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Complete representation of rainfall–runoff responses in complex, large watersheds using a single-objective parameterization approach in watershed models is often unachievable. In this study we present a calibration approach for the SWAT+ model that independently fits model parameters for different flow segments of the hydrograph. The approach is demonstrated for the Feather River, California, USA, using daily streamflow from the Lake Oroville Reservoir outlet gage. Results show that when model parameters were independently fitted for different flow segments the KGE, NSE, PBIAS, and RSR values improved to 0.96, 0.99, −3.3, and 0.10, respectively, compared to 0.72, 0.66, −9.30, and 0.53, respectively, achieved under a multiobjective and full hydrograph (average hydrograph) calibration. The results highlight that when considering the average hydrograph and flow duration curves, a more balanced representation of both poorly and well-performing segments is achieved, emphasizing the importance of segment-specific parameterization and multi-objective evaluation for accurately representing different flow conditions.

Pedagogical content knowledge, PCK, a concept in teacher education requires additional focus and attention by pre-tertiary teachers to improve teaching and learning and learners' performance. The study adopted PCK model developed by Magnusson et al. (1999) to investigate senior high school (SHS) chemistry teachers PCK in teaching the concept of hybridization. The study adopted a qualitative approach using the case study design. Six chemistry teachers from six SHSs in the Upper West Region of Ghana were purposively sampled for the study. Semistructured interviews, lesson plans analysis and observations were used as data collection instruments. Data was analyzed using content analysis. The findings reveal that most of the teachers have high knowledge of instructional strategies and knowledge of the science curriculum. In addition, it was revealed that many of the teachers have inadequate knowledge in their orientation towards science teaching, assessment of scientific knowledge, and in knowledge of students understanding of science. It was concluded that the teachers' PCK was inadequate since knowledge of instructional strategies and knowledge of curriculum alone does not define an effective science teacher. The study recommended that in-service professional training in PCK should be organized for teachers to improve their classroom practices.

Abstract Background and aim Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects brain functions, often leading to a range of cognitive and motor impairments, necessitating effective rehabilitation. It is expedient for physiotherapists to have adequate knowledge, an appropriate attitude, and practice towards managing cognitive and motor impairments in adults with TBI. This study assessed physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with TBI. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 75 physiotherapists recruited from 8 hospitals in South-West Nigeria via purposive sampling. A self-developed questionnaire administered via Google Forms® was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of physiotherapists towards cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with TBI. Descriptive statistics of mean, median, range, percentages, and frequency distribution tables were used in summarizing the KAP, while the association/correlation between KAP scores and selected demographic/profession-related characteristics was also investigated using inferential statistics of the Man-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis, and Spearman ranked correlation. The level of significance was set at p

Background Most studies done on Vitamin D deficiency in migraine focused more on headache frequency than intensity and severity of the condition. This study is aimed at determining the relationship between serum Vitamin D levels and severity of migraine in a Nigerian setting. Materials and Methods Using a cross-sectional analytical study design, adult patients with migraine consecutively attending the neurology clinic at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, were recruited on fulfilling the study criteria. Their age- and sex-matched healthy headache-free controls were also recruited. Demographic information and clinical parameters were obtained with an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Headache severity and pain intensity were documented using incorporated headache disability index (HDI) and numerical rating scale (NRS) tools, respectively. Serum levels of Vitamin D, calcium and albumin were assayed for all study participants. Results The participants comprised 35 migraine and 50 control subjects. The migraine subjects comprised 10 males and 25 females, with mean ages of 29.4 ± 9.3 and 40.0 ± 11.1 years respectively (P = 0.01). The mean serum Vitamin D levels among migraine and control participants were 43.45 ng/ml ± 16.84 and 48.78 ng/ml ± 23.33, respectively (P = 0.31). The mean NRS was 7.3 ± 1.2 while the mean HDI was 44.7 ± 19.1 among migraine patients. There was no significant correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and pain intensity (r = 0.29, P = 0.9), and no correlation with HDI (r = 0.004, P = 0.96). Conclusion The serum Vitamin D levels among migraine and control participants were not significantly different. No significant relationship was found between serum Vitamin D level and headache severity index or pain intensity in migraine patients.

