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Copyright of Iraqi Journal of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cement plays a crucial role in India’s infrastructure projects and contributes significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employment. India’s urbanization relies heavily on this sector as the world’s second-largest producer of cement. Given its economic importance, understanding and assessing financial health and predicting the likelihood of default by these companies are critical for stakeholders. This study investigates various financial ratios, assesses their significance, and explores their relationship with the Altman Z-score, a financial ratio used to predict the probability of a company’s bankruptcy. Recent corporate practices show a growing trend toward incorporating corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting and sustainable growth rate (SGR) reporting into mandatory disclosures. These metrics are strategically used to improve public perception, build stakeholder trust, and convey a company’s reliability and operational performance. This study further explores the potential impact of CSR and SGR on bankruptcy risk, assessed using the Altman Z-score. Empirical analysis within the Indian cement industry reveals that, at present, CSR and SGR factors may not have a significant effect on financial distress. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of the financial health of the Indian cement industry while examining the evolving roles of CSR and SGR. It provides a nuanced perspective by empowering stakeholders to identify financial and non-financial indicators of stability. It also emphasizes the critical need for holistic assessment methodologies in the ever-evolving corporate landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically, sandstone oil reserves comprise various clay minerals, such as illite, chlorite, and kaolinite. The existence of these clay minerals drastically affected the quality of these reservoirs. This paper attempts to detect clay minerals and environmental deposition of the upper shaly-sand unit (USSU) of the Nahr Umar formation, as it is the main reservoir. It is a portion of an anticline composed of a lower Cretaceous clastic sandstone formation. The kind of environment, clay minerals, and depositional correlation between total organic matter and uranium content were determined using a spectral log of gamma-ray (SGR). According to the SGR log, the primary constituents of USSU are mixed-layer clays, which are illite, kaolinite, and chlorite. The investigated wells in the field's western north have Th/U (thorium/ uranium) ratios ranging from 0.465 to 18.4. Based on the Th/U ratio, the USSU had a mostly shallow marine with continental and marine environment traces. Additionally, a Th/K (thorium /potassium) cross-plot revealed that as kaolinite decreased, illite increased in the formation's southern region.

The Barapukuria coal basin stands as Bangladesh’s sole active underground coal mining site. The geological setting of this basin is marked by two major faults, the Eastern Boundary Fault and FB fault encircling the basin perimeter, alongside several smaller faults and those induced by underground longwall mining activities. A major concerning issue of this mine is the water inrush into the mine area from the extensive groundwater aquifer, Upper DupiTila (UDT). Using the Fault Seal Analysis technique employed by (Yielding et al. in Am Assoc Pet Geol Bull 81:897–917, 1997) algorithm, this analysis attempts to identify susceptible areas and potential unsealed faults that could provide the risk of water invasion into the mine area. Evaluation of Fault Seal Analysis reveals varying Shale Gauge Ratio (SGR) values: 0.08 and 0.13 for the major Eastern Boundary Fault, 0.05 for the second largest FB fault, 0.35 and 0.53 for FB-1, and 5.65, 1.69, and 1.22 for the smaller faults BGP-N-F11, BGP-N-F2, and F-24, respectively. According to SGR values, the Eastern Boundary Fault and the FB fault plane are anticipated to be unsealed and dip westward at an angle of 75°-80°, rendering them vulnerable to water inflow through the fault planes. The analysis also suggests that the Lower DupiTila (LDT) aquiclude which can impede the groundwater flow from the UDT aquifer into the mine area, is very thin or absent in the northern region of the basin making this region highly susceptible to water inundation.Article Highlights: The largest Eastern Boundary Fault plane and FB fault plane are unsealed and are prone to water leakage. The northern side of the basin is more vulnerable to water inundation. Mine-induced reactivation faults can pose a threat to water leakage by connecting the unsealed fault planes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present a new application of fluorosulfonylazide (FSO2N3) for diazotizing a series of activated methylene compounds to deliver the corresponding diazo products. Notably, by the judicious choice of bases, the selective generation of the Bestmann‐Ohira reagent (BOR) or the Seyferth‐Gilbert reagent (SGR) has been realized from FSO2N3 and dimethyl‐2‐oxopropylphosphonate. We also investigated the kinetics of the homologation of aldehydes using these two reagents with K2CO3 as a base in MeOH, finding that a faster reaction rate was achieved by using SGR. Moreover, the facile one‐pot synthesis of terminal alkynes from aldehydes has been established, which could be further coupled with azides to deliver triazoles using CuAAC click chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present a new application of fluorosulfonylazide (FSO2N3) for diazotizing a series of activated methylene compounds to deliver the corresponding diazo products. Notably, by the judicious choice of bases, the selective generation of the Bestmann‐Ohira reagent (BOR) or the Seyferth‐Gilbert reagent (SGR) has been realized from FSO2N3 and dimethyl‐2‐oxopropylphosphonate. We also investigated the kinetics of the homologation of aldehydes using these two reagents with K2CO3 as a base in MeOH, finding that a faster reaction rate was achieved by using SGR. Moreover, the facile one‐pot synthesis of terminal alkynes from aldehydes has been established, which could be further coupled with azides to deliver triazoles using CuAAC click chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated alternative feeding strategies in the