Search

Abstract Scientific investigations on levels of Organochlorine Pesticide (OCP) residues in plants largely consider the edible parts (crops, vegetables, and fruit plants). Though the non-edible parts of plants are not eaten by human beings directly, these parts are consumed by livestock and other animals, thereby facilitating the flow of chemical residues through the food chain. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the concentration of OCP residues in non-edible plant parts to provide insights on their potential ecotoxicological impacts. Eighteen OCP residues were extracted in nine different plant species (banana Musa acuminate, brinjal Solanum melongena, Casuarina equisetifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, lotus Nelumbo nucifera, paddy Oryza sativa, sugarcane Saccharum officinarum, tapioca Manihot esculenta, tomato Lycopersicon esculentum) following QuEChERS method. The concentrations of OCP residues in plant extracts were determined using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The OCP residues, namely: γ-HCH (lindane), heptachlor epoxide isomer, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde and endrin ketone were found predominantly in seven plant species. Residues of γ-HCH (lindane) were reported in different parts of plant species such as stem (581.14 ng/g in paddy and 585.82 ng/g in tapioca) and leaf (583.3 ng/g in tomato). Seven samples contained residues of heptachlor epoxide isomer (512.53 to 1173.8 ng/g). Dieldrin was found in paddy stem (489.97 ng/g), tapioca stem (490.21 ng/g) and tapioca leaf (490.32 ng/g). The detected OCPs in the present study were 10–50 times higher than the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL, 0.01–0.1 mg/Kg) as prescribed in the Codex Alimentarius of the FAO/WHO. Their elevated concentrations in the plant parts therefore pose risk of contamination to the consumers in the food chain, including human beings those are dependent on the animals as source of protein. The findings of this study are the first report on residue levels of OCPs in non-edible plant parts in the agricultural landscape of Puducherry region, India. Since, this study assumes significance for the strategic location of Oussudu Lake, an interstate lake spread over Puducherry and Tamil Nadu states, regular monitoring of OCP residues in different environmental segments in strategic locations in both the states is suggested, which will help the authorities in devising a comprehensive environmental management plan aiming at the ecosystem at large.

Leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a large multidomain protein containing two catalytic domains, a kinase and a GTPase, as well as protein interactions domains, including a WD40 domain. The association of increased LRRK2 kinase activity with both the familial and sporadic forms of Parkinsons disease has led to an intense interest in determining its cellular function. However, small molecule probes that can bind to LRRK2 and report on or affect its cellular activity are needed. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the first high-affinity LRRK2-binding designed ankyrin-repeat protein (DARPin), named E11. Using cryo-EM, we show that DARPin E11 binds to the LRRK2 WD40 domain. LRRK2 bound to DARPin E11 showed improved behavior on cryo-EM grids, resulting in higher resolution LRRK2 structures. DARPin E11 did not affect the catalytic activity of a truncated form of LRRK2 in vitro but decreased the phosphorylation of Rab8A, a LRRK2 substrate, in cells. We also found that DARPin E11 disrupts the formation of microtubule-associated LRRK2 filaments in cells, which are known to require WD40-based dimerization. Thus, DARPin E11 is a new tool to explore the function and dysfunction of LRRK2 and guide the development of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors that target the WD40 domain instead of the kinase.

There is a growing emphasis on research across disciplines, and higher educational institutions' research productivity (RP) is a matter of serious consideration. However, a knowledge gap exists in RP in social science disciplines in India. In this context, the present study aimed to (1) understand the RP of social work and psychology schools at publicly funded central universities (CU) in India, (2) evaluate the RP and research impacts of faculty members in these schools, and (3) identify the publishing trends and patterns in social work and psychology disciplines. Using the Scopus database, we collected bibliometric information on publications of 19 social work and 16 psychology schools and their faculty members. The results indicate that schools' research productivity remained unpromising, constituting many faculty members (Social work 51.08%; Psychology 43.4%) with no publications. Although the average RP of social work (M = 16.0, SD = 17.40) and psychology (M = 45.63, SSD = 61.08) schools differed, the difference was not statistically significant (t = 1.88, p = 0.078). An increase in the publication was evident after 2016, indicating positive-policy impacts. A difference in RP across professional ranks was evident for social work (p < 0.05) but not for psychology (p > 0.05). For research impact, a difference existed based on ranks for academicians from psychology only (p < 0.05). Publications in high-impact journals and an output of international collaborations remained low in both disciplines. Implications point to developing appropriate workshops and training to provide hands-on experience to improve quality research among academicians. Further policy changes are also essential to enhance research culture and productivity.