Abstract Background Male infertility is a global problem, and varicoceles are a common and treatable cause of male infertility. This study prospectively evaluated the effects of varicoceles on the fertility status and potential among Nigerian men. The consequences of the presence, location, and grades of varicoceles on the fertility status of infertile men with varicoceles were determined using a Doppler scrotal ultrasound scan and their seminal fluid parameters. Methods One hundred infertile males with clinical varicoceles (study group) and 100 infertile males without varicocele (control group) were recruited. Varicoceles were confirmed/excluded and graded with an ultrasound scan in each subject. They also all had a seminal fluid analysis to measure their fertility potential. The findings were compared and correlated in the two groups. Results Most subjects in the study group (67%) had bilateral varicoceles, 31% had isolated left varicoceles, and only 2% had isolated right varicoceles. The majority of the participants (61%) in the study group had secondary infertility, while the majority (63%) in the control group had primary infertility (p = 0.001). There were significant increases in the prevalence of azoospermia (p = 0.008) and oligospermia (p = 0.030) with the higher grades of left varicoceles. Conclusion Bilateral varicoceles were significantly present in males with infertility in the study group. Varicoceles were more common in males with secondary infertility, and higher grades of varicoceles were significantly more associated with azoospermia and severe oligospermia. We recommend the routine use of ultrasound scans to diagnose varicoceles for the optimal management of infertile male patients.

Abstract The gradual progress in aligning financial flows with the adoption of clean technologies reveals a persistent funding gap, signaling a global misallocation of capital. Addressing this challenge necessitates political leadership and robust policies to counteract the insecurities impeding the redirection of financial flows. This study investigates into the impact of energy-related public–private partnership investments (PPPIE) and macro-environmental variables on the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) across Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries from 1999 to 2021. Employing the Dynamac command technique, we conduct autoregressive distribution lag analysis and the Bounds Cointegration Test to evaluate ASEAN’s efforts in achieving SDG7. Results indicate that a ten-year exogenous shock to the GDP growth rate initially causes a temporary decline in both GDP and PPPIE, albeit not statistically significant. However, in the long run, the shock becomes statistically significant, correlating with a negative decline in the GDP growth rate. This underscores the negative impact of external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic growth of ASEAN member countries. Specifically, a percentage increase in PPPIE leads to an 8.3% reduction in the GDP growth rate, revealing a detrimental and unsustainable impact on the economy. This signifies that energy investments in the ASEAN region, are predominantly unsustainable and adversely impact economic growth. Moreover, these energy investments contribute to a significant 52.6% increase in greenhouse gas emissions, indicating a substantial setback in the region’s progress towards meeting SDG7’s clean energy objectives by 2030. This suggests the present state of PPPIE does not align with sustainable clean energy goals of the region. Therefore, recommendations should include diversifying energy sources and investment strategies to enhance sustainable clean energy. Also, policymakers and researchers should reassess the terms and conditions of PPPIE, refining frameworks for private sector involvement to align with long-term economic sustainability goals.

The concept of hybridisation is one of the most difficult concepts for chemistry students to grasp at all levels of learning. Research showed the students conceptual difficulty ranged from their lack of the prerequisite knowledge for grasping the topic hybridisation to chemical bond formation and orientations of atomic orbitals. This study investigated the difficulties Senior High School Students face in learning hybridisation. The study adopted a mixed-method approach using the sequential exploratory design. Purposive sampling was used to select six schools that offer elective chemistry subject. Simple random sampling was then used to select 120 Senior High School form 1 students to take part in the study. Convenient sampling was used to interview 24 students from the sample. Hybridisation Achievement Test (HAT) and Semi-structured interviews were self-constructed and used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and Content analysis were used to analyse the data. Results showed that, majority of students had difficulties in explaining the concept of hybrid orbitals, writing the electron configuration of [subscript 6]C, explaining the effect of hybridisation on formation of chemical bonds in [subscript 6]C, and type of hybridisation and shapes of compounds such as NH[subscript 3], OF[subscript 2], BCl[subscript 3], CO[subscript 2], SiO[subscript 2], C[subscript 2]H[subscript 2], BeF[subscript 2] and C[subscript 2]H[subscript 4]. The study also showed that students had difficulties in explaining and demonstrating the formation of C = C double bond in ethene and other compounds. Equally students were challenged in demonstrating the differences between the formation of sigma and pi bonds in compounds. Students had difficulties in using electron orbital diagrams to explain the shape of CO[subscript 2] as linear. The study concluded that Senior High School form 1 chemistry students in the Upper West Region of Ghana lacked the most basic and fundamental concept of hybridisation. Teachers need to use conceptual change instructional approaches to teach hybridisation in order to foster students' understanding and reduce misconceptions.

