve the use of renewable energy to counterbalance the negative effect of energy imports on economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the ability of pure and consortia of indigenous iron-oxidizing bacteria to enhance the dissolution of trace metals from Cu and Zn-bearing ore. Three bacterial strains Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans strain WG101, Leptospirillum ferriphilum strain WG102, Leptospirillum ferrooxidans strain WG103 isolated from Baiyin copper mine, China were used in this study. The biotechnological potential of these indigenous isolates was evaluated both in pure and in consortia to extract cobalt, chromium, and lead from the copper and zinc bearing ore. The sulfur and iron-oxidizing bacterial isolate Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans strain WG101 exhibited efficient dissolution compared to sole iron-oxidizing Leptospirillum ferriphilum strain WG102, and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans strain WG103. Initial medium pH, pulp density, and temperature were studied as influential parameters in bioleaching carried out by bacterial consortia. The achieved optimum conditions were; initial pH of 1.5, 10% of pulp density, and temperature 30 °C with 68.7 ± 3.9% cobalt, 56.6 ± 3.9% chromium, and 36 ± 3.7% lead recovery. Analytical study of oxidation-reduction potential and pH fluctuation were observed during this whole process that shows the metal dissolution efficiency of bacterial consortia. Alterations in spectral bands of processed residues were reported through FTIR analysis compared with control ore sample. Mössbauer spectroscopy analysis showed the influence of bacterial consortia on iron speciation in bioleached samples. The findings confirm that the indigenous acidophilic iron-oxidizing bacterial strains are highly effective in the dissolution of trace elements present in ore samples. This study not only supports the notion that indigenous bacterial strains are highly effectual in metal dissolution but provides the basic vital conditions to upscale the bioleaching technique for metals dissolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various mineral additions are used in the manufacture of self-compacting concrete (SCC) to reduce the cement content and hence the CO2 emissions and also to enhance the performance of concrete. In this paper, the results of fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting limestone cement mortar (SCLCM) and concrete (SCLCC) with metakaolin (MK) as cement replacement are reported. SCLCM properties investigated include spread flow, V-funnel flow time, yield stress, plastic viscosity and heat evolution. SCLCC fresh properties include slump flow, V-funnel flow time, J-Ring, L-Box and sieve segregation. Compressive strength of the hardened SCLCC was measured at the ages of 1, 3, 7, 28, 90, and 180 days. Moreover, water porosity, water absorption by capillarity and dynamic modulus of elasticity (Ed) tests were conducted. Test results indicated that the produced MK is of sufficient pozzolanic activity and contributes to improve the performances of concrete in particular at later stages. The addition of MK to SCLCM mixes exhibits lower heat evolution, lower yield stress, higher plastic viscosity and higher V-funnel flow time. The addition of MK to SCLCC mixes improves the rheological properties (flowability, passing ability and segregation resistance) as well as the mechanical and durability performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solvent extraction of cobalt(II) from sulfate medium using bis(2-ethylhexy1) phosphoric acid has been investigated. The influence of the following parameters was studied: the equilibrium pH, the concentration of the extractant and the nature of diluent. Influence of diluent using several polar solvents as diluents in addition to non-polar solvents in the extraction of cobalt(II) is discussed. The extractable species has been identified as CoL2 in 1-octanol and methyl isobutyl ketone and CoL2.2HL in toluene, dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and cyclohexane. Equilibrium formulations were determined for various diluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The fungi of the genus Fusarium include several phyto-pathogenic species capable of attacking a large number of plants, causing diseases called fusarioses. We investigated the antifungal activity on this type of fungus. We examined in vitro a series of copper (II) complexes derivatives that were differently substituted into groups; Electron-donating or electron-withdrawing against three fungal strains: Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides. Using the agar dilution method to determine the inhibitory power exerted by these complexes at a concentration of 1 mg / ml and hymexazol was used as a standard fungicide. The results show that the highest mycelia inhibition of the fungal strains is carried out for the complex [Cu-(SA-p-Cl)2] with a 42.57 ± 0.63% inhibition against the species Fusarium graminearum. However, low activity was revealed for the complex [Cu-(SA-o-Cl)2] at inhibitory power of 6.41 ± 0.35%. We have noted that the copper (II) complexes with the para-substituted Schiff bases represent a better activity against the Fusarium culmorum, F. graminearum and F. verticillioides strains. The diversity of antifungal activity is influenced by the presence of the various substituted groups (methyl, methoxy, chloro and nitro) on the structure of the copper (II) complexes examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a complex condition classically characterised by excessive body fat accumulation and represents one of the most important public health problems worldwide. Although several epidemiological studies have shown that elevated BMI is associated with higher morbidity, and with increased rate of death from all causes and from cardiovascular disease, accumulating evidence suggests that being overweight or obese may be protective (the so-called obesity paradox), at least in chronic diseases. These observations, not only question the validity of the BMI system, but also raise the intriguing question of whether we should redefine what the normal range of BMI is in individuals suffering from a chronic disease. In the present article, we review the available information on the association between elevated BMI and increased morbidity and mortality including obesity-related paradoxes, explore key aspects of the role and limitations of BMI as a measure of increased adiposity and outline potential solutions to address the current controversies regarding the impact of obesity on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metagenomic approach permits us to obtain the latent resources from culturable and unculturable microorganisms in ecosystem. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was practiced to comprehensively probe prokaryotic community within extreme acidic environment of Baiyin open-pit mine stope, which varied in pH and other physicochemical parameters. Bioinformatics analysis was further accomplished to process millions of Illumina reads and analyzed alpha and beta diversities, and prokaryotic community profile in different samples obtained from the acidic mine stope. Diversity indices such as ACE, Chao, Shannon, and Simpson were varied among samples. Both taxon richness and evenness were significantly higher in the solid samples than that of the water samples. Taxonomic diversity was unexpectedly higher within confined pit ecosystem. Most of the sequences were assigned to phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Acidobacteria. In archaea, Euryarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota were major phyla reported, however, archaea occupied very little share in the metagenome. At class level, variation in community structure was higher within samples. Among iron- and sulfur-related acidophiles, 30.8% of the sequences were unidentified at genera level, while the remaining were dominated by sulfur and/or iron oxidizing Acidithiobacillus and heterotrophic Acidiphilum related groups. The community profile of solid and water groups was different and metagenomic biomarkers were higher in solid, while acidophiles and archaea were reported only in water group by using LEfSe. Among samples, community structure and abundance was varied in terms of OTUs abundance, which clearly indicates spatial variation and proposed the influence of physicochemical and geochemical properties on phylogenetic diversity. This study offers numerous treasured datasets for better understanding the community composition under the influence of geochemical and physicochemical factors and possible novelty in terms of taxonomic/phylogenetic diversity in acidic ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parallel operation of multi-inverters is an effective way to increase the power capacity and the reliability of power electronic systems. However, in parallel inverter operation, one of the most crucial problems is the zero-sequence circulating current (ZSCC). The ZSCC flows between parallel inverters, which results in current distortion, harmonic loss, unbalanced load sharing, and a decline in the overall system performance. In this paper, a sliding mode ZSCC controller for paralleled three-phase inverters is proposed. The suggested controller takes advantage of zero-vector redundancies to adjust their dwell time and cancel any voltage difference that can generate ZSCC between the paralleled inverters. The appropriate adjustment quantity is determined using a sliding mode controller, and as a result, a better ZSCC cancelation can be achieved at different operation conditions. Experimental results of two parallel inverters show the feasibility of the proposed ZSCC elimination method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we generalize the notion of traces of a binary relation to the setting of ternary relations. With a given ternary relation, we associate three binary relations: its left, middle and right trace. As in the binary case, these traces facilitate the study and characterization of properties of a ternary relation. Interestingly, the traces themselves turn out to be the greatest solutions of relational inequalities associated with newly introduced compositions of a ternary relation with a binary relation (and vice versa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this retrospective cohort study of 1716 cases of women undergoing infertility treatment between the years 1999-2012, we aimed to identify whether parturients with a previous surgical history are at a higher risk for tubal abnormalities as determined by hysterosalpingography (HSG) in this infertile population. Amongst the study population, tubal obstruction was identified on HSG in 15.8% of patients with no past history of an abdominal surgery and 16.3% of patients with a previous caesarean section (CS) delivery. These rates were significantly lower than those for women with a previous gynaecological surgery (34.7%) or abdominal surgery (27%) (p < .001 for all comparisons). Our results suggest that past history of CS poses no additional risk for tubal abnormality within the infertile population, whereas a history of other abdominal or gynaecological surgical procedures doubles this risk. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? While numerous risk factors for tubal factor infertility have been established, to date, the relation between previous abdominal surgeries and the risk for tubal factor infertility remains inconclusive. What the results of this study add? In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between previous CS history and the risk for having tubal factor infertility. Our results demonstrated that previous caesarean section delivery does not increase the risk for tubal factor infertility in the infertile population, whereas history of other abdominal or gynaecological surgical procedures doubles this risk. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Further research is needed for further evaluation of this association and its clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores a filmmaking practice at the borders of fiction and non-fiction; a practice that goes by different names, including cinema of in-between-ness. It looks closely at the filmmaking practice of Thai filmmaker Uruphong Raksasad and the second film in his Rice Trilogy, Agrarian Utopia (Sawan Baan Na, 2009). This film challenges categorisation as observational documentary, ethnographic film or fictional narrative. The article demonstrates that Raksasad's practice is linked to the earlier practices of Dziga Vertov and Jean Rouch. In their films, Vertov and Rouch demonstrate a commitment to the real as the fount of cinema, to the detailed observation and careful recording of life that passes before the camera. But they also insist on treating the real with cinematic inventiveness and experimentation. The article discusses Vertov, Rouch and Raksasad's attitudes to in-betweeness and how it impacts their practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic solvent extraction of nickel(II) from a sulfate medium with N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)aniline in the absence and presence of Methyl-Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) in chloroform at 25°C has been studied. A synergistic effect is observed for the metal at low and high (MIBK) concentration ratios, respectively. The synergistic extraction of nickel(II) with the mixtures has been investigated with the analysis methods of slope. The extractable species has been identified as NiL2 and NiL2(MIBK)2. The extraction constants are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]