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The aqueous extract was prepared from the Aloe ferox , and Commipora abyssinica combined to develop a botanical mosquito larvicide. The aqueous extract and the solvent fractions obtained using liquid–liquid extraction were tested against Culex pipiens larvae for larvicidal potential. The maximum larvicidal activity was recorded for the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract with LC 50 values of 28.24 µg/mL followed by hexane (104.42 µg/mL), water (140.24 µg/mL), and chloroform (211.41 µg/mL) extract against the Cx. pipiens third instar 24 h post-treatment. In midguts of EtOAc extract-treated larvae, Longitudinal sections showed edema between the degenerated epithelial cells and degraded microvilli. The extract caused a dose‐dependent decrease in the percentage of cell viability of HUVEC cells suing MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The IC 50 value of the EtOAc extract was 143.6 µg/mL and displayed chromosomal condensation. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents calculated were 15.9 GAE/g (gallic acid equivalent per gram) and 3.69 QurE/g (Qurcetin equivalent per gram), respectively. GC–MS analysis showed that the major chemical components of the EtOAc extract were methyl ester of hexadecanoic acid (28%), 3-benzylbutanoate (9.4%), methyl ester of octadecanoic acid (8.6%), and alpha-muurolene (5.3%). The current investigations revealed the possible use of this botanical combination as a larvicide against Cx. pipiens larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect haemocytes belong to different categories that carry out various immune functions in larvae and adults. Survey of their studies in different orders of insects would help and suggest that discrepancy in their nomenclature is based on the individual description of their shapes and metabolic contents and the same would be resolved by putting up their characteristics and features together to name different types of haemocytes consistently. Basically, there are three basic forms, prohaemocytes, plasmatocytes and granular haemocytes forming the bulk of the population. Other three types are spherulocytes or cystocytes, oenocytoids and adipohaemocytes. Plasmatocytes and granular haemocytes are functionally termed as immunocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract:In 2002, the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) discovered and investigated a triconch funerary chapel at the White Monastery. Since 2006, this structure has been the focus of further excavation, conservation, and analysis by an international team currently sponsored by the Yale Monastic Archaeology Project (YMAP), in collaboration with the SCA. The funerary chapel features a subterranean tomb and evidence for an extensive program of figural and nonfigural wall paintings. During the December 2009 campaign, conservation of the paintings in the tomb revealed new details that connect this space with Shenoute, the famous head of the monastery during the fourth and fifth centuries C.E.In this brief article, the authors report on these recent discoveries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar backsheet is the protective layer of the photovoltaic module that plays a vital role in protecting the module from harsh environmental conditions. Various properties such as mechanical, electrical, optical and chemical properties are critical in improving the service life and performance of the module. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is recognized as the most suitable polymer for single-layer backsheets. However, it is difficult to optimize all the properties; hence, researchers are focused on fabricating the backsheet made of PVDF composites. In this study, PVDF/nano-mica nanocomposite (PVDF-MX) films were fabricated through the film casting method at different loading of nano-mica. Various properties such as mechanical, thermal, dielectric, optical properties and wettability characteristics of PVDF-MX films have been investigated. Addition of nano-mica increased γ-phase of PVDF, while the degree of crystallinity decreased. The strong interaction between the nano-mica and PVDF chain resulted in increased tensile strength, thermal conductivity, wettability and dielectric constant. UV–visible spectroscopy analysis showed that the opacity of PVDF films increased upon the addition of nano-mica. On the other hand, PVDF-MX films displayed excellent stability when exposed to high temperatures and UV radiations. Furthermore, augmentation of hydrophobicity of PVDF-MX films effectively resisted moisture absorption. Improved properties of PVDF-MX films could be a potential material as a single-layered solar backsheet application and showed satisfying properties for long-term stability. [Display omitted] • PVDF/Mica nanocomposite film was prepared by film casting method for potential PV module backsheet. • The resultant film exhibited hydrophobicity with excellent mechanical properties. • Thermal conductivity and stability of PVDF augmented upon the addition of nano-mica. • PVDF/mica nanocomposite film with enhanced properties is a potential material for solar backsheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In forensic investigations many types of evidence are collected, such as urine, blood, and gastric contents. Carrion insects may also be recovered. Entomotoxicology is an approach to detecting, identifying, and quantifying chemicals in an investigation involving a death. Entomotoxicology involves the toxicological analysis of the tissues of insects recovered