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We conducted biochemical assays on shrimp and prawn samples in Bangladesh, revealing the presence of both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Vibrio cholera, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus were detected in these samples, with Escherichia coli being the most prevalent. Additionally, we identified three potential probiotic bacteria - Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus spp., and Enterobacter aerogenes. These probiotics can enhance immunity, support survival, and have minimal environmental impact. Shrimp and prawn farms in Bangladesh may be susceptible to harmful microorganisms due to contaminated water sources and subpar sanitation during post-harvest handling and processing. Our use of biochemical characterization proves a dependable method for distinguishing pathogenic and probiotic bacteria in shrimp and prawns, offering valuable insights for future disease research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The topical administration of antifungal drugs by Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) has enormous potential. This study aimed to develop a topical 5-flucytosine-loaded SLNs gel to improve the efficacy of the well-known antifungal drug in the treatment of wound healing. Materials and Methods: In order to create 5-flucytosine SLNs, a five-level, two-factor Central-composite design was used. Stearic acid and Poloxamer 407 concentrations of surfactants were chosen as independent factors, and particle size and %Entrapment Efficiency (%EE) were chosen as dependent variables. The produced 5-Flucytosine-SLNs were examined using SEM analysis, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and particle size measurements. Additionally, Carbopol 934 was used to incorporate the improved 5-Flucytosine-SLN formula into gel. Results: The outcomes demonstrated that 5-Flucytosine-SLNs had colloidal sizes with an essentially spherical shape and no aggregation. 5-Flucytosine-SLNs were discovered to have a particle size of 720.4 nm and an Entrapment Efficiency (EE) of 90.28%. The in vitro release, among other assessment criteria, was evaluated for the improved SLN gels. Conclusion: The study's conclusions imply that the topical gels made with 5-Flucytosine-loaded SLNs must be effective in the management of wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a poorly understood chronic illness with many case definitions that disagree on key symptoms, including hypersensitivities to noise and lights. The aim of the current study was to understand the prevalence rates and characteristics of these symptoms amongst people with ME/CFS and to compare them to people with another chronic illness, multiple sclerosis (MS). International datasets consisting of 2,240 people with either ME/CFS or MS have completed the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) and the Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Hypersensitivities to noise and lights were indicated from items on the DSQ, and participants were analyzed against DSQ and SF-36 subscales through a multivariate analysis of covariance. There were significantly higher percentages of people with hypersensitivities in the ME/CFS sample compared to the MS sample. Regardless of illness, participants that exhibited both hypersensitivities reported greater symptomology than those without hypersensitivities. Healthcare providers and researchers should consider these symptoms when developing treatment plans and evaluating ME/CFS case diagnostic criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a comparative analysis of the sustainability disclosures of four companies, each of adopted different voluntary nonfinancial reporting frameworks and standards, as introduced by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), Sustainability Accounting Standard Board (SASB), and Climate Disclosure Project (CDP). The case study highlights the way in which these frameworks and standards are applied by organizations from different sectors as well as underlining the multiplicity of overlapping voluntary nonfinancial or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting frameworks. Thus, the article provides contextual reasons for alignment (with GRI, IIRC, SASB, and CDP) toward a proposed comprehensive corporate reporting standard as will be drafted by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). All these frameworks and standards are designed with distinctive characteristics to satisfy the ESG information needs of stakeholders, especially those in the financial sector. Each framework and standard tries to position itself for niche identity within the voluntary ESG reporting domain. As a result, organizations adopt