Abstract Background In Himalayas, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, where 85% of people depend on agriculture and allied sectors, 70% of agriculture is rain-fed. While the Himalayas, highly seismic, contribute highest in sediment transported to the world oceans, surface soil is under threat due to erosion, and Rajouri district in western Himalayas is no exception. Various factors, especially land use pattern and climate change, further affect the soil fertility and nutrient contents. However, information on essential nutrients in the soil across the region is meager. Methods We examined soil texture, soil type, lime status, pH, EC and select nutrients in January (non-cropping season) and June (cropping season) in paddy/wheat fields in Rajouri town, and its upstream and downstream locations. We also examined area under major crops, yield and fertilizer inputs from 2000 to 2012. Results Wilcoxon signed-rank test, a non-parametric statistical hypothesis test used when comparing two related samples, showed that pH, EC, K, Zn, Fe and Mn are higher in January than in June while OC, N, P, Na, Mg, Ca and Cu are vice versa. Kruskal–Wallis test, another non-parametric statistical hypothesis test used when comparing more than two related samples, showed nutrients varying significantly from upstream to downstream in both the seasons. Area and yield under rice, wheat and maize cultivation during 2000–2012 did not show any significant change. During the period, while significant increase in N and P input was seen, micronutrients remain neglected. Correlation matrix shows significant relation among the nutrients in January and June. In the case of rice, the yield was significantly positively correlated with area under cultivation, but in the case of wheat, the yield was negatively correlated with the area. Conclusions The study presents baseline information on soil characteristics across seasons and locations in Rajouri. It highlights the inadequacy of the official database and need for generating accurate data on crops and yields that are more authentic.

Hyperglycemia and rash are expected but challenging adverse events of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibition (such as with alpelisib). Two modified Delphi panels were conducted to provide consensus recommendations for managing hyperglycemia and rash in patients taking alpelisib. Experts rated the appropriateness of interventions on a 1-to-9 scale; median scores and dispersion were used to classify the levels of agreement. Per the hyperglycemia panel, it is appropriate to start alpelisib in patients with HbA1c 6.5% (diabetes) to

Financial literacy is a protective tool for ensuring quality retirement life through annuity life insurance policy. The study assessed how financial literacy measures and retirement planning impact the demand for life insurance among university instructors at tertiary institutions owned by Lagos State. The research study used a cross-sectional survey research design, incorporating multiphase sampling approaches. Completed structured questionnaire from two hundred and seventy-three respondents were gathered from university lecturers in Lagos State-Owned tertiary institutions, and data were analysed using simple frequency percentages and multiple regression technique. Although there is a positive correlation between financial attitude, financial knowledge, and financial behaviour with the demand for life insurance, the variable of financial confidence shows an inverse correlation. The demand for life insurance is positively and significantly influenced by retirement planning. Therefore, it is recommended that ongoing endeavours be made to educate the general population on the significance of life insurance for improved financial planning. This, in turn, helps insurers to understand and serve suitable insurance plan that fits their clients’ financial plan.