from a corpse. Cadaveric flies ingest chemicals contaminating the tissue and fluid on which they feed, affecting their physiology, growth, and development. We evaluated the effect of Zolfresh (zolpidem tartrate) on the development rate and growth parameters of two Calliphorid flies, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1842) and Chrysomya indiana (Abd Algalil & Zambare, 2016). The two species of Calliphoridae were fed with fresh chopped liver treated with various concentrations of Zolfresh. We evaluated the way in which the chemical affected the morphological parameters and developmental rates of C. indiana and C. rufifacies. The rate of development in the flies was negatively correlated with the concentration of Zolfresh. The results of the study concurred with those of several studies on the same and different species of Calliphoridae. The experimental data were used to estimate insect-based postmortem interval values. In real forensic examination, this estimation can be compromised by prior use of drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic entomology serves a vital role in criminal investigations, contributing to the determination of time of colonization (TOC), minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI), and other forensic evidence related to the decomposition process. This study aimed to identify Calliphoridae species attracted to carcasses in two distinct locations in Algeria and to understand their role in forensic investigations. Two sites in Constantine were selected: a forest in Jebel Ouahch and an urban area in Chaabat Erssas. Two dog carcasses, an adult and a puppy, were monitored for decomposition stages. The puppy carcass reached the dry stage faster than the adult carcass, with decomposition rates varying between sites. A total of 594 Calliphoridae flies were collected, including Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, Calliphora subalpina, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia illustris, Lucilia silvarum, and Chrysomya albiceps. These species were present in both locations, with Ch. albiceps being most prevalent, especially on the puppy carcass. Initial blowfly colonization occurred within four hours, with L. sericata and Ch. albiceps particularly abundant. This study underscores the importance of accurate species identification and environmental reconstruction in improving the precision of forensic estimates. Continued research on species phenology and the impacts of climate change will further enhance the applicability of forensic entomology in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a unique approach to develop a "green" solution for in-situ monitoring, low-cost inkjet-printed temperature sensors on paper substrate were fully integrated into natural fiber-reinforced lightweight components for which structural health monitoring is becoming increasingly important. The results showed that the sensors remained functional after the vacuum infusion process; furthermore, the integration of the sensors improved the mechanical integrity and stability of the lightweight parts, as demonstrated by tensile testing. To verify the qualification of the printed sensors for the target application, the samples were exposed to varying temperature and humidity conditions inside of a climate chamber. The sensors showed linear temperature dependence in the temperature range of interest (−20 to 60 °C) with a TCR ranging from 1.576 × 10−3 K−1 to 1.713 × 10−3 K−1. Furthermore, the results from the tests in humid environments indicated that the used paper-based sensors could be made almost insensitive to changes in ambient humidity by embedding them into fiber-reinforced lightweight materials. This study demonstrates the feasibility of fully integrating paper-based printed sensors into lightweight components, which paves the way towards integration of other highly relevant sensing devices, such as strain and humidity sensors, for structural health monitoring of smart, sustainable, and environmentally compatible lightweight composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of polymer doped with metal oxides has been recently aimed to improve the physical, chemical, structural, morphological, thermal and mechanical characteristics. Therefore, the current study is directed to dope two nano-metal oxides into high density polyethylene (HDPE) using the roll-mixing and thermal-pressing techniques. The weight fractions of nanofillers were varied from 2.0% to 8.0% in the resulting composite. The FT-IR along with XRD and SEM were used to examine the structural properties of the new nanocomposites. Images from the scanning-electron microscopy demonstrated that Al 2 O 3 and BaO nanoparticles were properly dispersed in the HDPE's polymeric material without essential aggregations. TGA as well as DSC were used to test the effects of Al 2 O 3 -NPs and BaO-NPs incorporation on the thermal properties of HDPE. Tensile tests were carried out to detect how the mechanical behavior of the polymeric matrix was affected by the weight fraction of the nanofiller. Elastic modulus, tensile strain (extension) at yield (%), tensile stress at break, ultimate tensile strength, tensile strain (extension) at break (%), and yield stress were determined in this research. It was concluded that the elastic modulus was found to increase with increasing the nanofiller content up to 4.0 wt% for BaO-NPs and 6.0 wt% for Al 2 O 3 -NPs to reach 229% and 208% increment, respectively with respect to the hosting matrix. The values of tensile stress at break, yield stress, tensile strain (extension) at break and tensile strain (extension) at yield of the synthesized nanocomposites decreased, as the content of both fillers increased from 2.0 to 8.0 wt%. Finally, a comparison between BaO-NPs and Al 2 O 3 -NPs, when added to the HDPE matrix, showed that the BaO nanofiller led to distinct improvements in the mechanical parameters of HDPE than Al 2 O 3 -NPs, for the same weight percentage. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of forensic entomology on the judicial systems within the twenty-first century has earned its great considerations in matters of death investigations. Such is highly elaborate in developed countries. Malicious destruction of evidence is prominent in cases of homicides. Insect evidence is one of the tiny evidence that is hardly lost. Cadaveric insects feed on the dead bodies in succession manner. First witnesses arrive within minutes to the injured dead bodies, or within 24 h in the absence of the wounds. They ingest chemicals found in the cadvers. The chemical substances have diverse effects on the developmental rate and the life cycle duration of these insects. The effects alter the Post Mortem Interval (PMI) estimation. The study focused on experimental investigations of the impact of dimethoate pose to sarcophagidae flies. The interaction of the chemicals with the tissues of the insect is phenomenal. Three species of sarcophagidae flies were used in the study Sarcophaga peregrine, Sarcophaga dux, and Sarcophaga ruficornis. Effects of various concentrations of dimethoate on such species were monitored under controlled conditions of humidity and temperature. The rate of development in the larval, prepupal, and pupal stages was investigated. It negatively correlated with the concentrations of dimethoate. The results were plausible enough to insure the dimethoate can alter the PMI determination, concurring with various studies in the science arena. Such investigations can establish useful links in following a crime. The study exploited a key phenomenon in medico-legal investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Graphene coated on paper through a facile dip-coating and vacuum filtration method. • Humidity sensor showed high response (290 %) and excellent sensitivity (3.5 kΩ/%RH). • Piezoresistive sensor showed unique response at different loads. Highly sensitive and fast-responding humidity and piezoresistive sensor was fabricated based on cellulose paper coated with graphene (CGN), which were synthesized via dip-coating (D-CGN) and vacuum filtration method (V-CGN). CGN showed excellent electrical properties and SEM images confirmed that graphene nanoplatelets were held tightly between the pores of the paper. V-CGN based sensor displayed excellent sensitivity and fast response to the humidity change at room temperature. The highest response of 75 % and 290 % was achieved for D-CGN and V-CGN based sensor, respectively. In addition, both the sensors exhibited fast response and recovery along with excellent repeatability characteristics. Besides, both the sensors displayed excellent piezoresistive performance. The highest piezoresistive response of 125 % and 250 % for D-CGN and V-CGN was achieved. Cellulose paper with low cost, lightweight and biocompatibility combined with graphene could be a promising material for smart, wearable electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are of great concern in many countries. Culex pipiens L. (Diptera:Culicidae) is the vector of the West Nile virus and Usutu Viruses. Intense use of insecticidal agents has resulted in increased mosquitocidal resistance, and thereby search for new effective mosquitocidal agents. In this context, we have explored the larvicidal potential of Phoenician juniper [Juniperus phoenicea L. (Fam. Cupressaceae)] against Cx. pipiens and studied the chemical composition of the leaf extract. Fresh leaves of J. phoenicea were macerated in 70% methanol. The LC50 at 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment with methanol extract were 7.14, 3.97 and 3.17 µg/mL, respectively, against Cx. pipiens larvae. In treated larvae, the cells lost integrity, nucleus and cell membrane damage, basal lamina detached, and lost nuclear and cytoplasmic materials. From GC--MS analysis, 19 compounds were detected. Some of the phytochemicals detected in J. phoenicea extract were 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-(50.2.%), podocarpa-8,11,13-trien-3-one, 14-isopropyl-13-methoxy-(13.2%), -Amino-7,10-dimethyldibenzo [b,f][1,4]oxazepin-11(10H)-one (8.4%), and n-hexadecanoic acid (5.6%). J. phoenicea offered promising larvicidal activity against Cx. pipiens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article discusses composite panel manufacturers' challenges in finding an optimum pressing time to achieve a trade-off between the panel's performance and the production cost. Real-time cure monitoring techniques, such as dielectric analysis (DEA), have been developed to overcome the limitations of trial-and-error methods, which have been in use for a long time for the same purpose. DEA measures changes in the dielectric properties of the material during the cross-linking reactions in resin and provides necessary information for the cure state of the material. In this study, paper sensors based on interdigitated electrodes were employed to measure the curing behavior of phenol formaldehyde resin-impregnated paper. The paper sensors were found to be better than commercially available sensors in terms of compatibility, thinness, biodegradability, low cost, flexibility, and non-heterogeneity. The study compared