production of common carp in floating cages. A total of 600 common carp fish with an average weight of 103.2± 37.0g were distributed in the cages at a density of 50 fish/cage. Three replications were used for each treatment for the period from 15/12/2021 to 1/12/2022, under three feeding strategies and control treatment. T1 consisted of continuous feeding with a 30% protein content, while T2 involved an alternative feeding, switching between a 30% protein feed and a 20% protein feed on consecutive days. T3 included two days of feeding with a 30% protein diet followed by a day of a 20% protein diet, and T4 involved three days of feeding with a 30% protein diet followed by a day of a 20% protein diet. The results showed that no significant difference (P> 0.05) in WG, DGR, RGR and SGR of the fish between continuous feeding and alternative feeding at the end of the experiment, and the feed conversion rate (FCR) was not affected by the different protein levels. T2 exhibited superiority (P= 0.05) in protein efficiency ratio (PER), recording a value of 1.10, whereas the control treatment had a lower value. There was no significant difference in the condition factor between the different treatments. T4 recorded the best economic benefit (1.2) among the different treatments. No significant difference was detected in the protein of the fish body between the treatments, while the value of the fat increased with the alternative feeding, and the treatment before the experiment recorded the best value of body fat with 6.32. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African Union and regional economic communities have identified infrastructure development, not least the enhancement of railway systems, as a key priority to advance regional and continental integration policy. The keen interest of Chinese actors in Africa's railway sector is largely welcomed as conducive to increasing infrastructural connectivity within and between Africa's sub‐regions. This article argues that regional railway projects must be assessed against regional political contexts, which crucially co‐determine the degree of coordination and cooperation in the context of region‐centric infrastructure policies. Competing national political agendas, exacerbated mostly by China's bilateral engagement with East African Community member states, has intensified East Africa's infrastructure race. This has resulted in a poorly coordinated standard‐gauge railway project along the East African Northern Corridor; consequently, its economic viability is in doubt. Related Articles: Ikeanyibe, Okechukwu Marcellus. 2018. "Bureaucratic Politics and the Implementation of Liberalization Reforms in Nigeria: A Study of the Unbundling and Reorganization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation." Politics & Policy 46(2): 263–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12249. Iwuoha, Victor Chidubem, Nneka Ifeoma Okafor, and Emmanuel Ifeadike. 2022. "State Regulation of Nigeria's Maritime Ports: Exploring the Impact of Port Concession on Both the Regulator and the Operators." Politics & Policy 50(5): 1032–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12495. McNamara, Madeleine W., John C. Morris, and Martin Mayer. 2014. "Expanding the Universe of Multi‐Organizational Arrangements: Contingent Coordination and the Deepwater Horizon Transportation Challenges." Politics & Policy 42(3): 346–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12073. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how the physical habitat influences growth and behaviour is essential for developing effective habitat restoration programmes of threatened and endangered fish species. In our study, we compared the growth and behaviour of juvenile European eel during 13 weeks in aquaria with either sand (0.8–2 mm) or pebbles (25–40 mm) as bottom substrate. In aquaria with the pebble substrate, eel grew significantly faster than in aquaria with sand (specific growth rate 0.15 vs. 0.11% day−1). Moreover, growth rates varied more for individuals inhabiting aquaria with sand than in those with pebbles (coefficient of variation 1.26 vs. 0.67). Habitat‐dependent growth rates may partly be explained by the observed differences in behavioural patterns. In aquaria with sand, eel left the substrate more often and moved close to the bottom or freely in water column. In aquaria with pebbles, eel remained hidden in the substrate to a high degree, also during feeding. These results may be important for prioritising connectivity‐ and habitat‐restoring measures and for optimization of restocking programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Effect of different salinity level (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8ppt) on the growth and survival of Carassius auratus fry during summer season for 28 days. The result showed significant effect (p<0.05), in Net weight gain (0.36±0.022 (NWG), Percent body weight gain (%WBG), Specific Growth rate (59.38±3.47) (SGR)for those fishes reared in 0, 2, 4 and 6ppt salinity, but impact was observed in 8ppt, respectively. The best specific growth rate (SGR) and net weight gain (NWG) was obtained in control T4, T3, T2 and T1. Also 5% level of significance different between treatments of control. 100% survival was recorded in all treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an aim to evaluate the culture potential of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus grow-out farming trials were carried out under different salinity regimes and stocking densities across the coastal states of India (West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala). The growth performance and immunity status were assessed under two different stocking densities (low and high) at each salinity regime (S1: 3–7; S2: 8–15; S3:15–25; S4:25–35; and S5:40–60 ppt) for a period of 80–120 days. Significantly higher growth was observed in the salinity range of 15 to 35 ppt with average daily growth (ADG) up to 0.195 ± 0.032 compared to low ADG of 0.125 ± 0.021 in very low and very high salinity range (< 7 ppt and > 40 ppt). Similarly, the final mean harvest weight of P. indicus reared at 15–25 ppt salinity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to other salinity ranges. The lower stocking density treatment ponds demonstrated higher mean harvest weight (18–30 g) with a production ranged from 2200.59 ± 331.09 kg/ha/crop to 3611.02 ± 218.23 kg/ha/crop compared to higher density ponds (12–20 g) which was ranged from 4338.67 ± 650.37 kg/ha/crop to 7817.31 ± 158.78 kg/ha/crop. The total productivity (kg/ha/crop) significantly (p < 0.05) increased with increase in stocking density by 20–30% while it was comparable between salinity ranges. The prophenoloxidase (PPO) activity gradually increased or decreased correspondingly to the salinity level with significantly lower PPO activity being observed at very low (5 ppt) and very high (60 ppt) than other salinity ranges. The serum protein and lysozyme also varied with the salinity range. Different densities did not affect immune parameters much, although lower stocking density was showing marginal increase. This study is based on large data from multi-location trials undertaken across different salinity ranges and stocking densities and provides a field-level assessment of growth potential of this native shrimp species in different geographic locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faba bean is an important legume crop consumed as a vegetable or snack food, and its green cotyledons could present an attractive color for consumers. A mutation in SGR causes stay-green in plants. In this study, vfsgr was identified from a green-cotyledon-mutant faba bean, SNB7, by homologous blast between the SGR of pea and the transcriptome of faba bean. Sequence analysis revealed that a SNP at position 513 of the CDS of VfSGR caused a pre-stop codon, resulting in a shorter protein in the green-cotyledon faba bean SNB7. A dCaps marker was developed according to the SNP that caused the pre-stop, and this marker was completely associated with the color of the cotyledon of faba bean. SNB7 stayed green during dark treatment, while the expression level of VfSGR increased during dark-induced senescence in the yellow-cotyledon faba bean HST. Transient expression of VfSGR in Nicotiana. benthamiana leaves resulted in chlorophyll degradation. These results indicate that vfsgr is the gene responsible for the stay-green of faba bean, and the dCaps marker developed in this study provides a molecular tool for the breeding of green-cotyledon faba beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the notable scarcity of Chondrus crispus on the Portuguese coast, and interest in exploiting compounds such as carrageenan, this study focuses on investigating different aquaculture methods and recording the yield of carrageenan from specimens grown by different methods. We compare the growth of Chondrus crispus in aquaculture using Free Floating, Cages, Attempted Fixation on Rock, and Fixed Line similar to Long Line. The best method was Free Floating where Nursery 0 had a 24-day Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of 2.08 ± 0.47%/day. The worst method in terms of growth was Nursery 2 (Attempted Fixation on Rock) where the SGR at 28 days was 0.33 ± 0.69%/day, and no fixation was observed. In terms of carrageenan extraction, all culture methods gave rise to biomass that had a lower extraction yield than wild specimens, at 50.95 ± 4.10%. However, the Free-Floating method from Nursery 1 showed an acceptable carrageenan content (31.43 ± 7.00%). Therefore, we demonstrate that the concept of C. crispus cultivation may be key to promoting the sustainability and stability of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several aquaculture studies have concluded that feed constitutes the heaviest cost in aquaculture enterprises. Consequently, researchers continue to investigate strategies that can lower feed costs such as the use of protein rich plant sources and insect meals to partially or completely substitute the expensive fishmeal in aquafeeds. However, this approach has often faced numerous challenges such as anti-nutrients in plant protein sources that limit their use and suboptimal polyunsaturated fatty acids profile in terrestrial protein sources such as insect meal. Precision feeding is a strategy that could also reduce aquafeed feed costs and enhance the economic sustainability of aquaculture. There is discordance regarding the feeding intensity that should be used for fish such as dusky kob. The current study was designed to compare the effect of three feeding intensities (2.8 %, 3.5 % and 4 % of body weight (BW)) on growth performance and feed utilisation of juvenile dusky kob (Argryrosomus japonicus). Dusky kob juveniles were randomly and evenly allocated to 18 tanks with a volume of 465 L. Each feeding intensity was randomly allocated to six tanks carrying 66 fish each. The average temperature and dissolved oxygen were 25°C and 5.5-6.0 mg/l, respectively. Commercial dusky kob diet was offered twice daily at the rate of 2.8%, 3.5% and 4% of body weight (BW). A feeding intensity × fish age (weeks) interaction effect was noted on fish feed intake (P<0.05) but not on weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and specific growth rate (SGR). The overall weight gain after six weeks of feeding was similar across the three feeding intensities (P>0.05). The 2.8% BW feeding rate promoted 1.06%/day SGR as compared to 1.21%/day and 1.48%/day for 3.5% and 4.0% BW feeding rates, respectively. Similar weight gains and FCR recorded across the three feeding intensities may suggest that the lowest feeding intensity (2.8% BW) should be used for dusky kob feeding to reduce feeding costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Site Groundwater Rating (SGR) in the Amirkabir tunnel has been estimated using Radial Basis Function Networks (RBFNs). SGR is the first rating method that by considering the parameters like joint frequency, joint aperture, schistosity, crashed zones, karstification, soil permeability coefficient, tunnel location in the water table or piezometric surface, and the amount and intensity of annual raining in the area, classifies the tunnel path from the risk of groundwater seepage point of view. In this article, using an RBFN, an estimation of SGR along the Amirkabir tunnel path was performed. Field data obtained from primary studies in the tunnel was used to train and test the prepared network. For the testing set, modeling results showed that SGR could be predicted with the mean error of 3.57% and 4.76% using radial basis network and exact radial basis network functions, respectively. A High correlation between the SGR of the tunnel path and the network answers, confirmed the prepared RBFN.

