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The Indian snack market is a promising and booming sector with a surge in consumer consumption of an array of snacks. The market has been growing since several years, but the past 2 years have been marked by notable growth. A leading player in the snacks industry, Haldiram’s, an already prevalent name in India, has been catering for the needs of the evolving consumer demand patterns since 1937. This case starts with a description of India’s snacks market and Haldiram’s standing as a company with dominant market share. In addition to discussing the competitive landscape and challenges, the case evaluates Haldiram’s offerings using the 7Ps (product, place, price, promotion, people, physical presence and processes) of marketing mix and growth strategy options using Ansoff Matrix. As Indians are getting introduced to new global delicacies and flavors, their taste buds are changing, and a certain group of consumers are shifting towards healthy snacking options. The case sheds light on this whole new dimension and how Haldiram’s can keep pace with evolving trends in the snacking industry.

We report the influence of reactive oxygen (O2) and argon (Ar) plasma based ITO:Zr bi-layers for silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. The purpose of reactive O2 sputtered ITO:Zr was to improve the Hall mobility and work function while the Ar based ITO:Zr films play an important role to maintain good electrical characteristics. The thickness of reactive O2 based ITO:Zr films was fixed at 15 nm while Ar based films was varied from 65 to 125 nm, respectively. ITO:Zr bi-layers with the thickness of 15/105 nm deposited by O2 and Ar plasma, respectively, showed lowest resistivity of 2.358 × 10−4 Ω cm and high Hall mobility of 39.3 cm2/V · s. All ITO:Zr bi-layers showed an average transmittance of above 80% in the visible wavelength (380–800 nm) region. Work function of ITO:Zr bi-layers was calculated from the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) data. The ITO:Zr work function was enhanced from 5.3 eV to 5.16 eV with the variation of ITO:Zr bi-layers from 15/65 to 15/125 nm, respectively. Front barrier height in SHJ solar cells can be modified by using TCO films with high work function. The SHJ solar cells were fabricated by employing the ITO:Zr bi-layer as front anti-reflection coating. The SHJ solar cells fabricated on ITO:Zr bi-layer with the thickness of 15/105 nm showed the best photo-voltage parameters as; Voc = 739 mV, Jsc = 39.12 mA/cm2, FF = 75.97%, η = 21.96%.

Multiferroics with chemical formula BiAl x Fe1−x O3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) and substituted by Al are synthesised using sol–gel auto-combustion. The materials are sintered at 500 °C for 5 h. In the ongoing study, the crystal structure of BiAl x Fe1−x O3 was investigated by X-ray diffraction. After confirming the rhombohedral single-phase crystal structure, various characterisation techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, elemental mapping images, electrical properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), were used to investigate the synthesised samples. The grain size estimated from SEM images decreased as Al contents increased. Elemental composition was confirmed by EDX spectra. Direct current electrical resistivity increased whereas drift mobility decreased with increasing Al contents. The VSM results of Al-doped BiFeO3 (BFO) demonstrate that BFO crystals with size >60 nm show anti-ferromagnetic behaviour, which is evident in the present study. The increase in Al doping results in an increase in coercivity, as grain size and coercivity are inversely related with each other. This is because of the replacement of Fe3+ by Al3+ ions, which weakens the sub-lattice interactions. It has been observed that BFO materials with such parameters are favourable for ferroelectric random access memories where data can be written electrically and read magnetically.

Light-trapping phenomenon is limited due to non-uniform surface structure of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films. The proper control of surface structure with uniform cauliflower TCO films may be appropriate for efficient light trapping. We report a light-trapping scheme of SF6/Ar plasma-based textured glass surfaces for high root-mean-square (RMS) roughness and haze ratio of ITO films. It was observed that the variation in Ar flow ratio in SF6/Ar plasma during the inductive coupled plasma-reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) process was an important factor to improve the haze ratio of textured glass. The SF6/Ar plasma textured glass showed low etching rates due to the presence of various metal elements, such as Al, B, F, and Na. The ITO films were deposited on SF6/Ar plasma-textured glass substrates showed the high RMS roughness (433 nm) and haze ratio (67.8%) in the visible wavelength region. The change in surface structure has a negligible influence on the electrical properties of ITO films. The TCO films deposited on periodic textured glass surfaces with high RMS roughness and haze ratio are proposed for high-efficiency amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin-film solar cells.

The study aims to critically review and explore the Grade Point Average (GPA) and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the education system of Bangladesh. Qualitative method is applied in this research, and data were collected through document analysis as well as interviewing of some education specialists in Bangladesh. Interestingly, the GPA is practicing 5 scales in the secondary and higher secondary levels and 4 scales in the graduation level. The education boards in Bangladesh run as per the Ministry of Education criteria and follow the GPA in the secondary and higher secondary levels. But the universities of Bangladesh are following CGPA as per the benchmark set up by the government or University Grant Commission. Remarkably, this CGPA mark scale is not followed homogeneously in the private universities. Public universities follow a separate benchmark for grading the results, and the private universities follow a distinct grade standard set up by themselves. In this case, the marks range of grading in private universities is diversified and generating problems among the students, recruiters, and policymakers. Thus, it is recommended to resolve this problem and make a unique mark range for a specific grade.