The discharge of wastewater into ground and surface waters can cause human and ecological health problems, hence eco-friendly, sustainable and cost-effective methods for removing toxic metals from wastewater are required. The study employed coconut husk biochar and spent impra ginseng flavoured green tea to adsorb cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) from greywater. The adsorption capacity of coconut husk biochar ranged from 88.70 % to 98.20 % for cadmium, 78 %–96 % for chromium and 95.71 %–99.29 % for lead whilst the spent impra ginseng flavoured green tea ranged from 94.03 % to 96.87 % for cadmium, 52 %–74 % for chromium and 98.52 %–99.48 % for lead. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qe) of coconut husk biochar ranged from 235.64 to 1132.40 mg/g for Cd, 1.31–8.80 mg/g for Cr and 58.85–415.80 mg/g for Pb. Lead demonstrated the highest affinity for the binding of coconut husk biochar and spent impra ginseng flavoured green tea adsorbent with a trend of Pb > Cd > Cr. Coconut husk biochar and spent impra ginseng flavoured green tea adsorbent were suitable for the toxic metals adsorption in the greywater. Cr showed different removal efficiencies where coconut husk biochar showed more effective removal than spent impra ginseng flavoured green tea. The application of coconut husk biochar and spent impra ginseng flavoured green tea in wastewater treatment is a green technology means and can lead to zero pollution of freshwater.

Corn silk is the long shiny fibers at the top of an ordinary ear of corn (Zea mays). Corn silk contains phytochemicals of medical benefit such as flavonoids compounds which act as antioxidant agents and has been widely reported possess hepatoprotective effect. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of corn silk extract on carbonated alcoholic herbal beverages (CAHB) induced hepatoxicity in adult Wistar rats. A total of forty five adult Wistar rats weighing between 200g and 250g were randomly assigned into nine groups of five rats each in a group. Group A was the normal control group (no CAHB administration). Groups B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I were the CAHB intoxicated groups and treated with corn silk extract at different doses. After administering a carbonated alcoholic herbal beverage, there was a substantial increase (p≤0.05) in the mean concentration of liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, ALT), total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. While those characteristics reversed to values similar to the control after being treated with varying doses of corn silk extract The oxidative stress parameter (SOD, GPX, Catalase, MDA) shown significant increase in group. Histological examination of the liver revealed infiltrate of inflammatory cells, vascular ulceration, periportal infiltration of inflammatory cell, and vascular congestion in a group treated with carbonated alcoholic herbal beverages (CAHB). The only group exhibiting normal hepatocyte morphology and kupffer cell activity was the one administered 200 mg/kg of maize silk extract. Group D showed a similar and more powerful hepatic architecture after receiving only 600 mg/kg of maize silk extract. The hepatoprotective and anti- oxidative effects of corn silk extract were confirmed by the treatment groups (200 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg), which displayed normal hepatocytes with minor vascular congestion, respectively. Corn silk administration lowers a number of the harmful effects of in vivo carbonated alcoholic herbal beverage administration in the liver of Wister rats, according to the findings in this study.