Based on the data of drilling, geophysical exploration and roadway fault exposure of No.3 upper 107 working face in first mining area of Sanhekou Coal Mine, the water bearing capacity of Sanhekou fault and Qianzhai fault in natural state is analyzed, and the fault sealing methods such as lithology juxtaposition map, SGR method and fault plane normal pressure method are used to evaluate the fault water conductivity in natural conditions from lateral and vertical aspects. The numerical simulation of fault seepage characteristics and activation law under the condition of mining in working face is carried out. The results show that both Sanhekou fault and Qianzhai fault are water free faults under natural conditions. When the working face is excavated 30 m away from Sanhekou fault and 26 m away from Qianzhai fault, the pore water pressure in the two fault layers increases slowly, and only the upper end of the fault is damaged within a small range, and the overall water blocking performance of the fault does not change.

Climate‐induced shifts in plankton blooms may alter fish recruitment by affecting the fatty acid composition of early‐life diets and corresponding performance. Early‐life nutrition may immediately affect survival but may also have a lingering influence on size and growth via experiential legacies. We explored the short‐ and longer‐term performance consequences of different concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for juvenile Walleye (Sander vitreus, Mitchill 1818). For the first 10 days of feeding, juveniles were provided Artemia enriched with: oleic acid (low PUFA), high docosahexaenoic acid and high eicosapentaenoic acid (high PUFA), or high PUFA and a form of vitamin E (high PUFA + E). After 10 days, all fish were fed a high‐quality diet and reared for an additional 27 days. Juveniles fed either high PUFA diet were 1.15‐fold larger (PUFA mean ± SD = 20.0 ± 3.3 mg; PUFA + E = 19.8 ± 3.3 mg) than those fed the low PUFA (17.3 ± 2.8 mg) diet after 10 days of feeding. After 27 days, juveniles initially fed the high PUFA diet were still 1.10‐ to 1.20‐fold larger (PUFA = 407.0 ± 61.6 mg; PUFA + E = 422.7 ± 58.7 mg) than those initially fed the low PUFA diet (356.5.0 ± 39.5 mg). Our findings demonstrate that fatty acid composition of juvenile Walleye diets has immediate and lingering size effects. As changes in climate continue to alter lower trophic levels, fish management and conservation may need to consider short‐ and long‐term effects of temporal or spatial differences in early‐life diet quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of African Studies / Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos is the property of Brazilian Journal of African Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Under the background of the main epidemic HIV strains (CRF01&#95;AE and CRF07&#95;BC) co-circulation in China, more HIV second-generation recombinant (SGR) strains with CRF01&#95;AE and CRF07&#95;BC as the backbone were also emerging. In this study, we characterize a novel HIV-1 second-generation circulating recombinant form (CRF117&#95;0107) consisting of CRF01&#95;AE and CRF07&#95;BC fragments from three epidemiologically unrelated HIV-1-infected individuals. One near full-length genome (NFLG) sequence was amplified, sequenced, and spliced in two halves using RNA extracted from the plasma of a homosexual in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. Two other NFLG sequences were obtained from the Los Alamos HIV Sequence Database under accession numbers KY201177 and MK397789, which were isolated from men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangdong Province and Zhejiang Province, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these NFLG sequences formed a monophyletic cluster with a high bootstrap value of 1.0. Recombination analysis demonstrated that the genome of CRF117&#95;0107 was separated into three segments by two breakpoints. Further subregional phylogenetic analysis was performed that showed segment I+III (790-5990nt, 8295-9412nt) of CRF117&#95;0107 originated from the CRF07&#95;BC cluster, and Segment I+III (5991-8294nt) originated from the CRF01&#95;AE cluster. The appearance of CRF117&#95;0107 further highlights that HIV-1 SGR strains containing CRF01&#95;AE and CRF07&#95;BC will be generated more frequently and will most likely be more conducive to accelerating the spread of HIV in China. This study suggested it's essential to monitor HIV-1 second-generation CRFs among high-risk populations such as MSM for the epidemic and evolution dynamics of HIV-1 in China.

Highlight Research • Wastewater in hybrid grouper culture should be maintain before resirculate and dispose to aquatic environment to avoid eutrophication. • Seaweed that is used for biofilter must be observed for its suitability, performance and effectivity. • Ulva sp. has the best effectiveness to reduce nutrient in wastewater of hybrid grouper aquaculture by absorbing then stored into thallus. • Ulva sp. is proven has the best SGR and adaptability in wastewater of hybrid grouper culture. Abstract Wastewater generated from hybrid grouper culture needs to be managed to improve water quality before being recirculated, or discharged in the aquatic environment. Seaweed biofilter has been proposed in wastewater treatment technology for marine fish farming. This study aimed at comparing which of these species i.e. Ulva sp., Sargassum sp., Gelidium sp., and Dictyota sp. work best to absorb nutrient wastewater hybrid grouper culture. This research utilized these seaweed as treatments and controls with three replications using Completely Randomized Design. A statistical analysis was conducted to investigate the significant differences in the nutrient absorptions among various seaweed species by using ANOVA and least significant difference. Non-parametric tests namely Kruskal-Walis, Mann-Whitney, and t-test were used with confidence interval of 95%. The results revealed that Ulva sp. has the best ability to reduce the Nitrogen 80%, while Dictyota able to reduce Phosphor 88% by Dictyota sp. generated from wastewater of hybrid grouper culture. While the highest absorbtion of Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (104%) and phosphate (182%) that stored in thallus were performed by Ulva sp. Ulva sp. had the best performance and highest growth rate (1.9% d-1) as biofilter in hybrid grouper cultivation than other species.

