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The current work was designed to eliminate reactive yellow 18 dye (RY‐18) via adsorption from water, and CO2 from the gas stream, using the tragacanth gum‐based Cr doped NiO N.P.s/Clay (GCNC) composite. The one‐pot synthesis approach was used to produce the adsorbent, and physical and chemical properties were assessed using techniques like XRD, FTIR, UV‐visible spectroscopy, SEM, DLS, Zeta Potential, and adsorption–desorption isotherm. The GCNC composite demonstrated an impressive adsorption potential and percentage removal of 398 mg/g and 91.28%, respectively. Temkin and intraparticle diffusion models with R2 values of 0.98401 and 0.99918 were the most effective at fitting the experimental adsorption model. The thermodynamics parameters, including the change in enthalpy (H), entropy (S), and Gibbs free energy (G), demonstrated the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. A positive H value indicates an endothermic process, while a negative G value indicates a spontaneous process. According to the isotherms fitting model, the capacity for adsorbing CO2 at 25 °C and 1 atm was 4.8 mmol/g. The significant correlation between the slope in the log‐linear plot of the isosteric heat of adsorption and CO2 adsorption performance indicates that the isosteric heat of adsorption can be used as a predictive tool for CO2 adsorption performance. These significant results underscore the potential of the GCNC composite to revolutionize the water treatment field and CO2 capture, offering hope for a more sustainable and cleaner future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistani undergraduate students face difficulties shifting from traditional methods of English Language Teaching (ELT) towards experiential approaches which could prepare them better for professional contexts. This study explores the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools into Technology-Mediated Task-Based Language Teaching (TMTBLT) for English Language Teaching (ELT) at this level. It uses a mixedmethods approach to examine the impact of these tools on learners' communicative competence, speaking confidence, and motivation. Results indicate that AI-powered TMTBLT fosters significant improvements in language skills, and particularly benefits students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. However, limited technological access and digital literacy appear to be the major barriers in realizing its full potential. The study recommends systemic reforms for bridging equity gaps, enhancing real-world communication skills, and preparing learners for global challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to changes in meteorological factors, the instability in the power at the end of the transmission system demands considerable attention. The temperature of the transmission line varies, which has a significant impact on the line parameters. An accurate prediction of line parameters behaviour is necessary to ensure system reliability. The present study is a step towards predicting variations in line parameters with respect to temperature variation. In addition, power loss and voltage drop due to variations in resistance are also predicted. Support Vector Machine (SVM) and ElasticNet, a machine learning algorithm, predict line parameters such as resistance, inductance, capacitance, voltage drop, and power losses. Furthermore, different seasons-based SVM and ElasticNet models for these parameters are considered. Seasons-based models are divided into two types, namely, summer and winter. 220-Kilovolt transmission data and weather information are used as model inputs. Predicted results of transmission line parameters are described in the form of RMSE and MRE. Moreover, the performance results of SVM and ElasticNet are also compared to show better prediction results. The result shows that the minimum prediction error of line parameters are 0.0511, 0.301, 0.426, 0.913, and 0.1501 in RMSE and 4.212, 0.518, 2.888, 0.097, and 0.615 percentages in MRE. This research work may provide technical guidance to transmission line engineers on enhancing the performance of transmission systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the degradation efficacy of the Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst for MB dye in an aqueous solution. Firstly, the direct addition of TiO2 and Fe was done to prepare Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, BET surface area analysis, and magnetization tests established the formation of the Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst. The crystallite sizes of TiO2, Fe-TiO2, and Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst were estimated to be 24.99 nm, 21.94 nm, and 21.84 nm, respectively. For the synthesis confirmation, the FTIR spectrum confirmed the existence of Ti-O, Fe-O, and Ppy-related bonds. While comparing the SEM images, the impact of polypyrrole on the particle shape was observed with less aggregation and increased surface roughness. The VSM analysis revealed that incorporating polypyrrole (Ppy) into Fe-TiO2 significantly enhances its magnetic properties, with Ppy/TiO2-Fe exhibiting superparamagnetic behavior, characterized by a higher saturation magnetization (Ms) of 33.11 emu/g and a lower coercivity (Hc) of 0.160 Oe, compared to Fe-TiO2's Ms of 1.09 emu/g and Hc of 341.39 Oe. The N2 sorption desorption, with a specific surface area of 2.25 × 102 m2/g, is beneficial for photocatalytic activity. The concentration of dye, amount of catalyst, pH, and temperature were studied to evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst under different conditions. The findings revealed a degradation efficiency of 91.92%. The degradation rate reached 91.92% under optimal conditions within 120 min and could be fitted well by first-order kinetics. The photocatalytic efficiency was also evaluated for the scavenger, and the concentration of H2O2 and the reusability of the catalyst were demonstrated. Based on the observed results, the