all of the available contemporary nonfinancial sustainability or ESG reporting frameworks and standards, in a blended format. Thus, they present all nonfinancial information as a buffet to gain legitimacy and confidence from all stakeholders. This new trend can be termed as a blended reporting format phenomenon. However, the study finds that reporting based on GRI is the most comprehensive, as it is designed to address the information expectations of all stakeholders. The study also found that the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) is an important normative institutional framework that is motivating companies to present sustainability information to cater to the decision-making information need of capital markets and investors, while the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) act as the most respected global moral sustainability compass. However, the question remains as to whether sustainability information should only be seen from the financially material perspective of capital markets or if it should be considered as economic, social, and ecological material information for all stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

يعتبر وادي حبون من أحواض الأودية بمنطقة الجبل الأخضر (ليبيا) ذات النشاط الزراعي الكثيف حيث أجريت هذه الدراسة بهدف تحديد بعض الخصائص المورفومترية للوادي، وكذلك بناء قاعدة معلومات مكانية – رقمية لمستجمع المياه لدعم وخدمة متخذي القرار باستخدام بيانات الارتفاعات الرقمية DEM و تم إجراء التحليل الطبوغرافي لمنطقة الدراسة وتحديد حدود مستجمع مياه وادى حبون وفصله عن بقية مستجمعات الأدوية المحيطة به ، ثم أجرى التحليل المورفومترى للوادي ومستجمع مياهه لتحديد خصائصه المختلفة (المساحة، المحيط، اتجاه الميل السائد، طول المجرى المائي، ميل المجرى)، وقد أظهرت النتائج أن المساحة الكلية للمستجمع تبلغ 34.2792 كم2 وأنه يحتوى على 37 تحت مستجمع (مستجمع جزئي) وأن مساحة هذه المستجمعات الجزئية تراوحت ما بين 0.0324 كم2 إلى 2.65 كم2 ويبلغ طول المستجمع حوالي 12.53 كيلو متر وعرضه 2.74كم ومحيطه 43.74كم، وأوضحت الخصائص الشكلية للمستجمع أنه يميل للاستطالة بصفة عامة ويظهر في شكل مثلث قمته في اتجاه البحر، بينما أوضحت خصائص التضاريس أنه مستجمع منبسط في جزئه الجنوبي حيث ينتشر النشاط الزراعي بينما شديد التضرس في الجزء الشمالي منه والذي يسود به غطاء نباتي طبيعي من غابات البحر المتوسط، و أظهر تحليل شبكة التعريف أنه يحتوى على 37 مجرى مائي وأن أطوالها الإجمالية قد بلغت 41.94كم وأن طول المجرى الرئيسي يبلغ 15.91كم ، كذلك أن مجاري الحوض مستقيمة وهذا يعني أن المياه تصل إلى المصبّ في فترة قصيرة، وأن تكرارية المجاري المائية منخفضة مما يقلل من فرص الجريان داخل مجاري الأودية.

This paper employs a mixed-method approach to explore the criminal nexus of Islamist militant groups operating in Bangladesh. Data for 98 (14%) of 710 militants profiled in this study suggest various types of criminal involvement. By blending a qualitative social network analysis of top leaders from four militant groups, we find a much better picture of how terrorists pursue the strategies of appropriation, cooperation or transformation in developing criminal nexus. Findings also reveal the organizational level at which terrorists interact with criminals, and the processes through which they use marketplace interactions, prison-based radicalization, and virtual crime-linkage to expand their operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Studies have demonstrated immune dysfunction in adolescents with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS); however, evidence is varied. The current study used network analysis to examine relationships between cytokines among a sample of pediatric participants with ME/CFS. Methods: 10,119 youth aged 5–17 in the Chicagoland area were screened for ME/CFS; 111 subjects and controls were brought in for a physician examination and completed a blood draw. Youth were classified as controls (Cs, N = 43), ME/CFS (N = 23) or severe (S-ME/CFS, N = 45). Patterns of plasma cytokine networks were analyzed. Results: All participant groups displayed a primary network of interconnected cytokines. In the ME/CFS group, inflammatory cytokines IL-12p70, IL-17A, and IFN-γ were connected and included in the primary membership, suggesting activation of inflammatory mechanisms. The S-ME/CFS group demonstrated a strong relationship between IL-17A and IL-23, a connection associated with chronic inflammation. The relationships of IL-6 and IL-8 in ME/CFS and S-ME/CFS participants also differed from Cs. Together, these results indicate pro-inflammatory responses in our illness populations. Discussion: Our data imply biological differences between our three participant groups, with ME/CFS and S-ME/CFS participants demonstrating an inflammatory profile. Examining co-expression of cytokines may aid in the identification of a biomarker for pediatric ME/CFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]