Abstract Background A growing body of literature focuses on the role of benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) in predicting adulthood well-being, in addition to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). However, cross-cultural differences are generally ignored in this endeavor. Hence, this study aimed to explore the role of BCEs in predicting life satisfaction, resilience, and hopelessness. We also examined the potential of resilience and the role of hopelessness in mediating the relationship between BCE and life satisfaction. Methods A total of 850 university students from Turkey (n = 371), Portugal (n = 248), and India (n = 231), aged 17 to 58 years (M = 22.12, SD = 4.41), participated in the study. Participants completed an online protocol consisting of measures to assess BCEs, life satisfaction, resilience, and hopelessness. Results BCEs, hopelessness, and life satisfaction have significantly differed among the samples based on the country of residence. BCEs were positively correlated to resilience and life satisfaction and negatively to hopelessness. In the sequential mediation model, after controlling for country and sex, resilience and hopelessness sequentially mediated the relationship between BCEs and life satisfaction. BCEs were associated with life satisfaction, resilience, and hopelessness across countries and sexes. The model explains 42.8% of the variability. Conclusion Despite differences between countries, BCEs are important predictors of adult well-being in all three countries and should be monitored along with ACE. Further, resilience seems to have an important role in lowering the negative consequences of lower BCEs and feelings of hopelessness, pointing to the need to strengthen psychological resilience among adults.

Abstract Older adults are at risk of committing cognitive and decision-making errors due to the decline in cognitive functions. However, the understanding of the determining factors of cognitive errors among ageing adults is limited. In this study, we explored the role of various psychiatric factors, life satisfaction, and other socioeconomic, health and behavioural risk factors of committing cognitive errors among middle-aged and older adults in India. The study utilized the data from the experimental module of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave-1 (2017–2018) with a sample of 12,754 adults aged 45 years and above. The cognitive error was measured using logical fallacies committed in the activity-based experiments. The study employed descriptive, bivariate statistics and multivariable logistic regression models to identify the factors associated with cognitive errors among the study participants. Depression (aOR = 1.28, 99%, CI: 1.16–1.41), life satisfaction (aOR = 0.99, 99%, CI: 0.98–1.00), and cognitive impairment (aOR = 1.13, 90% CI: 1.00–1.30) self-reported psychiatric) were significantly associated with higher odds of committing cognitive errors among the middle-aged and older adults. Also, ageing adults with low educational levels, functional limitations, sleep disturbances, smoking history, living in rural areas and belonging to scheduled tribes had a higher probability of committing cognitive errors. However, involvement in physical activity, reading habits and social interactions reduced the odds of cognitive errors among this sample. Mental health and well-being indicators, including depression, life satisfaction, cognitive impairment, and other health and behavioural health factors, determine cognitive errors among ageing adults. Programs and policies should be initiated to address these factors, reduce cognitive errors, and ensure active ageing.

Abstract Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT), has recently shown rapid efficacy in difficult to treat (DTT) depression. We conducted an exploratory analysis of individual symptom improvements during treatment, correlated with fMRI, to investigate this rapid improvement in 23 DTT participants from an SNT RCT (12 active, 11 sham). Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale item 7 (Lassitude) was the earliest to show improvements between active and sham, as early as treatment day 2. Lassitude score at treatment day 3 was predictive of response at 4 weeks post-treatment and response immediately after treatment. Participants with lower lassitude scores at treatment day 3 had different patterns of sgACC functional connectivity compared to participants with higher scores in both baseline and post-treatment minus baseline analyses. Further work will aim to first replicate these preliminary findings, and then to extend these findings and examine how SNT may affect lassitude and behavioral activation early in treatment.

Introduction: Informed Consent (IC) is a decision-making process wherein patients are provided with all necessary information regarding treatment to make an uncoerced, educated choice. There are gaps in the implementation of the IC process that need to be identified and addressed. Aim: To estimate the proportion of patients/surrogates who read, understood, and signed the IC form before undergoing surgical procedures; to identify the different healthcare team members involved in explaining the IC form; to evaluate the extent to which different components of the IC form were explained to patients/surrogates; and to determine the influence of the IC form on surgical decision-making, and the overall satisfaction with the IC process. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in the Dakshina Kannada District of Southern India from April 2020 to March 2021. It included 100 adult patients admitted to the postsurgical wards of general surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, otorhinolaryngology, and ophthalmology. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The parameters studied included socio-demographic variables, administration of the IC form, details on the person explaining the IC form along with its content, and the influence of the IC form on decision-making, as well as overall satisfaction with the IC process. Data were collected using a predesigned questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and proportions, whereas continuous variables were presented as means and standard deviations. Results: All participants received the IC form; however, only 21% read, understood, and signed it. The explanation of the IC form was given to 59% of the patients, with only 15% of these explanations provided by the treating surgeon. The components of the IC form, such as the surgical procedure and its benefits, were explained to the majority of the patients; however, the risks of the surgical procedure and alternative options were explained to only 53% and 7% of patients, respectively. The IC form had a minor influence on surgical decision-making for 61% of patients, and 43% expressed satisfaction with the IC process. Conclusion: The study revealed that the implementation of IC was inadequate. Surgeons should provide and explain the IC form well in advance, allowing time for patients to read, understand, and clarify their doubts. Hospital Ethics Committees need to enforce strict adherence to IC guidelines to ensure informed decision-making.