In this modern age of technology, flexible, light-weight, environment-friendly and low-cost electrodes are vastly feasible for applications in energy storage devices and disposable electronics. This study presents a comprehensive report on the morphological, dielectric, and impedance characteristics of lignocellulose (LC) fibers, PbO2, and LC/PbO2 sheets. The dielectric analysis shows that the dielectric constant depends on space charge polarization in the case of LC/PbO2 composite sheets. It can be concluded from impedance spectroscopy results that LC fibers show semiconductor-like behavior and fibers appear to consist of one type of dielectric species whose impedance behavior can be modeled by a parallel combination of a resistor and a capacitor. However, the impedance response of PbO2 consists of two types of dielectric species, which can be identified as grains and grain boundaries, both of which show a small temperature dependence. The impedance behavior of LC/PbO2 composite is different in comparison to individual LC fibers and PbO2. The presented study also reveals that impedance parameters of fabricated LC/PbO2 composites are temperature-independent, which might be due to counteracting the characteristics of LC fibers and PbO2 particles. This temperature-independence of the composite is important for their use in applications in flexible devices.

Smart Grid is entitled to be the new emerging era in the field of the traditional power grid and provides various network functions throughout the generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption of energy by incorporating heterogeneous smart devices and facilitates with real-time data controlling, monitoring, and bi-directional communication flow. With such positive and effective benefits, tremendous security issues have been introduced which disrupts the standard of information flow over communication channels. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is responsible for simultaneous data collection, analysis, and demand response and hence, considered to be the most potent component of smart grid prone to various despicable cyber-attacks. This study proposes a Hybrid Key Management Scheme (HKMS) to ensure secure communication among AMI entities: smart meter (SM), meter data management system (MDMS), and trusted authority (TA). The proposed HKMS is composed of seven phases and implemented with the hybridization of Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange (ECDH) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithms intended to certify perfect forward secrecy, integrity, and resistance against replay, impersonation, and man-in-the-middle attack with least computational and communicational overhead.

Internet of Things (IoT) is a dynamic and distributed wide network system that can integrate a gigantic number of pervasive sensors (i.e., physical objects), wireless nodes, and ubiquitous computing systems. These sensors can collect tons of raw data, send them to the internet at an unprecedented rate, and convert them to actionable insights using computing systems. These sensing nodes or physical objects are vulnerable and have upraised cybersecurity threats. In this work, we proposed the attack detection model for IoT using Software-defined network (SDN). The SDN controller can analyze the traffic flow, detect the anomaly, and block incoming traffic as well as the source nodes. In the SDN, a Fuzzy neural network (FNN) based attack detection system is considered which can detect attacks such as man-in-the-middle, distributed denial of service, side-channel, and malicious code. The FNN is trained and tested using NSL-KDD datasets. The evaluated performance exhibits that the FNN based attack detection system can detect the mentioned attack with an accuracy of 83%.

Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with unique band structure and transport properties are considered potential candidates for future nanoelectronics devices such as field-effect transistors (FETs). We present a model of a SiNW-FET comprising $$\langle100\rangle$$ silicon atomic wires with a cylindrical-shaped metallic gate wrapped around the wires. For this purpose, we report on the energy band structure and density of states of SiNWs of diameters 5.93 A, 9.71 A and 13.55 A with $$\langle100\rangle$$ cleavage orientation by employing generalized gradient approximation and meta-generalized gradient approximation as well as the semi-empirical extended-Huckel model. Moreover, the transmission and transport properties of doped and undoped SiNWs of diameter 5.93 A with and without vacancy defects are explored using a non-equilibrium green function approach with self-consistent calculations. The corresponding I–V characteristics of the proposed cylindrical-shaped metallic-gate SiNW-FET under a specific gate voltage are presented. Our results show that the undoped SiNWs with vacancy defects on the surface are more suitable candidates for nanoelectronic device applications such as FETs in contrast to their counterparts with vacancies at the center.

To meet the demand of modern flexible and disposable technology, directly collected lignocelluloses fibers and graphite composite are successfully fabricated with uniformly electrodeposited of thin layers of nickel, silver and nickel. These multilayers (Ni-Ag-Ni) were electrodeposited on lignocelluloses-graphite sheet by using three electrode setup at a constant reduction potential (−0.95 V) between the electrodes. Composition and nanostructures of these nanocomposites (LC-graphite-multilayers) were investigated by using energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV–VIS and impedance spectrometer. FE-SEM images revealed that Ni-Ag-Ni layers are uniformly integrated into LC-graphene matrix and EDX analysis confirmed the deposition of multilayers Ni and Ag. Dielectric analysis revealed the non-linear frequency dependent response of the multilayered deposited LC fibers based nanocomposite. Complex impedance spectroscopy analysis presented the multilayered deposited LC fibers based paper electrode for high-tech applications in optical and electronic devices.