Gold nanoparticles synthesized via honey-mediated chemical reduction have desirable features that make them ideal candidates for nanoparticle-assisted photothermal therapy (N-PTT). However, their photothermal properties have not been previously explored. In this study, after synthesis and characterization (structural and optical) of the HM-AuNPs, we investigated their photothermal conversion efficiency (η) and absorption cross section (σ a b s ) in aqueous solution, cytotoxic effects in in vitro MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell culture, and temperature profiles in agarose gel under 810 nm NIR irradiation. The results showed that ≈ 15 nm and primarily spherical HM-AuNPs had η values of up to 40% and an average σ a b s of 2.15 ± 0.08 × 10 − 18 m 2. Furthermore, cell viability was reduced to about 52% and the temperature profile in agarose gel had the typical radially increasing topology. Collectively, the findings show that HM-AuNPs can be used in N-PTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ships connect the global economy through maritime transport. However, their susceptibility to increasing geopolitical conflicts has heightened concerns about the risks to crew safety and navigation security. This systematic literature review (SLR), utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, rigorously examines the safety and security of autonomous ships in maritime transport. The methodology employs a comprehensive search across major databases including Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, based on explicit inclusion criteria focusing on recent advancements from 2014 to 2023. By methodically analyzing 58 relevant publications screened from an initial pool of 1407, this paper highlights critical trends and gaps in the application of advanced sensor technologies, cybersecurity measures, and autonomous navigation systems. The findings provide insights into the operational challenges and technological developments shaping the future of maritime safety and security, offering valuable guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders. This research contributes to scholarly discourse in this industry by mapping the trajectory of technological integration and its implications for maritime operations in a global context.

Abstract Background Onchocerciasis causes chronic systemic inflammation. Several studies have used markers such as haemato-biochemical indices to predict the occurrence of systemic inflammation. This study assessed the variability and predictability of haemato-biochemical indices and blood composite ratios (BCRs) in microfilariae positive (MF+) and microfilariae negative (MF-) subgroups of onchocercomata participants. Methods One hundred and five (105) MF + and 34 MF- participants were retrospectively recruited into the study. Screening for the presence of O. volvulus microfilariae was done from skin snips taken from the left and right iliac crests of participants using established and approved protocols. Haematological and biochemical indices were measured using standard laboratory automated analyzers. Blood composite ratios (BCRs) were calculated as ratios of the absolute parameters involved. Results A significantly increased total WBC, absolute eosinophil, eosinophil percent and absolute basophil were observed in the MF + participants compared to MF- participants. Reduced gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) with increased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was significantly associated with MF + participants compared to MF- participants. BCRs were significantly higher for eosinophil-to-neutrophil ratio (ENR), eosinophil-to-monocyte ratio (EMR), eosinophil-to-basophil ratio (EBR) and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) in MF + participants compared to MF- participants. After multivariate adjustment, onchocercomata participants with increased eosinophil counts (aOR = 13.86, 95% CI [2.07–92.90], p = 0.007), ENR x10 (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI [1.05–1.93], p = 0.025), EMR (aOR = 2.64, 95% CI [1.25–5.60], p = 0.011), EBR (aOR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.01–1.10], p = 0.020) and ELR x10 (aOR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.14–2.51], p = 0.009) were more likely to have microfilaridermia. Conclusions Elevated eosinophil counts with higher ENR, EMR, EBR and ELR levels are significantly associated with microfilaridermia in onchocercomata participants. Combining BCRs with eosinophil count significantly led to an improvement in the conventional model for predicting microfilaridermia.

The Conference of the Parties (COP26 and 27) placed significant emphasis on climate financing policies with the objective of achieving net zero emissions and carbon neutrality. However, studies on the implementation of this policy proposition are limited. To address this gap in the literature, this study employs machine learning techniques, specifically natural language processing (NLP), to examine 77 climate bond (CB) policies from 32 countries within the context of climate financing. The findings indicate that “sustainability” and “carbon emissions control” are the most outlined policy objectives in these CB policies. Additionally, the study highlights that most CB funds are invested toward energy projects (i.e., renewable, clean, and efficient initiatives). However, there has been a notable shift in the allocation of CB funds from climate-friendly energy projects to the construction sector between 2015 and 2019. This shift raises concerns about the potential redirection of funds from climate-focused investments to the real estate industry, potentially leading to the greenwashing of climate funds. Furthermore, policy sentiment analysis revealed that a minority of policies hold skeptical views on climate change, which may negatively influence climate actions. Thus, the findings highlight that the effective implementation of CB policies depends on policy goals, objectives, and sentiments. Finally, this study contributes to the literature by employing NLP techniques to understand policy sentiments in climate financing.