An experiment was conducted on carp-mola polyculture in some seasonal ponds of about 1.0 acre in size for a period of seven months in Purusottampur Block of Ganjam district, Odisha. In this polyculture system the stocking density of mola @7500, 10000 and 12500 numbers were introduced in different treatments keeping only carps (catla, rohu, common carp) in the control. The carp fingerling stocked at ratio 40: 30: 30 in all the treatments. There was significant variation found between the weight gain of control and other treatments and water quality parameters during the experimental period (P<0.05). The total body weight gain of all carp species decreased with increase in stocking density of mola. Amblypharyngodon mola grows higher in T1 (1.49g) followed by T2 (1.45g) and T3 (1.29g) at the end of experiment. The other growth parameters such as BWG (%) and SGR (%) followed the same trend as total body weight gain. The survibility (%) also follow the same trend as others. Carp-mola poly culture may be adopted as compared to only carp culture based on nutrition because mola has more nutritional value than other fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the recycling process Société Générale de Recyclage (SGR) (EU register number RECYC201), which uses the VACUNITE (EREMA basic and Polymetrix SSP V‐leaN) technology. The input material is hot caustic washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes mainly originating from collected post‐consumer PET containers, including no more than 5% PET from non‐food consumer applications. The flakes are heated in a continuous reactor under vacuum before being extruded and pelletised. The crystallised pellets are then preheated and submitted to solid‐state polycondensation (SSP) in a continuous reactor at high temperature under vacuum and gas flow. Having examined the challenge test provided, the Panel concluded that the continuous reactor (step 3) and the SSP reactor (step 5) are critical in determining the decontamination efficiency of the process. The operating parameters to control the performance are temperature, pressure and residence time for steps 3 and 5 as well as velocity of inert gas for step 5. It was demonstrated that this recycling process is able to ensure that the level of migration of potential unknown contaminants into food is below the conservatively modelled migration of 0.1 μg/kg food. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the recycled PET obtained from this process is not of safety concern, when used at up to 100% for the manufacture of materials and articles for contact with all types of foodstuffs, including drinking water, for long‐term storage at room temperature, with or without hotfill. The final articles made of this recycled PET are not intended to be used in microwave and conventional ovens and such uses are not covered by this evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of financial leverage on the performance of 424 Pakistani nonfinancial listed companies over the 2001–2017 period. Three measures of financial leverage, i.e., short-term debt (STDL), long-term debt (LTDL), and total debt (TLEVR), were applied to examine their impact on performance, i.e., sustainable growth (SGR), Tobin's Q, return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and return on sales (ROS). Robust results obtained using the generalized method of moments (GMM) report a significant negative impact of financial leverage on performance. The results also confirm an inverted U-shaped relationship between financial leverage and performance, indicating that an increase in the financial leverage of Pakistani listed companies increases their performance up to a certain level, and after that, a further increase in financial leverage decreases their performance. The results further suggest that STDL is a main contributing source of debt that causes a higher risk of refinancing for companies and thus negatively affects performance. This study's findings are useful for academics, management, policymakers, and regulators to understand the importance of financial leverage and to choose between STDL and LTDL to fund financial needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most severe and high-impact weather phenomena, tornadoes and their long-term frequency trends have received lots of attention from both the scientific community and the public. Here, we show that over the last six decades (1954–2018), U.S. (E)F1 tornadoes have a statistically significant upward trend but (E)F2–E)F4 tornadoes have statistically significant downward trends based on both solid trend analyses of three independent methods and robust verifications of reported tornado data using a recently developed approach called sample generation by replacement (SGR). Furthermore, we develop a statistical framework to quantitatively explain two-way interconnections between long-term climate trends and internal variabilities. With the support of quantile–quantile plots, we find that a large positive trend of U.S. (E)F1 tornadoes over the last six decades statistically results from a small internal variability of (E)F1 tornado activities. The long-term trends of U.S. (E)F2–(E)F4 tornadoes are also inversely proportional to their internal variabilities, as anticipated by the two-way interconnection theory developed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of recombinant forms has greatly enhanced HIV-1 genetic diversity. Under co-circulation of major epidemic HIV-1 strains (CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC) in China, more CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC as the backbone of HIV-1 second-generation recombinants (SGRs) are also emerging. In this study, we identified three similar novel HIV-1 SGR strains composed of CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC from HIV-1 positive individuals in Shenzhen, China. Near full-length genome phylogenetic and recombinant analysis confirmed that these unique recombination forms were CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC strains recombined. Further subregion phylogenetic analysis indicated that all CRF01_AE fragments were from CRF01_AE cluster 4 prevalent among men who have sex with men, and all subtype B and C fragments derived from CRF07_BC. The emergence of novel recombinants of CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC indicates the increased genetic diversity of the HIV epidemic in Shenzhen. It is necessary to monitor HIV-1 SGR strains among high-risk populations for the epidemic dynamics of HIV-1 in Shenzhen, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the notable scarcity of Chondrus crispus on the Portuguese coast, and interest in exploiting compounds such as carrageenan, this study focuses on investigating different aquaculture methods and recording the yield of carrageenan from specimens grown by different methods. We compare the growth of Chondrus crispus in aquaculture using Free Floating, Cages, Attempted Fixation on Rock, and Fixed Line similar to Long Line. The best method was Free Floating where Nursery 0 had a 24-day Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of 2.08 ± 0.47%/day. The worst method in terms of growth was Nursery 2 (Attempted Fixation on Rock) where the SGR at 28 days was 0.33 ± 0.69%/day, and no fixation was observed. In terms of carrageenan extraction, all culture methods gave rise to biomass that had a lower extraction yield than wild specimens, at 50.95 ± 4.10%. However, the Free-Floating method from Nursery 1 showed an acceptable carrageenan content (31.43 ± 7.00%). Therefore, we demonstrate that the concept of C. crispus cultivation may be key to promoting the sustainability and stability of this species.