Metal oxide based electrodes are attractive for energy storage applications with limited characteristics of flexibility due to inherent rigid structure. However, incorporation of flexible insulating matrix within metal oxide composites result in poor electrically conductive and energy storage characteristics. This study presents the fabrication of flexible MnO2 based composite electrodes prepared by incorporation of lignocelluloses (LC) fibers, directly collected from a self-growing plant, Monochoria Vaginalis. Furthermore electrodeposition of silver (Ag) nanoparticles was performed on LC/MnO2 in potentiostatic mode to address the electrically conductive characteristics. Morphology, structural, conductive and energy storage properties of fabricated electrodes are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), impedance analyzer and potentiostat, respectively. SEM images clearly indicate the deposition of Ag nanoparticles on MnO2 nanorods embedded in LC fibers whereas FTIR results confirm the bonding of the functional groups. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed efficient kinetics of LC/MnO2 after electrodeposition of Ag nanoparticles. The effects on electrical properties associated with blending MnO2 nanorods in lignocelluloses fibers and Ag deposition on MnO2 in LC/MnO2 are explored in wide frequency range between 10 Hz and 5 MHz. However, deposition of Ag nanoparticles on MnO2 nanorods surfaces acts as a conductive path and reduces the associated resistance. Incorporated flexibility in rigid structure of MnO2 and further improvements in conductive and energy storage characteristics will open the possibilities to be used as electrode in modern bendable energy storage devices.

Wide bandgap with low work function-based materials are widely used as an electron transport layer to achieve high efficiency in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. We presented transparent Lithium fluoride (LiFx) films with a wide optical bandgap and various thicknesses for the applications of SHJ solar cells. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) analysis was used to confirm the thickness of LiFx layers. The aluminium electrode's work-function was reduced because of the high dipole moment by the LiFx and lowers an energy barrier at back contact. Enhancement of quantum efficiency (QE) at longer wavelength regions and operating voltage was due to lower energy barrier height can improve the short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and hence solar cell efficiency. Thermally evaporated-based LiFx films showed an optical transmittance of 88 ~ 90% in the visible-NIR (380–1100) nm wavelength region. LiFx/a-Si:H(i)/c-Si/a-Si:H(i)/LiFx structure for 20 nm thick LiFx showed lifetime of 1129.73 μs and implied iVoc of 731.7 mV. SHJ solar cells were fabricated using various thicknesses 1, 10 and 20 nm, respectively. The SHJ solar cells fabricated on 20 nm thick LiFx film yield the maximum efficiency of 17.16% and was used for the baseline condition of simulations. The simulated performance of the SHJ solar cell was improved from 0.098 to 22.58% as a function of variable LiFx work function from 3.2 to 3.9 eV.

ZnO based nanostructure composites are attractive for high-tech applications of energy conversion and energy storage due to wide range in operating potential window. This study presents about fabrication of ZnO/MnO2 and ZnO/TiO2 composites via hydrothermal method in two consecutive steps. Furthermore lignocelluloses fiber directly collected form self-growing plant Monochoria Vagina, were incorporated in fabricated ZnO/MnO2 and ZnO/TiO2 composites for development of flexible and bulk paper composite electrode. The structural and morphological analysis were carried out using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. XRD analysis confirm the crystalline structures for ZnO/MnO2 and ZnO/TiO2 samples with crystallite size ∼62 nm and ∼63 nm, respectively. SEM images shows the sheet-like and nanorods morphology for ZnO and MnO2 nanostructures, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy absorbance spectrum reveal the composite formation of ZnO/MnO2/LC and ZnO/TiO2/LC as bulk paper electrodes whereas cyclic Voltammetry measurement showed the capacitive behavior of composite paper electrodes for the suitable applications in supercapacitors and batteries.

Graphite-based composites are commonly used as an anode and current collector for energy storage devices; however, they have inherently limited potential for large scale rechargeable systems due to a brittle structure. In this study, flexible and light-weight graphite-based electrodes are prepared by incorporation of lignocelluloses fibers directly collected from a self-growing plant, Typha Angistifolia. Electrical properties of graphite and lignocelluloses composite sheets are enhanced by electrodeposition of gold in a three-electrode setup. Electrochemical deposition of gold on a lignocelluloses/graphite paper electrode was obtained in potentiostatic mode by the application of reduction potential −0.95 V for 2000 s, 600 s, and 100 s. The gold-deposited paper electrodes showed efficient kinetics by shifting redox peaks towards lower potentials in cyclic voltammetry measurements, whereas impedance measurements revealed seven orders of magnitude reduction in the resistive properties. Incorporated flexibility and superior electrical/electrochemical performance within presented graphite-based composites will provide cutting-edge characteristics for high-tech application of energy storage devices by keeping a focus on modern disposable technology.