Agricultural wastes are sustainable adsorbents to clean up toxic metals contaminated in water and wastewater. Understanding water chemistry is critical in innovating and finding processes that limit the removal of toxic metals. The study used orange and banana peels as adsorbents to simultaneously remove nickel, cadmium, and chromium from landfill leachate. The toxic metal concentrations in landfill leachate were 9.60 mg/L, 4.90 mg/L and 0.06 mg/L for Ni, Cd, and Cr, and 100 mL of landfill leachate and a dosage of 0.50 g, 1.00 g, 1.50 g, 2.00 g, and 2.50 g of orange and banana peel adsorbents. The adsorption efficiency of the orange peel adsorbent ranged from 99.90% to 99.99% for nickel, 97.00% to 99.98% for cadmium, and 59.30% to 98.18% for chromium and banana peel ranged from 99.55% to 99.99% for nickel, 99.16% to 99.96% for cadmium, and 45.67% to 82.91% for chromium in the landfill leachate. Qmax (mg/g) which is the maximum adsorption capacity ranged from −0.03 mg/g to 0.01 mg/g for orange peel and −13.16 mg/g to 0.01 mg/g for banana peel. The KF of the orange peel adsorbent for Ni, and Cd were larger values showing a stronger interaction. Ni had a higher affinity than Cd and Cr in the binding sites of the orange and banana peels. The orange and banana peel adsorbents are eco-friendly, simple, more cost-effective, and innovative methods for the removal of metals in leachate and wastewater. An adsorptive experiment of a similar design should be carried out at varied temperatures and contact times.

Abstract Vector-borne diseases emergence, particularly malaria, present a significant public health challenge worldwide. Anophelines are predominant malaria vectors, with varied distribution, and influenced by environment and climate. This study, in Ghana, modelled environmental suitability for Anopheles stephensi, a potential vector that may threaten advances in malaria and vector control. Understanding this vector’s distribution and dynamics ensures effective malaria and vector control programmes implementation. We explored the MaxEnt ecological modelling method to forecast An. stephensi’s potential hotspots and niches. We analysed environmental and climatic variables to predict spatial distribution and ecological niches of An. stephensi with a spatial resolution of approximately 5 km2. Analysing geospatial and species occurrence data, we identified optimal environmental conditions and important factors for its presence. The model’s most important variables guided hotspot prediction across several ecological zones aside from urban and peri-urban regions. Considering the vector’s complex bionomics, these areas provide varying and adaptable conditions for the vector to colonise and establish. This is shown by the AUC = 0.943 prediction accuracy of the model, which is considered excellent. Based on our predictions, this vector species would thrive in the Greater Accra, Ashanti Central, Upper East, Northern, and North East regions. Forecasting its environmental suitability by ecological niche modelling supports proactive surveillance and focused malaria management strategies. Public health officials can act to reduce the risk of malaria transmission by identifying areas where mosquitoes may breed, which will ultimately improve health outcomes and disease control.

Abstract Background Home gardens are a species-rich socioecological system with a diverse range of cultivated and naturally occurring plants with the potential to make contributions to address sustainable food, biodiversity and climate crisis. However, there is a dearth of information on the socio-demographic profile of home gardeners and the importance of home gardens to ethnobotany, food security and biodiversity. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the socio-demographic profile of home gardeners in the Sunyani municipality as a case in point for the middle belt of Ghana and to evaluate the diversity of plants in home gardens and their ethnobotanical importance. Methods A total of 12 suburbs were selected from three subzones in the Sunyani municipality. In each suburb, 25% of households were randomly selected and if they had a home garden, one adult in the house was interviewed. A list of all plants in the home garden and their uses was obtained from respondents. A Chi-square test was used to assess the distribution of home gardeners among various socio-demographic categories, and binomial logistic regression was employed to determine links between socio-demography and home garden attributes. The ethnobotany R package was used to evaluate the ethnobotanical importance of plants in home gardens. Results A total of 186 respondents were recruited for this study, 79 being females and 107 males. A total of 79 plant species were also identified belonging to 70 genera and 40 families. Trees were the most common plant life form in home gardens, followed by shrubs, herbs, vines, grasses and lianas. Ethnobotanical indices revealed the most important plants in home gardens to be staples, food supplements and medicinal plants. These were Musa paradisiaca, Caripa pabaya, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Manihot utilisima and Mangifera indica, Moringa oleifera, Citrus sinensis, Capsicum frutescens, Taraxacum officinale, Solanum aethiopicum, Cocos nucifera, Solanum torvum, Persea americana, Dioscorea alata and Elaeis guineensis. Conclusion Plants used as staples, food supplements and medicinal purposes emerged as the most culturally relevant scoring high on all ethnobotanical indices. Home gardens present an opportunity to address food security and nutrition needs of households and communities.