Abstract This study assessed the impacts of climatic parameters (rainfall and temperature) and environmental variables (transparency, depth, chloride, TS, TSS, TOC) on the abundance of commercially important fish species in Esa-Odo. The research question was to find out if climatic and environmental factors influence the abundance of fish species in an afro-tropical reservoir. Fish species were collected on a monthly basis for two annual cycles covering both dry and rainy seasons. GIS-based climatic data was used to determine the relationship between climatic conditions and fish species abundance. Results showed that the highest abundance of fish was recorded during the rainy season, with Oreochromis niloticus being the most dominant species throughout the sampling period. Trend analysis revealed that variations in climate and environmental parameters influenced the abundance of different fish species in the reservoir. Mann-Kendal analysis indicated that an increase in rainfall led to an increase in reservoir depth, a decrease in transparency levels, and a reduction in temperature, with a Sen’s slope value of -38. Additionally, CCA and correlation matrix results demonstrated that climate and environmental parameters significantly influenced fish species abundance. The study emphasized the importance of climatic and environmental factors in the abundance of fish species in the reservoir, providing valuable information for future research on fishery resources. Governments and stakeholders were urged to prioritize the conservation and management of the reservoir’s fish population to prevent declines.

Abstract Background The widely adopted use of charred biomass for agronomic and environmental purposes; and the reported positive and deleterious effects necessitated the need for this study to ascertain the potential causes of the erratic results surrounding the use of charred biomass in agriculture and the environment. A batch sorption experiment was carried out to determine the sorptive and desorptive capacity of bone char and biochar on nitrate, ammonium, phosphate and sulphate concentrations in a loamy sand soil. The potential agronomic and environmental implications of the sorption data were also discussed. Results The results indicated that bone char is richer in nutrient composition than biochar, with 70% more ability to sorb nutrients. The bone char and biochar sorption isotherms conformed to the H-curve isotherm type. Bone char and biochar have multiple layers of adsorption sites. Nutrient adsorption maxima, binding energy, and maximum buffering capacities of the soil were increased with the addition of bone char and biochar. The unamended soil was observed to retain as low as 6% of added nitrate to as much as 58% of added phosphate, while bone char retained 56% of added sulphate, 47% of phosphate, 76% nitrate and 64% of ammonium. Generally, bone char retained 60.6% of the added nutrients, while biochar retained 40.7% of the nutrients. The addition of bone char led to a 45.8% increase in the nutrient retention ability of the soil and a 36.1% increase with the addition of biochar. Conclusion The nutrient sorption characteristics of biochar should be studied prior to its use as a soil nutrient amendment. It was concluded that bone char or biochar is a potential soil nutrient immobilizer; hence, applications for agronomic purposes should take cognizance of the native soil fertility so as to appropriately add fertilizer input before use.