The working electrode is considered a major component of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) to influence the efficiency and morphology attributes in different high-tech applications. This study presents the fabrication of flexible composite sheets of titanium dioxide (TiO2) by incorporation of natural lignocelluloses fibers extracted from the self-growing plant, Typha Angustifolia to address the inherent rigid structure and superior absorption properties of the working electrode. Furthermore, fabricated TiO2 based composites were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy and employed as a working electrode for DSSC after deposition on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate. SEM morphology reveals that LC fibers acted as a thread to bind the TiO2 nanoparticles and also with better voids for adsorption of electrolyte whereas FTIR spectroscopy confirms the successful formation of the paper composite. J-V measurements reveal the high efficiency of 2.95% for TiO2/LC flexible and environmentally safe composite which can be feasible for modern bendable DSSC.

Magnetic heterostructure nanowires with three different compositions (i.e. Au–NiO–Au, Ni–NiO–Ni, and Au–Ni–NiO) were successfully fabricated via simple chronoamperometric technique of the electrochemical deposition. Morphologies and compositions of the prepared samples were analyzed by the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Magnetic properties of the fabricated nanowires were measured with the help of superconducting quantum interface device (SQUID) in a temperature range (2 ​K–300 ​K). The temperature dependent magnetic properties indicate that the heterostructure nanowires are composed of the superposition of ferromagnetic, anti-ferromagnetic components and exhibiting superparamagnetism and spin-glass like behaviors in different temperature range. Low temperature magnetization reveals high anisotropy of the prepared samples and showing high magnetization at the Ni/NiO interface of the nanowires. These nanostructures might have potential applications in the memory devices.

This paper reported an electrochemical potentiometric glucose biosensor, developed by immobilizing glucose oxidase on an electrode consisting of Au/Ni/Au nanowires. Electrochemically deposited nanowires are bridged between two gold electrodes. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) are used for the morphological characterization of nanostructures. The device is tested by electrochemical potentiometric and simple IV measurement techniques. In order to check the glucose potentiometric response, nanowires are coated with enzyme, glucose oxidase which revealed a glucose dependant electrochemical response versus reference electrode (Ag/AgCl). Electrochemical response of the sensor is found to be linear in range of 0.5?10 mM. Fabrication of Au/Ni/Au nanowires by facile method will provide the opportunity for glucose biosensors to measure glucose by simple and direct technique.

This exploratory study focuses on doctors’ perception towards domestic and multinational pharmaceutical products. Doctors can heavily influence drug purchase decisions by performing the roles of users (sometimes), influencer, gatekeepers and deciders, while patients perform the role of buyers and users. The difference in perception was measured in terms of products, brand image and pricing. Data were collected from a sample of 15 doctors (n=15) using a questionnaire comprised of 12 questions measured in Likert scales. The study reveals that brand image is the most influential factor for price of medicines and brand image is highly related to quality and the level of promotion for the underlying product. Furthermore, doctors perceive multinational products to be different and better than domestic products due to their stronger brand image. This study highlights that doctors’ preferences are not fully unbiased and can be influenced by pharmaceutical companies. Due to its exploratory nature, findings might need to be validated in a further study with a larger sample. Keywords: Bangladesh, pharmaceutical industry, brand, products, medicine, price

Influenza A viruses, including H1N1 and H5N1 subtypes, pose a serious threat to public health. Neuraminidase (NA)-related immunity contributes to protection against influenza virus infection. Antibodies to the N1 subtype provide protection against homologous and heterologous H1N1 as well as H5N1 virus challenge. Since neither the strain-specific nor conserved epitopes of N1 have been identified, we generated a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that exhibit different reactivity spectra with H1N1 and H5N1 viruses and used these MAbs to map N1 antigenic domains. We identified 12 amino acids essential for MAb binding to the NA of a recent seasonal H1N1 virus, A/Brisbane/59/2007. Of these, residues 248, 249, 250, 341, and 343 are recognized by strain-specific group A MAbs, while residues 273, 338, and 339 are within conserved epitope(s), which allows cross-reactive group B MAbs to bind the NAs of seasonal H1N1 and the 1918 and 2009 pandemic (09pdm) H1N1 as well as H5N1 viruses. A single dose of group B MAbs administered prophylactically fully protected mice against lethal challenge with seasonal and 09pdm H1N1 viruses and resulted in significant protection against the highly pathogenic wild-type H5N1 virus. Another three N1 residues (at positions 396, 397, and 456) are essential for binding of cross-reactive group E MAbs, which differ from group B MAbs in that they do not bind 09pdm H1N1 viruses. The identification of conserved N1 epitopes reveals the molecular basis for NA-mediated immunity between H1N1 and H5N1 viruses and demonstrates the potential for developing broadly protective NA-specific antibody treatments for influenza.