Ppy/TiO2-Fe photocatalyst could be applied more effectively and efficiently to photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study synthesized NiAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH)/Cu-MOF photocatalyst using a simple impregnation method involving NiAl-LDH and Cu-MOF. The successful synthesis was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), N2 adsorption at −196 °C, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Photocatalysts based on NiAl-LDH, Cu-MOF, and NiAl-LDH/Cu-MOF were used to remove methyl orange (MO) dye from contaminated water. The impact of various factors, including pH, dye concentration, and photocatalyst amount, on MO degradation efficiency was assessed. FTIR analysis was conducted both before and after dye degradation. The optimal degradation conditions were a photocatalyst dose of 25 mg and a pH of 3. Kinetic studies indicated that the degradation of MO dye onto NiAl-LDH/Cu-MOF followed a pseudo-first-order and an L–H or Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The value of R2 = 0.94 confirms the validity of pseudo-first-order and Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) kinetic models for the photocatalytic degradation of MO dye. This study highlights the importance of developing novel photocatalysts with improved degradation efficiency to protect the water environment. Antibacterial activity was also performed with antibacterial sensibility testing by disk diffusion to determine minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. In short, NiAl-LDH/Cu-MOF can be helpful for various biomedical and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: As a primary source of mortality and disability, bacterial infections continue to develop a severe threat to humanity. Nuclear medicine imaging (NMI) is known for its promising potential to diagnose deep-seated bacterial infections. This work aims to develop a new technetium-99m (99mTc) labeled tigecycline radiopharmaceutical as an infection imaging agent. Methods: Reduced 99mTc was used to make a coordinate complex with tigecycline at pH 7.7–7.9 at room temperature. Instantaneous thin-layer chromatography impregnated with silica gel (ITLC-SG) and ray detector equipped high-performance liquid chromatography (ray-HPLC) was performed to access the radiolabeling yield and radiochemical purity (RCP). Results: More than 91% labeling efficiency was achieved after 25 min of mild shaking of the reaction mixture. The radiolabeled complex was found intact up to 4 h in saline. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection-induced rats were used to record the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical and its target specificity; 2 h' post-injection biodistribution revealed a 2.39 ± 0.29 target/non-target (T/NT) ratio in the E. coli infection-induced animal model, while a 2.9 ± 0.31 T/NT value was recorded in the S. aureus bacterial infection-induced animal model. [99mTc]Tc-tigecycline scintigraphy was performed in healthy rabbits using a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) camera. Scintigrams showed normal kidney perfusion and excretion into the bladder. Conclusion: In conclusion, the newly developed [99mTc]Tc-tigecycline radiopharmaceutical could be considered to diagnose broad-spectrum bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We report a case of a 54-year-old female patient with carcinoma of the left breast with persistent methylene diphosphonate (MDP) uptake in sclerotic osseous lesions. These lesions were finally declared treated osseous metastatic lesions due to non-avidity on the 18-fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission-tomography/computed tomography [F-18 FDG Positron emission tomography (PET-CT)] scan, normalization of CA-15.3, and resolution of bone pains. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been reported previously. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old woman with persistent backache was referred for further evaluation by a Tc99m MDP bone scan. A Tc99mmMDP bone scan showed wide-spread skeletal metastatic disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive marrow disease involving the spine and iliac bones. A bone marrow biopsy revealed metastatic carcinoma with a tumor phenotype favoring breast primary. On further workup, the patient was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast and was treated with cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors along with hormone therapy and bisphosphonates, followed by radiation therapy for bone metastasis. The skeletal metastatic disease remains static on three consecutive Tc99m MDP bone scans, despite the clinical improvement and decreased tumor marker levels. The F-18-FDG-FDG-CT scan done for monitoring treatment response revealed multiple non-avid sclerotic osseous lesions, favoring treatment response. The patient was continued with the same treatment, and a follow-up Tc99m MDP bone scan after 6 months revealed no interval change in the reported lesions compared to the initial scan. However, a synergistically performed F-18 FDG PET-CT scan again showed multiple non-avid sclerotic osseous lesions suggestive of treated metastasis. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of 18-F-FDG PET-CT in evaluating the treatment response, especially in patients with symptomatic improvement and falling tumor marker levels with static disease on repeated Tc99m MDP bone scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a global pest causing damage to several crops. However, its management using chemical control is a challenge due to its capacity to evolve resistance to insecticides. After 6 generations of selection with lambda-cyhalothrin, the LC50 for the insecticide-resistant strain (Lambda-Sel) was 486 ppm, higher than that of the field strain (FAW-MUL) (7.5 ppm), susceptible laboratory strain (Lab-PK) (0.46 ppm), and laboratory unselected strain (UNSEL) (5.26 ppm). Laboratory selection with lambda-cyhalothrin increased resistance from 16.3- to 1056.52-fold and 1.43- to 92.4-fold to lambda-cyhalothrin compared to Lab-PK and UNSEL strains, respectively. The selected strain of S. frugiperda (Lambda-Sel) presented low cross-resistance to chlorpyrifos, moderate to deltamethrin and indoxacarb, very low to spinosad, and no cross-resistance to emamectin benzoate. The realized heritability (h 2) of lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in the Lambda-Sel strain was very high (0.88). The reciprocal cross progenies of F1 (Lambda-Sel ♀ × Lab-PK ♂), F1ʹ (Lambda-Sel ♂ × Lab-PK ♀), BC1 (F1 ♀ × Lambda-Sel ♂), and BC2 (F1 ♀ × Lab-PK ♂) showed high resistance ratios of 545.64-, 396.52-, 181.18-, and 146.54-fold, respectively compared to Lab-PK. The degree of dominance values for lambda-cyhalothrin in F1 and F1ʹ indicates incompletely dominant resistance. The difference between observed and expected mortality in backcross populations (BC1 and BC2) revealed a polygenic resistance. In conclusion, the resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin was autosomal, incompletely dominant, and polygenic. These findings provide new insights for insect resistance management strategies to mitigate the occurrence of resistance in this global pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study represents a polydexterous deep reinforcement learning-based pick-and-place framework for industrial clutter scenarios. In the proposed framework, the agent tends to learn the pick-and-place of regularly and irregularly shaped objects in clutter by using the sequential combination of prehensile and non-prehensile robotic manipulations involving different robotic grippers in a completely self-supervised manner. The problem was tackled as a reinforcement learning problem; after the Markov decision process (MDP) was designed, the off-policy model-free Q-learning algorithm was deployed using deep Q-networks as a Q-function approximator. Four distinct robotic manipulations, i.e., grasp from the prehensile manipulation category and inward slide, outward slide, and suction grip from the non-prehensile manipulation category were considered as actions. The Q-function comprised four fully convolutional networks (FCN) corresponding to each action based on memory-efficient DenseNet-121 variants outputting pixel-wise maps of action-values jointly trained via the pixel-wise parametrization technique. Rewards were awarded according to the status of the action performed, and backpropagation was conducted accordingly for the FCN generating the maximum Q-value. The results showed that the agent learned the sequential combination of the polydexterous prehensile and non-prehensile manipulations, where the non-prehensile manipulations increased the possibility of prehensile manipulations. We achieved promising results in comparison to the baselines, differently designed variants, and density-based testing clutter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male infertility is a significant global issue affecting 60–80 million people, with 40%–50% of cases linked to male issues. Exposure to radiation, drugs, sickness, the environment, and oxidative stress may result in testicular degeneration. Carbohydrate‐based polymers (CBPs) restore testis differentiation and downregulate apoptosis genes. CBP has biodegradability, low cost, and wide availability, but is at risk of contamination and variations. CBP shows promise in wound healing, but more research is required before implementation in healthcare. Herein, we discuss the recent advances in engineering applications of CBP employed as scaffolds, drug delivery systems, immunomodulation, and stem cell therapy for testicular regeneration. Moreover, we emphasize the promising challenges warranted for future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a new strategy for the environmentally friendly catalytic degradation of Reactive Red 24 (RR24) dye using sunlight. We developed a cost-effective quaternary nanocomposite by immobilizing a sodium alginate biopolymer over bioengineered Co-Zn-Ce nanoparticles, forming an SA@Co–Zn–Ce nanocomposite (where SA means sodium alginate). This composite also demonstrated an exceptional antioxidant potential of approximately 89%, attributed to the synergistic effect of sodium alginate and green-synthesized Co–Zn–Ce nanoparticles (biosynthesized using Ocimum sanctum leaf extract as a reducing agent). Scanning electron microscopy revealed grain sizes of 28.6 nm for Co–Zn–Ce NPs and 25.59 nm for SA@Co–Zn–Ce nanocomposites (NCs). X-ray diffraction showed particle sizes of 16.87 nm and 15.43 nm, respectively. Co–Zn–Ce NPs exhibited a zeta potential of 1.99 mV, whereas the sodium alginate-anchored Co–Zn–Ce showed −7.99 mV. This indicated the entrapment of negatively charged ions from sodium alginate, altering the surface charge characteristics and enhancing the photocatalytic degradation of RR24. Dynamic light scattering revealed an average particle size of approximately 81 nm for SA@Co–Zn–Ce NCs, with the larger size due to the influence of water molecules in the colloidal solution affecting hydrodynamic diameter measurement. The SA@Co–Zn–Ce NCs exhibited a CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.29 mmol/g at 25 °C and 4.76 mmol/g at 40 °C, indicating temperature-dependent variations in adsorption capabilities. The specific surface area of Co–Zn–Ce oxide NPs, measured using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, was found to be 167.346 m2/g, whereas the SA@Co–Zn–Ce oxide nanocomposite showed a surface area of 24.14 m2/g. BJH analysis revealed average pore diameters of 34.60 Å for Co–Zn–Ce oxide NPs and 9.26 Å for SA@Co–Zn–Ce oxide NCs. Although the immobilization of sodium alginate on Co–Zn–Ce oxide NPs did not increase the adsorption sites and porosity of the composite, as evidenced by the N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, the SA@Co–Zn–Ce oxide NCs still demonstrated a high photocatalytic degradation efficiency of RR24. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]