Abstract Anemia is highly prevalent globally, especially in young children in low-income countries, where it often overlaps with a high burden of diarrheal disease. Distribution of iron interventions (as supplements or iron-containing multiple micronutrient powders, MNPs) is a key anemia reduction strategy. Small studies in Africa indicate iron may reprofile the gut microbiome towards pathogenic species. We seek to evaluate the safety of iron and MNPs based on their effects on diversity, composition, and function of the gut microbiome in children in rural Bangladesh as part of a large placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial of iron or MNPs given for 3 months (ACTRN12617000660381). In 923 infants, we evaluate the microbiome before, immediately following, and nine months after interventions, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomics in a subset. We identify no increase in diarrhea with either treatment. In our primary analysis, neither iron nor MNPs alter gut microbiome diversity or composition. However, when not adjusting for multiple comparisons, compared to placebo, children receiving iron and MNPs exhibit reductions in commensal species (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) and increases in potential pathogens, including Clostridium. These increases are most evident in children with baseline iron repletion and are further supported by trend-based statistical analyses.

During the past few decades, interest in phenolic substances found in aquatic environments has increased because of their extensive uses in many industries, which have a high degree of toxicity. This study aimed to investigate removing phenol from contaminated wastewater using environmentally friendly synthesized nanoscale-activated carbon derived from reed stalks as an adsorbent. This study aimed to examine removing phenol from contaminated wastewater using environmentally friendly synthesized nanoscale-activated carbon derived from reed stalks as an adsorbent. The prepared adsorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) and Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Four distinct factors were studied using the statistical design of experiments, data analysis (Design Expert Software), and a central fitting design (CCD) using a response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize the phenol elimination. The four variables were the initial phenol concentration (30–120 ppm), pH (2–11), the concentration of adsorbent (50–600 ppm), and reaction time (30–120 minutes) introduced as input data to the model predicted the removal efficiency (%) of phenol. The ANOVA analysis was conducted to examine the accuracy and significance of the model. The ANOVA test suggests that the second-order quadratic model is the most effective in explaining the process of phenol elimination, and the predicted data have strong agreement with the corresponding experimental values. The results revealed that are as follows: initial phenol concentration of 30 mg/L, pH of 2, adsorbent dose of 600 mg/L, contact time of 120 minutes, and adsorption capacity of 30.0825 mg/g were the optimal adsorption conditions obtained from the experimental work. These findings indicate that the nano-activated carbon produced from reed stalks is an effective adsorbent for removing phenol from wastewater.

A field study was conducted to evaluate groundwater pollution and determine its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes in the districts of Shawan , Alton Kopre and Dibs district in Kirkuk Governorate(Fig1). Samples were collected from fifty-two wells during the September 2023. The chemical concentration of groundwater ( pH, EC, TDS, T.H,Ca+2, Mg+2, K+, Na+ SO4-2, CO3-2, HCO3-, NO3-, PO4-3, Cl-) were analyzed, also mathematical model WQI was measured to evaluate Water quality for irrigation and drinking. ArcGIS 10.4.1 software was used for figping spatial distribution of parameters.The results showed that the chemical characteristics of the well waters are within the permissible limits except of total hardness (T.H.) and electrical conductivity (EC), as 50.02% and 2.13% of the water in the study wells exceeded the permissible limits for drinking and irrigation in terms of hardness and electrical conductivity, respectively.As for dissolved cations, 13.67% of the total area exceeded the permissible limits for drinking only for calcium ions, and 25.71% exceeded the permissible limits for drinking and irrigation to magnesium ions, as for potassium ions, 4.35% of the study wells exceeded the permissible limits for irrigation. While the dissolved (negative) ions for all well water were within the permissible limits, with the exception of sulphate, phosphate, and nitrate ions, as 99.89% of the study well water was within the permissible limits for drinking, with the exception of wells W3 and W31, but all of them are suitable for irrigation with regard to sulphate ions. As for phosphate ions, 99.96% of the study well water exceeded the permissible limits for drinking only, while 46.82% was not suitable for irrigation regarding to nitrates.