Rationale Defects in filaggrin and STAT3 are associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) and susceptibility to severe skin infection. Methods We evaluated skin infection with the current smallpox vaccine, ACAM-2000, in immunosuppressed mice with combined cutaneous deficiency in filaggrin and STAT3. In parallel, early events post-infection with ACAM-2000 were investigated in cultured keratinocytes in which filaggrin expression was knocked down via siRNA. Results Immunosuppressed, filaggrin-deficient mice, treated with the topical STAT3 inhibitor Stattic® prior to ACAM-2000 infection, demonstrated rapid weight loss, prolonged vaccinia burden in skin, and dermatitis. The TGF-β family ligand activin A was upregulated ten-fold in infected skin. Topically-applied ALK5/TGβR1 signaling inhibitor synergized with vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) to promote vaccinia clearance and limit weight loss. In cultured keratinocytes, filaggrin-directed siRNA inhibited programmed necrosis and inflammatory cytokine release induced by ACAM-2000, while viral growth was increased. Conclusions Our findings may point to a novel role for filaggrin in early antiviral responses in skin. In wounded skin with underlying barrier defects, chronically elevated activin A levels may contribute to skin remodeling and cutaneous pathogen persistence. Inhibition of ALK5/TGFβR1 signaling may provide a novel co-therapeutic approach, together with VIG, to limit cutaneous spread of vaccinia.

Pathology of Hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis is convoluted, including tissue hypoxia, pulmonary abnormalities, Ischemic shock, hypohemoglobinemia and generalized an-aerobic conditions. All or any one of these conditions may have occurred due to surgical intervention, long-term cardiogeneic syndromes or after long Intensive care stay. Present study described the assessment and correlation of post-operative Hyperlactatemia in cardiac surgery patients to the longer length of stay in Intensive care units (ICUs). Pre-operative and Post operative blood samples were analyzed in seventy five (Males = 59, females = 16) cardiac surgery patients for Lactate and other biochemical parameters were according to the prescribed methods. Post-operative blood sample analyses were also performed 4-6 hrs after surgery and after 24 hrs post-operatively. Six hours postoperative assessment of lactate, showed alerted levels, manifesting post-operative complications and development of co-morbid. It was also noted that patients (n = 21) with higher lactate >20mg/dl had to stay longer in ICUs (12-18 days stay, average 16.15 ± 2.50 days) as compared to those (n = 54) with normal range of lactate level (5-9 days stay, average 7.20 ± 2.10 days). It is thus concluded that post-operative Hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis in cardiac surgery patients is a significant condition to detect poor outcome. Additionally post-operative lactate level can predict length of stay in ICUs and any prospect of developing adverse outcome and co-morbid.

Background Influenza vaccination is the primary method for preventing influenza and its severe complications. An accurate rapid method to determine hemagglutinin (HA) concentration would facilitate reference antigen preparation and consequently expedite availability of seasonal as well as pandemic vaccines. Objective The goal of this study was to develop a label-free mass spectrometry (MS) based method that enables simultaneous identification and quantification of HA, neuraminidase (NA), and other viral proteins and protein contaminations in influenza vaccine or virus preparations. Methods The method presented is based on LC ⁄MSE analysis of vaccine or virus preparations tryptic digests spiked with a known amount of protein standard from which a universal response factor is generated and applied to calculate the concentration of proteins identified in the mixture. Results We show that, with the use of an appropriate internal standard, the label-free MS-based protein quantification method is applicable for simultaneous identification and absolute quantification of HA and identification and relative quantification of other influenza proteins as well as protein impurities in influenza vaccines and virus preparations. We show that different subtype recombinant HA is preferred internal standard that provides the most accurate results in absolute quantification of HAs and other influenza proteins. We applied this method to measure the absolute quantity of HA as well as relative quantities of other viral proteins and impurities in preparations of whole virus and monovalent vaccine, providing data to demonstrate strain-dependent differences in the amount of NA.

Epithelial cells are known to play an important role in sustaining the airway barrier that may be impaired in certain inflammatory conditions. Recently, the use of thrombin has been reported to open the airway of patients with asthma as well as enhance the permeability of endothelial cell monolayers. We designed an in vitro model of Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and the physiological functions of this model were evaluated by measuring the transepithelial resistance (TER). The epithelial cytoskeletal organization was observed by staining with Bisbenzimide and Rodamine-Phalloidin (BBZ-Phalloidin) and confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Measurements of the TER generated values up to 2020 Ω/cm2. A dose response of thrombin was observed, showing the permeability changes in the MDCK monolayer and subsequent recovery. A relationship between TER values and cytoskeletal organization was also observed and discussed.