the results obtained from DEA with those from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and found that DEA can be a good candidate for predicting curing behavior. The average enthalpy of the curing measured using DSC for the B-stage resin-impregnated PF resin was 35.28 J g−1. Moreover, it was observed from the rate of cure that at a higher temperature of 180 °C, the reaction follows an autocatalytic kinetic type as the reaction rate passes through a maximum. However, at lower temperatures, the autocatalytic reaction regime seems to be followed by a decelerating type. Further research on the effect of pressure and other parameters on the curing behavior of PF resin-impregnated paper can be done in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bariq Aseer Province, South Saudi Arabia, insect succession patterns on rabbit carcasses were examined from 17 June to 6 August 2020 and from 15 February to 6 March 2021. Fresh, bloated, decay, and dry stages of decomposition were all studied. Bloated and decay stages exhibited higher taxonomic diversity than fresh and dry stages. Eighteen species, three orders, and eight families were assembled and identified. Ten taxa were active in two seasons, while six species were recorded in the winter season only [Chrysomya marginalis (Wiedemann 1830), Scarabaeus acuticollis Motschulsky, 1849, Hister sp., Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon 1851), Monomorium sp, and Brachyponera sennaarensis (Mayr 1862)] and two species in the summer season [Camponotus aegyptiacus Emery 1915 and C. fellah Dalla Torre 1893]. A new species of beetle S. acuticollis was discovered that was not recorded in any region of Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, this study also reported on the ant species Monomorium bicolor and another species of beetle, Onthophagus variegatus (Fabricius 1798). But other members of the same genus had been recorded in Saudi Arabia in the past. Insect taxa associated with forensic investigations in the region of Bariq Aseer Province, South Saudi Arabia, were significant in determining the postmortem interval (PMI) during both seasons and different stages of decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unstable hemodynamics and prematurity are the main players in intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) development. Our objective was to study 8 the use of superior vena cava flow (SVCF), left ventricular output (LVO), and right ventricular output (RVO), and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) Doppler measures in prediction of IVH in the first week of life in preterm infant ≤ 32 weeks and birth weight ≤ 1500 g. This prospective cohort study was conducted in 55NICU of Alexandria University maternity hospital. Of 147 enrolled patients, 132 infants born ≤ 32 weeks GA and birth weight ≤ 1500 g were eligible for- the study. One hundred twenty-seven infants completed the study. Infants were scanned for ACA-RI using transfontanellar ultrasound, and SVCF, LVO, and RVO using functional echocardiography in the first 24 h after birth. Patients had another two scans on DOL3 and 7 to detect IVH development. Low SVCF and high ACA-RI significantly increased the risk of IVH using logistic regression models with OR, 3.16; 95%CI, 1.19–8.39; P = 0.02 and OR, 1.64; 95%Cl, 1.10–2.44; P = 0.02, respectively. Low SVCF and high ACA-RI significantly increased risk of catastrophic IVH P = 0.025 and 0.023, respectively. Combined use of low SVCF < 55 ml/kg/min and ACA-RI > 0.75 is predictor of IVH with sensitivity 40.8% and 82.1% specificity. Conclusions: There are strong relations between both low SVCF and high ACA-RI, and IVH development in premature neonates ≤ 32 weeks and birth weight ≤ 1500 g, with more significance towards catastrophic IVH. Admission RSS and LVO are the strongest factors affecting SVCF. Maternal anemia, patent ductus arteriosus size (mm/kg), and capillary refill time were significantly associated with high ACA-RI. These findings help in more understanding of pathophysiological factors affecting central perfusion that might affect the longer term neurodeveopmental outcome. Trial registration: This work was registered in clinical trial.gv no NCT05050032. What is Known: •Whether SVCF and RI-ACA can predict IVH in preterm neonates is still debatable. What is New: •Low SVC flow and high ACA-RI significantly increased risk of IVH, confirming the role of hypoperfusion-reperfusion cycle in IVH development. The most striking result that combined metrics using the cut-off value of < 41 ml/kg/min for SVCF and > 0.85 for ACA-RI "in the first day of life" can correctly reject the presence of IVH in 98% of patients "during the first week of life." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four heat exchangers tested for application in a novel desalination system. • Fouling renders Aluminum based heat exchanger ineffective at high salinity of 10% TDS. • A new concept of a rotating Polymer heat exchanger was introduced to mitigate fouling. • The rotating heat exchanger provides consistent performance agnostic of salinity (0–10% TDS). The objective of this investigation is to assess the performance of various heat exchangers for application in a novel solar-powered zero liquid discharge humidification-dehumidification desalination system. In this study four heat exchangers (HX) having two different flow configurations namely counter flow (cf), cross flow (cr) made up of three different materials namely high-density polyethylene (HDPE), aluminum (Al), and Polypropelyne (PP) were compared in terms of their effectiveness and