The study was conducted to monitor the changes in Shwan-Altun kopre from Kirkuk governorate –Iraq.The study area is located between Longtitude (44̊ 38ʹ 22ʺ-44̊ 22ʹ 29ʺ)E, Latitude (35̊ 43ʹ 53ʺ-35̊ 42ʹ 16ʺ) N with an area of 117683.96 ha.Sattelite image was collected for years ,1997,2014,2020 and 2023 from land sat 5, MSS and land sat 8 OLI.Maximum likelihood supervised classification was applied to classify these image.Obvious changes in land cover areas was occurred during study time from 1997 to 2023 especially fir bult up land wich was increased from 3.33% to 13.77%, followed by Abondoned agriculture land from 12.5% to 17.39%, but transformation zones was decreased from 61.14% to 40.37%.In order to reveal the final changes occurring during the study period it was found that the26 areas of the Drainage and Channels and bult-up land classes increased by 4% and 313%, with a difference of 27.45 hectares and 12287.51 hectares, respectively .As for the grain crops, they decreased by 28% with a difference of 1183.63 hectares.The Plowed agricultural land and Abandoned agricultural land classes have increased the areas of these two class by 34% and 39%, respectively .As for the sixth category Transformation zones, the area of this class decreased by 66% with a difference of 47,506.66 hectares. This is evidence of changes to all types of land covers in the study area during twenty-six years, as the areas of built-up land, factories and villages increased and were exploited at the expense of agricultural land, as their areas declined during that period

All irrigation waters contain some dissolved salts .Dissolved salts are present because some chemical elements have a strong attraction for water and a relatively weak attraction for other elements .The total amount and kinds of salts determine the suitability of the water for irrigation use .Water may contain large amounts of salts that are not suitable for irrigation because of their risks to the soil and crop. The study of groundwater quality is important as one of the main freshwater resources that are used for various purposes, including irrigation of agricultural crops. The study aims to identify the chemical composition of groundwater in Kirkuk Governorate, and evaluate its quality for irrigation purposes. The study area is located between two latitudes (35̊ 23′51″-35̊ 29′ 50″) N and longitude (44̊ 12′47″-44̊ 27′81″)E and has a total area of about (305158.41) hectares .Samples were collected during September (2023), where sixty wells randomly distributed in the study area were selected, many chemical and physical analyzes were conducted, GIS technology was used to perform spatial analysis using (Arc GIS v,10.4.1), the IWQI irrigation water quality index was determined with five parameters, which include electrical conductivity EC, sodium Na, chlorides Cl , bicarbonate HCO3 and Sodium absorption ratio SAR. The values of the irrigation water quality index IWQI ranged between (46.37-86.59).The spatial distribution map of the irrigation water quality index showed that 0.02% of the study area was classified as having excellent restrictions and determinants for irrigation purposes, and that 88.97% of them were classified as having low restrictions and determinants, while 10.98% of them were classified as having moderate restrictions and 0.02% were classified as having high restrictions.

Effective customer service and operational excellence are critical components of corporate success, particularly in today's changing business world. This paper examines the crucial role that inventory management plays in controlling and improving customer service and operational efficiency in businesses. Companies that efficiently manage inventory levels may ensure the timely fulfillment of client orders, minimize stockpiles, and increase efficiency. Furthermore, efficient inventory management contributes to boosting operating efficiency, lowering logistical costs, and increasing profitability. This study extensively reviews the literature and case studies to explore the best strategies utilized in inventory management to attain these objectives. It also investigates the influence of inventory management on performance and offers useful insights for companies looking to use inventory management as a strategic strategy to gain a sustained competitive advantage.

Cloud seeding involves boosting precipitation by releasing substances into the air that act as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. These substances encourage the development of clouds and precipitation. It’s like giving Mother Nature a gentle push to assist with rainfall in specific areas. The current work aimed to suggest Al2O3 as an alternate compound in cloud seeding rather than silver iodide. In this research, a unique approach is used to identify condensation nuclei, which play a crucial role in cloud formation and droplet growth. Various samples and four sources were included in the current study; refrigerated helfa powder, Himalayan salt, generator powder, and pollen, were analyzed using different physicochemical instruments. The proportions of chemical compounds in the samples show that there is 1.392% of Al2O3 in Refrigerated helfa which is the highest than in the other 3 sources, while the proportions of elements in the samples indicate that refrigerated helfa contains the lowest toxic compound, and although Al2O3 is insoluble in water, it is hygroscopic and can absorb 6.4% of humidity within 24 hours. As for the surface tension, refrigerated helfa shows lower density and surface tension than the other three sources with values of 0.9480 and 47.89 respectively. Al2O3 shows high humid absorptivity and refrigerated helfa can be used as a main source for Al2O3 which has a low effect on biota and is recommended for use in cloud seeding. However further work is recommended to be carried out in using Al2O3 as an alternative compound to silver iodide in cloud seeding.