Formation of fluorescent proteins was explored after incubation of recombinant apo-subunits of phycobiliprotein R-phycoerythrin with phycoerythrobilin chromophore. Alpha and beta apo-subunit genes of R-phycoerythrin from red algae Polisiphonia boldii were cloned in plasmids pET-21d (+). Hexa-histidine tagged apo-alpha and apo-beta subunits were expressed in Escherichia coli. Although expressed apo-subunits formed inclusion bodies, fluorescent holo-subunits were constituted after incubation of Escherichia coli cells with phycoerythrobilin. Subunits contained both phycoerythrobilin and urobilin chromophores. Fluorescence and differential interference contrast microscopy showed polar location of holo-subunit inclusion bodies in bacterial cells. Cells containing fluorescent holo-subunits were several times brighter than control cells as found by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Addition of phycoerythrobilin to cells did not show cytotoxic effects in contrast to expression of proteins in inclusion bodies. In an attempt to improve solubility, R-phycoerythrin apo-subunits were fused to maltose binding protein and incubated with phycoerythrobilin both in vitro and in vivo. Highly-fluorescent soluble fusion proteins were formed containing phycoerythrobilin as the sole chromophore. Fusion proteins were localized by fluorescence microscopy either throughout Escherichia coli cells or at cell poles. Flow cytometry showed that cells containing fluorescent fusion proteins were up to ten times brighter than control cells. Results indicate that fluorescent proteins formed by attachment of phycoerythrobilin to expressed apo-subunits of phycobiliproteins can be used as fluorescent probes for analysis of cells by microscopy and flow cytometry. A unique property of these fluorescent reporters is their utility in both properly folded (soluble) subunits and subunits aggregated in inclusion bodies.

Klebsiella pneumoniae 40bXX, a mutant strain that constitutively produces D-arabinose isomerase (D-AI), was isolated through a series of repeated subcultures from the parent strain on a mineral salt medium supplemented with L-Xylose as the sole carbon source. D-AI could be efficiently immobilized on chitopearl beads. The optimum temperature for the activity of the immobilized enzyme was 40 degrees C and the enzyme was stable up to 50 degrees C. The D-Al was active at pH 10.0 and was stable in the range of pH 6.0-11.0. The enzyme required manganese ions for maximum activity. Three immobilized enzymes, D-xylose isomerase (D-XI), D-tagatose 3-epimerase (D-TE and D-AI were used for the preparation of D-arabinose from D-xylose in a coupling reaction. After completion of the reaction, degradation of D-xylulose was carried out by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The reaction mixture containing D-Xylose, D-ribulose and the product was then separated by ion exchange column chromatography. After crystallization, the product was checked by HPLC, IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy and optical rotation measurements. Finally, 2.0 g of D-arabinose could be obtained from 5 g of the substrate.

SUMMARYFive fungicides, namely Tecto, Benlate, Bayton, Topsin and Derosal, were evaluated for their effect on seed germination and control of major seed-borne pathogens of sunflower. Two sunflower cultivars, HO-1 and NK-212, naturally infected with important seed-borne fungi were treated with these fungicides at 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 g/kg. All the fungicides under study controlled the seed-borne fungi and increased the germination of sunflower seed to various levels. Tecto and Benlate in both cultivars gave better performance in reducing the fungal population and increasing seed germination. Topsin and Derosal also reduced the fungal population at higher dosage but there was no considerable improvement in germination. The use of fungicides at 2.5 g/kg provided almost complete elimination of fungi and 8-10 percent increase in seed germination as compared to the use of fungicides at 2 g/kg.

Phytochemical studies on the leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. obtusa have resulted in the isolation of a new triterpenoid camaldulin (3beta-formyloxyurs-11-en-28,13beta-olide) (1) along with ursolic acid lactone acetate (2), ursolic acid lactone (3), betulinic acid (4), and beta-sitosterol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5). The structures were assigned on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR studies. Compounds 1-3 were tested for spasmolytic activity and were found to possess calcium antagonist activity.

Rationale Humans with a dominant negative mutation in STAT3 are susceptible to severe skin infections, suggesting an essential role for STAT3 signaling in defense against cutaneous pathogens. Methods To focus on innate antiviral defenses in keratinocytes, we used a standard model of cutaneous infection of severe combined immunodeficient mice with the current smallpox vaccine, ACAM-2000. In parallel, early events post-infection with the smallpox vaccine ACAM-2000 were investigated in cultured keratinocytes of human and mouse origin. Results Mice treated topically with a STAT3 inhibitor (Stattic) developed larger vaccinia lesions with higher virus titers and died more rapidly than untreated controls. Cultured human and murine keratinocytes infected with ACAM-2000 underwent rapid necrosis, but when treated with Stattic or with inhibitors of RIP1 kinase or caspase-1, they survived longer, produced higher titers of virus, and showed reduced activation of type I interferon responses and inflammatory cytokines release. Treatment with inhibitors of RIP1 kinase and STAT3, but not caspase-1, also reduced the inflammatory response of keratinocytes to TLR ligands. Vaccinia growth properties in Vero cells, which are known to be defective in some antiviral responses, were unaffected by inhibition of RIP1K, caspase-1, or STAT3. Conclusions Our findings indicate that keratinocytes suppress the replication and spread of vaccinia virus by undergoing rapid programmed cell death, in a process requiring STAT3. These data offer a new framework for understanding susceptibility to skin infection in patients with STAT3 mutations. Interventions which promote prompt necroptosis/pyroptosis of infected keratinocytes may reduce risks associated with vaccination with live vaccinia virus.