overall heat transfer coefficient under varying salinity levels (up to 10%) and mixing ratios (0.22–0.45). At a mixing ratio of 0.22 and 0% salinity, PP-HX cr and Al-HX cf exhibited similar effectiveness (∼85%), surpassing that of HDPE-HX cf (∼65%). Despite PP-HX cr 's lower thermal conductivity in comparison to Al-HXcf, comparable effectiveness was achieved due to the superior flow distribution in PP-HXcr. Further investigations focused on the impact of salinity on heat exchanger performance. At 3.5% salinity, all heat exchangers experienced a decline in effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient (HTC), with Al-HX cf experiencing a more pronounced decrease compared to PP-HX cr. The higher thermal conductivity of Al-HX cf led to greater salt accumulation, while PP-HX cr demonstrated minimal fouling. As the experiment progressed, fouling increased for all heat exchangers, with the Al-HX cf being practically ineffective at 10% salinity with an effectiveness below 10%. To address the issue of fouling, a rotating cross-flow heat exchanger (RPP-HX cr) was introduced. While the effectiveness of the PP-HX cr drops from 85% to approximately 60% with increasing salinity from 0% to 10%, the RPP-HX cr demonstrates only a marginal decline in effectiveness with increasing salinity. For instance, at mixing ratio of 0.22 when the salinity is increased from 0% to 10%, the effectiveness of RPP-HX cr only drops from 83% to 77%. This exceptional performance was attributed to the continuous contact between the rotating tubes and the incoming feed, effectively preventing fouling and ensuring sustained efficiency. Rotating cross-flow heat exchanger (RPP-HX cr) is introduced and validated as a potentially reliable solution for mitigating fouling, as it demonstrates sustained efficiency and minimal performance degradation across different salinity conditions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are currently interesting research area in rechargeable batteries. In the present study, synthesis and characterization of electroactive gel polymer electrolyte (EGPE) for Mg-ion batteries application have been investigated. The bead free electroactive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with high porosity is achieved by an electrospinning process. The β-phase of PVDF is polar and electroactive with a high dipole moment. Electroactive β-phase is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) study is done to analyze the structure and morphology of the electroactive membrane. The electroactive gel polymer electrolyte is formed by immersing an electroactive PVDF membrane in 0.3 M magnesium perchlorate (MgClO 4) and propylene carbonate (PC) solution. The ionic conductivity of electroactive β-phase PVDF membrane is achieved to be 1.49 mS cm−1 at 30 °C, which is higher than commercial available polypropylene (PP) Celgard. Tortuosity of electroactive gel polymer electrolyte is found to be 1.44. The voltage stability of the EGPE is stable up to a high voltage of 5.0 V against Mg+2/Mg. The total ionic transference number and magnesium ion transference number of EGPE are also investigated to confirm high ionic conductivity. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study we evaluated the anti-tumor potential of samsum ant venom (SAV) from Pachycondyla sennaarensis on the human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7. We found that SAV induced growth arrest of MCF-7 cells without affecting the viability of MCF-10 (non-tumorigenic normal breast epithelial cells) and normal PBMCs. We then analyzed its impact on IGF-1-mediated MCF-7 cell proliferation and its effect on the underlying IGF-1 signaling pathways. Using flow cytometry analysis, we showed that the percentage of apoptotic cells was fourfold higher in SAV-treated cells as compared to untreated cells. More importantly, treatment with SAV induced a marked reduction in actin polymerization and a subsequent marked reduction in IGF-1-mediated cell proliferation. In addition to growth-inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects, significant reductions were also observed in the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, but not p38MAPK, in SAV-treated cells as compared to untreated cells. Our data reveal unique anti-tumor effects of samsum ant venom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neutrophil alloantigens are responsible for a number of immune clinical disorders such as neonatal alloimmune neutropenia, febrile transfusion reaction and transfusion related acute lung injury. Recent progress enabled typing of neutrophil antigens by deoxyribose nucleic acid based techniques. In this study we report for the first time the frequency distribution of human neutrophil antigen system-one in Saudis., Methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 successive healthy Saudi male blood donors presenting to Regional Laboratory and Blood Bank, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1997. Human neutrophil antigen typing was carried out using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer method., Results: Our results show that human neutrophil antigen system-one is highly polymorphic in this population and similar in its distribution to the Hispanic and Native Americans but different from the Caucasians, Indians and Africans., Conclusion: We found the polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer method to be a practical technique for neutrophil alloantigen typing. We recommend introducing this technology in tertiary care hospitals to allow easier diagnosis of immune neutropenias.