Data processing and climate characterisation to study its impact is becoming difficult due to insufficient and unavailable data, especially in developing countries. Understanding climate's impact on burnt areas in Ghana (Guinea-savannah (GSZ) and Forest-savannah Mosaic zones (FSZ)) leads us to opt for machine learning. Through Google Earth Engine (GEE), rainfall (PR), maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), average temperature (Tmean), Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), soil moisture (SM), actual evapotranspiration (ETA) and reference evapotranspiration (ETR) have been acquired through CHIRPS (Climate Hazards group Infrared Precipitation with Stations), FLDAS dataset (Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) Land Data Assimilation System) and TerraClimate platform from 1991 to 2021. The objective is to analyse the link and the contribution of climatic and environmental parameters on wildfire spread in GSZ and FSZ in Ghana. Variables were analysed (area burnt and the number of active fires) through Spearman correlation and the cross-correlation function (CCF) (2001 to 2021). The tests (Mann-Kendall and Sens's slope trend test, Pettitt test and the Lee and Heghinian test) showed the overall decrease in rainfall and increase in temperature respectively (−0.1 mm; + 0.8°C) in GSZ and (−0.9 mm; + 0.3°C) in FSZ. In terms of impact, PR, ETR, FDI, Tmean, Tmax, Tmin, RH, ETA and SM contribute to fire spread. Through the codes developed, researchers and decision-makers could update them at different times easily to monitor climate variability and its impact on fires.

ABSTRACTGhana is increasingly affected by climate change, increased soil aridity, demographic problems, and unfavourable environmental factors. In the context of conservation, protection and sustainable management, this study assessed the loss, gain and stable areas of vegetation cover in Ghana by considering four districts namely West Gonja and West Mamprusi; Sene and Afram Plains in two major ecological zones respectively (Guinea-savannah and Forest-savannah mosaic) to make a comparative study of their level and intensity of degradation. For this purpose, remote sensing (IMPACT toolbox), GIS and quantitative analysis (PontiusMatrix42) approaches were used and applied on Landsat ETM+, OLI TIRS and Sentinel 2B images (2001, 2011, 2021). The result shows that land uses land covers (LULCs) are changing with a high level of dynamism in both ecological zones, with particular mention over the last decade (2011–2021) in terms of degradation in the Guinean savannah zone. Losses in both zones are more considerable than gains and stability. Each zone is marked more by changes in quantity than exchanges and shifts in LULCs, thus giving us information on the rate of loss of forest resources. It is therefore essential to put in place adequate measures to fight this irreversible loss if no action is taken.

Tariff reforms in electricity markets is becoming an area of active evaluation as efforts intensify to decarbonize electricity generation, stabilize the power grid, and maximize the welfare of electricity producers and consumers. Peaks in load profiles occur when demand is not regulated, requiring huge capacity additions, which are not utilized during off-peak periods thus undermining system efficiency. With dynamic pricing of electricity, opportunities can arise to shift demand from peak to off-peak periods and this can help to reduce the need for huge capacity additions. This paper conducts a systematic review of dynamic electricity pricing literature in order to understand the evolution of research in this growing field. 218 relevant journal papers published between 1949 and 2020 are identified from which thematic maps and ontological tables are drawn to understand key subject areas that have emerged over the years and their interlinkages. Six major thematic areas of dynamic electricity pricing research are reported including 1) pricing scheme and modeling, 2) pricing impacts, 3) user demand response, 4) consumption scheduling, 5) load scheduling technologies, and 6) cybersecurity threats and fairness issues. These six major thematic areas are then broken down into twenty second-order themes and fifty eight first-order themes. The review provides an overview of the development of the field while providing insights on its future development. It concludes that, despite coherent themes, the research on dynamic electricity pricing has enormous potential for follow-up work and theory development.