Influenza vaccines are effective in protecting against illness and death caused by this seasonal pathogen. Antibodies that block the function of either hemagglutinin (HA) or neuraminidase (NA) contribute to vaccine efficacy, however vaccine potency is based only on HA content. NA protein content in vaccines varies from season to season due to differences in the relative amounts of HA and NA in influenza A, H1N1 and H3N2, and influenza B viruses that are selected for each manufacturing campaign. This, as well as potential inherent differences in NA immunogenicity, may result in varying responses from year to year. Moreover, the antigenic stability of NA is likely to dictate whether similar antibody responses will be obtained to this antigen throughout the shelf-life of the vaccine. To address this factor, we subjected NAs of influenza A (subtypes N1 and N2) and B viruses to denaturing conditions to evaluate the stability of enzyme activity. Each NA type/subtype had unique sensitivity to denaturing conditions. The N2 enzyme activity was more thermostable than that of N1 or influenza B, while the NA activity of influenza B was most resistant to detergent. N1 enzyme activity was most resistant of the three NAs to freeze–thaw cycling. In these experiments, enzyme activity was indicative of the immunogenicity of NA, but was strain-dependent, with greater neuraminidase inhibiting (NI) antibody titers elicited following immunization with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus A/California/7/2009, than the previously circulating seasonal H1N1 strain, A/Brisbane/59/2007. Robust NI antibody titers against both N1 and N2 components were induced following vaccination of mice with a trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. When stored under recommended conditions, the NA of both N1 and N2 subtypes remained immunogenic well after the vaccine expiry date.

This paper critically examines the workplace bullying scenario in Bangladesh by focusing on the individual experiences of employees working in various corporate jobs. The study employs qualitative methodology to analyse data collected from 27 individuals working in various private organisations in Bangladesh. The data were collected through email interviews and follow-up discussions. Findings indicate that, employees are increasingly falling victims of workplace bullying due to poor organisation culture, inefficient leadership, misuse of power and reluctance of management. Moreover, prolonged history of bullying may result in severe psychological effects, such as, anxiety, depression, stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as affect employee's productivity, effectiveness, creativity and physical health. Based on the findings, the paper recommends policies and procedures to minimise the effect of workplace bullying. As this issue is still under-researched in Bangladesh, the study makes an empirical contribution to the literature on workplace bullying.

Background Influenza vaccines are effective in protecting against illness and death caused by this seasonal pathogen. The potency of influenza vaccines is measured by single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay that quantifies antigenic forms of hemagglutinin (HA). Hydrostatic pressure results in loss of binding of influenza virus to red blood cells, but it is not known whether this infers loss of potency. Objectives Our goal was to determine the impact of pressure on HA antigenic structure. Methods Viruses included in the 2010–2011 trivalent influenza vaccine were subjected to increasing number of cycles at 35 000 psi in a barocycler, and the impact of this treatment measured by determining hemagglutination units (HAU) and potency. Potency was assessed by SRID and immunogenicity in mice. Results After 25 cycles of pressure, the potency measured by SRID assay was below the limit of quantification for the H1N1 and B viruses used in our study, while the H3N2 component retained some potency that was lost after 50 pressure cycles. Pressure treatment also resulted in loss of HAU, but this did not strictly correlate with the potency value. Curiously, loss of potency was abrogated when influenza A, but not B, antigens were exposed to pressure in chicken egg allantoic fluid. Protection against pressure appeared to be mediated by specific interactions because addition of bovine serum albumin did not have the same effect. Conclusions Our results show that pressure-induced loss of potency is strain dependent and suggests that pressure treatment may be useful for identifying vaccine formulations that improve HA stability.

l -Fructose, which was produced from l -psicose using immobilized d -tagatose 3-epimerase, was utilized as a starting material in the preparation of an uncommon aldose-hexose, l -glucose, by cell reaction. A mutant strain, Klebsiella pneumoniae strain 40bXX, produced d -arabinose isomerase constitutively. Toluene-treated cells of the mutant strain, which were used as the source of crude d -arabinose isomerase, were employed in the conversion of l -fructose to l -glucose. Empirically, 0.35 g of l -glucose was obtained from 1.0 g of l -fructose, viz an overall yield of 35%. The product obtained was purified and identified to be l -glucose by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, and was ultimately confirmed by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectra.