The current study aims to compare the growth of young grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella fed on either artificial diet or alfalfa. The experiment was carried out in the earthen ponds of the Aquaculture Unit in the Agricultural Researches and Experiments Station (College of Agriculture, University of Basrah), which is located in the Al-Hartha district, approximately 16 km north of Basra (300 65' 64.6''N, 470 74' 79.5''E). The experiment begun from 26 July 2019 to 10 December 2019. Six ponds with an area of 600 square meters each were used for treatments. Fish were distributed equally to the culture ponds (600 fish per pond) at average individual weight of 6.3±0.28 g. Fish in artificial diet treatment were fed 5 % of the body weight and in alfalfa treatment 50 % of the body weight. Samples of fish were weighed every twenty days for the purpose of controlling growth parameters subsequently adjusting the daily feed provided based on the new weight. The growth criteria (final weight, weight gain, daily growth rate, specific growth rate, relative growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio) were calculated. Results of the current study showed that the water temperature is the most variable factor, for example, the highest temperature was 27.2oC in July, while the lowest temperature was 18.7oC in December. Results of growth criteria of the current study showed that grass carp in earthen ponds preferred alfalfa rather than the artificial diet, as the final average weight were 97.35, 47.18 g, the weight gain rate were 91.73, 40.75 g fish-1, the daily growth rate were 1.27, 0.42 g day-1, relative growth rate 1707.77, 629.99 %, specific growth rate were 3.92, 2.04 % day-1, feed conversion ratio were 11.75, 2.51and protein efficiency ratio were 1.75, 0.45 for fish fed on alfalfa plant and the artificial diet respectively.

Sandstone oil reserves are composed of a variety of clay minerals, including kaolinite, illite, and chlorite. These clay minerals have a significant effect of reservoir quality. The upper sandstone member (USS) of Zubair Formation is the most plentiful reservoir of the field and it's part of a large anticline that belongs to an enormous clastic sandstone formation, from the Lower Cretaceous period. A spectral gamma-ray (SGR) log was used to identify the type of clay minerals, depositional environment, and the relationship between total organic matter with uranium concentration. SGR log indicated that USS is composed mainly of chlorite, smectite, and illite clay minerals with the presence of kaolinite as a dominant clay mineral component. Th/U ratio varies between 2.55 and 8.52 and 1.11 to 11.68 in the north and south parts of the field, respectively. The USS had a fluvially dominated, sand-rich deltaic environment based on the Th/U ratio. Furthermore, Th/K cross-plot was found that the south part was more affected by illite compared with the north part, although the presence of kaolinite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feeding trial of 90 days was conducted to check the effect of probiotic on the growth of Labeo rohita. Four different doses of feed T1 (0.5 x 107), T2 (1 x 107), T3 (1.5 x 107) and control were formulated. Fish were fed at the @3% body weight, twice a day total of 300 L. rohita having an average weight of 10-15 g were collected from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Ravi Campus, Pattoki (UVAS) fish ponds. Total 12 aquaria were used and 25 fish in each aquarium were stocked such as control, T1, T2 and T3. Initial weight and length of each fish were recorded before stocking. Water quality parameters were checked daily. On weekly basis weight and length was examined, at the end of the experimental trial; the final weight and length were resulted. Treatment T2 (57.11±0.51) growth parameters were recorded significantly, while T3 (42.28±0.35) and T1 (48.70±0.06) were recorded non-significant. Treatment T1 was a significant result of hematological parameters while T2 and T3 were recorded non-significantly. In all treated groups, the physico-chemical parameters were remained statistically non-significant throughout the experimental trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Intellectual disability (ID) are the neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood associated with significant maladaptive behaviors including aggression, self-injury and severe tantrums, agitation etc. The parents of children with ASD experience greater stress than faced by parents of typically developing children or those with other developmental disabilities. The present research was an attempt to deliver a single session intervention in mothers and study its effect of parental stress and behavioral problems in children. Twenty mothers were recruited, 10 in experimental group and 10 in waitlist group. Single session of SGR was delivered to participants and an audio recording was given for self-practice at home. The outcome measures used were Parental Stress Scale and Behavioral Assessment Scales for Indian Children with Mental Retardation-Part B. Within and between group analyses was carried out using paired t-test and independent t-test with significance. There was significant reduction in parental stress in experimental group compared to participants in waitlist group. However no much difference was evident in behavioral problems in children. SGR is an effective intervention for mothers of children with disability. It may be used as an adjunct or integral component of parental management training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review illustrates the relationships among stocking rate, initial weight (W1), dietary protein ratio (CP), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of three freshwater fish species: tilapia, catfish and carp under different feeding frequencies (FF) using the descriptive and statistical analyses. More than 70 previous studies related to the effect of FF on growth performance of fish were reviewed. Means of SGR and FCR in the previous researches were collected and analyzed to derive regression liner, correlation coefficient (R) and determination coefficient (R2). Statistical relations affirmed that FF had statistically significant positive effect on SGR and FCR of tilapia and carp compared to catfish. Moreover, FF can reduce the stress of high density in tilapia ponds, but it can't improve the performance and feed utilization on both catfish and carp. This study concluded that, the optimum feeding frequencies were considered as from four to six, six and two to three feeding times /day on tilapia, carp and catfish, respectively.