Abstract Background Youth mental health is a growing concern in research, practice, and policy. Practice standards, guidelines, or strategies provide an invisible infrastructure that fosters equity, quality, and safety, potentially addressing inconsistencies and more effectively attending to the mental wellness of Black youth as a particular population of concern. This scoping review aimed to address the following question: What standards exist for the delivery of mental health services to Black youth in community, primary care, and educational settings? Due to a limited initial search yield on publications about standards for the delivery of mental health services for Black youth population, our goal was then to identify and map mental health standards, recommendations, or guidelines for the delivery of mental health services using the same settings to all youth. Methods Searches were conducted in various databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, SocINDEX, CINAHL, Gender Studies Database, Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Screening was independently conducted by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved by a third. Information extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. Results Out of the 2,701 screened publications, 54 were included in this scoping review. Among them, 38.9% were published between 2020 and 2023, with 40.7% originating from the United States of America, 20.4% from the United Kingdom, and 13% from Canada. Concerning the settings, 25.9% of the publications focused on primary care, 24.1% on health care services, 20.4% on educational settings, and 3.7% on the community. Additionally, 25.9% were classified as general because recommendations were applicable to various settings. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (11.1%) was the most frequently considered specific condition, followed by autism spectrum disorder (9.3%) and depression (9.3%). However, 31.5% of the included references addressed mental health in general. Only three references provided specific recommendations for the Black population. Conclusions Recommendations, guidelines, or standards for Black youth mental health services in community, primary care, or educational settings are scarce and limited to North American countries. This scoping review emphasizes the need to consider ethnicity when developing guidelines or standards to improve racial equity and reduce disparities in access to mental health services.

Zinc and cadmium pollutants cause a significant environmental effect that cannot be ignored. Due to their considerable amount in an aqueous environment, industries are seeking suitable adsorbents that are environmentally friendly and inexpensive for removing metals from wastewater before disposing of them in surface waters. This research employed original MXene (MX) and chitosan-modified MXene (CSMX) to extract zinc (Zn(II)) and cadmium (Cd(II)) metal ions from water-based solutions. The composite material produced was analyzed using techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The effects of contact duration, pH of the solution, and initial concentration of metal ions on the adsorption process of Zn(II) and Cd(II) onto both MX and CSMX composites were investigated. MX and prepared CSMX composite presented a high adsorption capacity for both studied heavy metals, which were 91.55 and 73.82 mg/g for Zn(II) and Cd(II) onto MX, 106.84 and 93.07 mg/g for Cd(II) and Zn(II) onto CSMX composite, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum competitive adsorption capacities for Zn(II) onto MX and CSMX composites are 77.29 and 93.47 mg/g, and for are Cd(II) 60.30 and 79.66 mg/g, respectively. Hence, the removal capacities for both single and competitive metal ions were superior to CSMX composite. However, the adsorption capacities after five successive regeneration sequences were only dropped by 13.2% for Zn(II) and 17.4% for Cd(II) onto the CSMX composite compared to the first cycle. These results confirm that both metals could be efficiently terminated from wastewater, which makes the prepared CSMX composite a favorable candidate adsorbent in practical applications.

The World Value Survey wave 6 was analysed to examine the relationship between gender and perceptions of gender roles among Nigerians. Descriptive and inferential statistics like frequency distribution, percentage, t-test, ANOVA and stepwise regression were used. The study found out that there is a positive relationship between gender and perception of gender, as well as between the region and perception of gender. Female had significantly higher (p < 0.01) perception of gender scores than their male counterparts. Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that the most parsimonious set of predictors of perception of gender included gender, educational background and religion.