Background: Galectins (Gal’s) are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins that are known to support the tumour microenvironment through their immunosuppressive activity and ability to promote metastasis. As such they are attractive therapeutic targets, but little is known about the cellular expression pattern of galectins within the tumour and its neighbouring stromal microenvironment. Here we investigated the cellular expression pattern of Gals within pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: Galectin gene and protein expression were analysed by scRNAseq (n=4) and immunofluorescence imaging (n=19) in fibroblasts and epithelial cells of pancreatic biopsies from PDAC patients. Galectin surface expression was also assessed on tumour adjacent normal fibroblasts and cancer associated primary fibroblasts from PDAC biopsies using flow cytometry. Results: scRNAseq revealed higher Gal-1 expression in fibroblasts and higher Gal-3 and −4 expression in epithelial cells. Both podoplanin (PDPN+, stromal/fibroblast) cells and EpCAM+ epithelial cells expressed Gal-1 protein, with highest expression seen in the stromal compartment. By contrast, significantly more Gal-3 and −4 protein was expressed in ductal cells expressing either EpCAM or PDPN, when compared to the stroma. Ductal Gal-4 cellular expression negatively correlated with ductal Gal-1, but not Gal-3 expression. Higher ductal cellular expression of Gal-1 correlated with smaller tumour size and better patient survival. Conclusions: In summary, the intricate interplay and cell-specific expression patterns of galectins within the PDAC tissue, particularly the inverse correlation between Gal-1 and Gal-4 in ducts and its significant association with patient survival, highlights the complex molecular landscape underlying PDAC and provides valuable insights for future therapeutic interventions.

Recent research has explored the potential of rice husk biochar as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of contaminants from aqueous solutions, including aldrin, mercury (Hg2+), lead (Pb2+), and cadmium (Cd2+). Experimentation involved adding varying doses of biochar to wastewater with different contamination levels, agitating the mixture for 60 min, and filtering the solutions for analysis. The experiment revealed impressive removal efficiencies: 100% for aldrin, 99.92% - 99.99% for Hg2+, 95.90% - 99.52% for Pb2+, and 88.60% - 99.46% for Cd2+. In binary and quaternary mixtures, Hg2+ showed higher removal efficiency than Pb2+ and Cd2+, with the exception of aldrin. The adsorption order was identified as aldrin > Hg2+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm best described heavy metals in the mono and quaternary component adsorption, while the Langmuir adsorption isotherm was a better fit for the binary component. Consequently, the study highlights rice husk biochar as an efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly option for wastewater treatment.

Some research on climate change has been the basis of climate change denialism (hereafter, CCD is used to refer to denial, denialism, and deniers). There is formative knowledge about the role of political propaganda in climate policies and resulting outcomes. To contribute to the understanding of political ideology and the extent of CCD, we adopt econometric techniques to study the impact of the United States of America's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The results show that ideological political propaganda has psychological and philosophical consequences that impact climate change policies. In addition, we find that the effect of a state's economic growth on climate change is mediated by CCD. In particular, low-income capitalist states have a higher propensity to become CCDs because they are more likely to engage in economic expansion even at the expense of environmental sustainability. Global climate change policies depend on high-income nations and industries' willingness to adopt economic policies to achieve sustainable future development. Thus, this study fills the literature gap on the relationship between political ideology and climate change. The findings show that CCD significantly influences voting patterns and socioeconomic outcomes. It impedes states from achieving net-zero emissions and carbon neutrality and it is used as a political propaganda. Subject to these findings, relevant policy suggestions are offered.