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of alternating feeding (Alt) compared with control being fed every day (Con) in the on‐growth face of Atlantic cod. Individually marked fish (198 and 98 in the Con and Alt groups, respectively) was sampled for weight and length on 6 occasions over a 15‐month period, where mean weight increased from 628 and 758 g to 2635 and 3041 g, for the Con and Alt groups, respectively. Feeding alternate day resulted in 13 percentage more weight gain in the alternating feeding group (2283 vs. 2007 g) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR, 1.07) compared with control (FCR 1.45). The Alt group consumed significantly less feed (27%) compared with control. The results demonstrate that feeding costs can be drastically reduced without compromising biomass growth by using feeding on alternate days during the on‐growing period of Atlantic cod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoperiod and shelter have direct or indirect effects on phenotypic traits expression in different fish species. The present study was, therefore, intended to explore whether these light and shelter could influence some phenotypic traits of African catfish larvae under laboratory condition. Newly hatched larvae were stocked in plastic aquaria (10L) at a rate of 5 individuals/L and reared for one month under four treatments such as 24h light (24L), 24 h dark (24D), 12h light and 12h dark with PVC (12DL_PVC), and 12h light and 12h dark without PVC (12DL) conditions. A total of 108 larvae were sampled for phenotypic traits analysis. The results revealed that complete darkness (24D) significantly improved the overall growth parameters (total length, standard length, caudal peduncle length, anal fin length, caudal fin length, total body depth, dorsal fin length, pre dorsal distance, pre anal distance, pre ventral distance, head width, head length, eye diameter, maxillary barbell length, inter orbital length, and specific growth rate) than all other treatments, while no significant variation was found among other treatments. Although shelter did not show any significant role in the overall growth, it significantly reduced the larval mortality than those reared without shelter. The survival rates were also significantly different among various light regimes in which the highest was found in 24D (86%) followed by 12DL_PVC (74%), 24L (71%), and 12DL (60%). The study also revealed that larvae reared in 24D exhibited maximum dark brown body colouration (63%), while in 24L showed maximum light brown colouration (96%). On the other hand, maximum larvae were appeared as medium brown color (76%) in tanks having PVC, whereas many of them were light brown (61%) in non-PVC tanks. Taken together, the study suggests that C. gariepinus larvae should be reared in completely dark condition to enhance their overall production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to reveal the potential of fermented soy pulp on the growth performance of the Syrian hamster, Mesocricetus auratus. Soy pulp is a byproduct in soy milk production. It was reported to contain high nutritional values. The feeding experiment was carried out for 28 days in triplicates and one group of Syrian hamster which received commercial pellets was used as a control group. At the end of the experiment, growth performance parameters such as weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and specific growth rate (SGR) were recorded and analyzed. The results of the experiment showed that the growth performances of Syrian hamsters that received fermented soy pulp were lower compared to those of the control group with significant differences (p<0.05). The findings of the present study revealed that fermented soy pulp alone cannot be used as a supplement feed for Syrian hamster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted with the purpose to see the impact of financial sustainability and firm performance on stock prices. Financial sustainability covering the long term and firm performance covering the short term performance of a firm. Sample taken for the study was the manufacturing industry of Pakistan which has 25 sectors and within all the sectors there are 379 firms. Data was collected on annual basis from 2010 to 2019. Financial sustainability was determined by Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) and firm performance was calculated through Return on Assets (ROA) whereas firm size and firm age was taken as control variables. Regression was used to see the significance of the impact of financial sustainability and firm performance on stock prices. According to the results, both long term and short term performance has a significantly positive impact on the stock prices of a firm, which shows that operations of a firm, whether short term or long term do have an important role to play. This study also enhances the importance of financial sustainability for a firm. This study can be helpful for the policy makers and investors as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ikan lele (Clarias sp.) merupakan salah satu komoditas perikanan air tawar yang banyak diminati di Indonesia dan terjadi peningkatan produksinya setiap tahun. Untuk itu, terus dipacu peningkatan produksi ikan lele. Upaya yang dilakukan untuk meningkatkan produksi ikan lele yaitu melalui pemberian EM4 (Effective microorganism 4) pada pakan. EM4 yang digunakan berisi Lactobacillus casei dan Saccharomyces cerevisiae. EM4 dikultur dalam media yang dibuat dari molase, bekatul, susu sapi, buah nanas, kunyit putih, temulawak, jahe merah dan air kelapa. EM4 hasil kultur dalam media disebut sebagai fermentor. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh pemberian EM4 hasil kultur dalam media yang berbeda pada pakan terhadap laju pertumbuhan spesifik/spesific growth rate (SGR), rasio konversi pakan/feed conversion ratio (FCR) dan tingkat kelangsungan hidup/survival rate (SR) benih ikan lele. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL). Perlakuan terdiri atas A (pakan komersial), B (pakan+10% EM4), C (pakan+10% fermentor 1), D (pakan+10% fermentor 2) dan E (pakan+10% fermentor 3), setiap perlakuan diulang sebanyak empat kali. Pakan difermentasi selama 1-3 hari sebelum pakan diberikan kepada benih ikan lele ukuran panjang 7-9 cm. Data dianalisis menggunakan ANAVA. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberian EM4 hasil kultur dalam media yang berbeda pada pakan berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap SGR, FCR dan SR benih ikan lele (P

To determine the influence of stocking density on the common carp growth performance and body composition, four variants: 0.9 kg m-3 (V1), 1.8 kg m-3 (V2), 2.6 kg m-3 (V3), and 3.5 kg m-3 (V4) was carried out during 31 days. In this context, 2100 common carp fry, with an initial weight of 1.8 g fish-1, were maintained in twelve rearing units of a recirculating aquaculture system. Fish were fed three times per day with extruded feed containing 50% crude protein and 14% fat. At the end of the experiment, the fish's growth performance was assessed. Better results were obtained for the V1 variant. Regarding the biochemical composition of fish meat, significant differences (p˂0.05) were recorded in the water content, while the ash lipids and protein content showed no significant differences (p˃0.05) between the experimental variants. Therefore, it can be concluded that a stocking density of 0.9 kg m-3 is optimal for rearing juveniles of common carp without compromising the specific growth rate (SGR), survival, and biochemical composition of fish meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A detailed analysis of the GBM/Fermi experiment data is carried out to classify GRB 200415A. It is shown that, on the one hand, this event exhibits typical for type I (short) gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) properties, such as duration, variability, and the character of spectral evolution (lag). On the other hand, the localization of the event source on the celestial plane, obtained by the triangulation method (IPN), indicates the nearby ( Mpc) galaxy NGC 253 (Sculptor) as a possible host galaxy for this burst. It introduces significant restrictions on the energetics of the event ( erg) and gives an alternative interpretation of GRB 200415A as a giant flare (GF) of a soft gamma repeater (SGR). This interpretation is supported by the atypically hard energy spectrum. In addition, according to the position of the burst on the (the position of the maximum in the energy spectrum in the source frame depending on the isotropic equivalent of the total energy, emitted in gamma rays) and (duration in the source frame depending on the combination of parameters ) diagrams, GRB 200415A is unambiguously classified as a giant flare of a magnetar, assuming its association with the galaxy NGC 253. In these diagrams, known giant flares in the Galaxy and candidates for giant flares in nearby galaxies form a well-defined group, which includes the GRB 200415A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state Chhattisgarh is blessed with plenty of water resources among the central Indian states. It is showing a striking growth in terms of aquaculture production and productivity from the last decade. In the year 2015-16, the fisheries sector contributed 13.10 per cent to the state agricultural GDP and 1.57 per cent to the state overall GDP. The fisheries department in the state was established in the year 2003 and from then it is framing policies for the development of the sector and also for the welfare of farmers as well as fisher communities. With various developmental schemes by Dept. of fisheries, at present, the state stands at 6th position in fish seed production as well as in inland fish production in the country. The state has 1.64 lakh ha of available water bodies in various forms out of which about 1.54 lakh ha are already brought under fish culture. The present study addresses the performance and potential of fisheries sector at the present fisheries policies that are being implemented in the state and to analyze the growth rates and trends in fish production of Chhattisgarh over time. The DoF is taking a leading role in hatchery management, seed production and rearing compared to the cooperatives and private organizations. The simple and compound growth rates are estimated for fish seed production and inland fish production. The CGR of seed production is 11.71 per cent and for fish production, the same is 10.64 per cent. The fish seed production showing the exponential trend line with R2 value 0.98 whereas the fish production showing a polynomial trend line with R2 value 0.98. The SWOT analysis shows that the self-seed production, increasing trends of fish production, DoF supports are the major strengths. The weaknesses include lack of risk-taking abilities with farmers, the dependency of farmers for credit etc. The opportunities are self-seed production, availability of untapped resource etc. and threats include: fail to provide the incentives to poor farmers as the affluent farmers bribing to get the benefits, technological constraints etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]