Seasonal influenza epidemics cause illness and death each year, and the emergence of antigenically novel influenza A viruses are a continual pandemic threat. Disease and death can be averted by vaccination. The potency of killed virus vaccines is based on hemagglutinin (HA) content. However, antibodies that inhibit enzyme activity of the neuraminidase (NA) also reduce virus replication and protect against disease. Monoclonal NA-inhibiting (NI) antibodies recognize conformational epitopes, and it is anticipated that native tertiary structure is required for their induction. NA assembles as a tetramer and only this form has enzyme activity. Since small inhibitors of NA do not significantly alter conformation, we sought to determine whether neuraminidase-inhibiting (NI) antibodies would be induced by inhibitor-inactivated NA. We therefore evaluated responses of mice immunized with purified NA that was either inactivated by addition of zanamivir or denatured by heat treatment. NI antibodies were induced following immunization with NA from A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2) in which enzyme activity was inhibited by the former method but not the latter. Protection of mice against challenge with virus containing an antigenically matched NA correlated with the detection of NI antibodies in serum. Similar results were obtained when mice were immunized with whole H1N1 virus in which NA activity had been inhibited by the same two modalities. This demonstrates that native conformation of NA is necessary for induction of NI antibodies; enzyme activity provides a useful marker of intact structure, but absence of activity in NA that is correctly folded does not result in loss of immunogenicity. Thus any assay to assess potency of influenza vaccines with respect to NA content should consider the proportion of NA that is in a structurally native state.

The education systems of 21st century are characterized by increasing dependence on various modes of electronic facilities. E-learning is one such facility that can ensure education for everyone without considering their geographical locations. However, due to very high initial cost for infrastructural development, developing countries like Bangladesh are unable to get the total benefits of e-learning. Therefore, the education facilities and standards in rural and remote areas are noticeably dissatisfactory, compared to the urban areas of those countries. Reusing of existing resources and infrastructures to implement an e-learning system can reduce the overall operational cost of the system, hence can be ideal for developing countries to exploit various e-learning facilities. Considering these issues, in this paper we propose to design a web service oriented resource based system named “E-School” for the primary, secondary, and higher secondary education system of Bangladesh. This e-learning system will provide identical course materials, useful multimedia tools, integrated databases, and help desk for students. We design E-School as a platform independent system so that it can be accessed using any cell phone, PDA and computer from anywhere with mobile network coverage.

Alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-fetoprotein, AFP) is a Glycoprotein, belonging to the intriguing class of onco-development protein. Generally designated as tumour marker, AFP is recognized as an important blood component, having specific diagnostic utilities Elevation of its level up to pathological range in adults correlate with the appearance of several malignant and chronic conditions, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and chronic liver disease, respectively.To evaluate the diagnostic significance of AFP in HCC, a study was carried out for a period of two years (Jan 2004 to Dec 2005) A brief history of Patients was taken with clinical symptoms and signs and initial diagnosis. Patients admitted in wards or visiting OPDs with diagnosis or suspicions of HCC and additional conditions of Chronic Liver disease (CLDs), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B viral (HBV) infections, were selected and classified according to gender. When confirmed, their HCC status was evaluated and classified according to clinical condition.In 1012 adults including, males 762 (75.3%) and females 250 (24.7%) patients suspected of or diagnosed with HCC and presence of HBV and HCV infections. Out of 480 males, who depicted elevated AFP levels, 39 (8.13%) were diagnosed with HCC. Similarly, 7 (5.34%) females out of 131 with elevated levels of AFP were diagnosed with HCC. Mean elevated AFP levels in all HCC patients were, 421 +/- 59 microg/ml (range 157-4019 microg/ml) in males and 163 +/- 32 microg/ml (range 101-2341 microg/ml) in females. In males, the overall estimated mean AFP elevated values were analyzed to be 514 microg/ml (range 67-4019 +/- 59 microg/ml,), whereas in females it was 396 +/- 42 microg/ml (range 21-2341 microg/ml). It was also noted that 43 (8.96%) males and 7 (5.34%) female patients, exhibited elevated levels of AFP, however, found negative for HCV and HBV infections.It is concluded that AFP is a significant markers for Hepatocellular carcinoma, helpful in assessing problems in management of HCC and monitoring treatment regiments. In addition, AFP is also an indicator of HCC risks mostly in patients with cirrhosis and HCV/HBV infections.

A new triterpenoid acid named eucalyptanoic acid (1) has been isolated from the fresh uncrushed leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. obtusa along with two known constituents, beta-sitosterol (2) and betulinic acid (3). The structure of 1 has been established as 3beta-hydroxyolean-9(11),12-dien-28-oic acid through spectral studies including 1D and 2D NMR. 1 and its acetyl (1a) and acetylmethyl (1b) derivatives were tested for spasmolytic activity. 1b was found to be the most active spasmolytic, mediated through blockade of calcium influx at 1 mg/mL. In the present study 1b was also prepared starting from oleanolic acid (4). Acetylation of 4 gave 4a, which on methylation afforded 4b. Reaction of 4b with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) furnished 1b. Hence 4 may be regarded as the biogenetic precursor of 1. Compounds 4 and 4a were found inactive at 1 mg/mL, while 4b was moderately active in showing spasmolytic activity.