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Large-area epitaxial growth of III-V nanowires and thin films on van der Waals substrates is key to developing flexible optoelectronic devices. In our study, large-area InAs nanowires and planar structures are grown on hexagonal boron nitride templates using metal organic chemical vapor deposition method without any catalyst or pre-treatments. The effect of basic growth parameters on nanowire yield and thin film morphology is investigated. Under optimised growth conditions, a high nanowire density of 2.1×109cm-2is achieved. A novel growth strategy to achieve uniform InAs thin film on h-BN/SiO2/Si substrate is introduced. The approach involves controlling the growth process to suppress the nucleation and growth of InAs nanowires, while promoting the radial growth of nano-islands formed on the h-BN surface. A uniform polycrystalline InAs thin film is thus obtained over a large area with a dominant zinc-blende phase. The film exhibits near-band-edge emission at room temperature and a relatively high Hall mobility of 399 cm-2/(Vs). This work suggests a promising path for the direct growth of large-area, low-temperature III-V thin films on van der Waals substrates.

Despite growing public, academic, and government awareness of the energy consumption issue, there is still little research on the scales and patterns of Household Electricity Consumption (HEC), particularly in developing countries such as Malaysia. Therefore, the present study examines the status of HEC using electricity consumption breakdowns, key performance indicators (KPIs) for electricity consumption and Material Flow Analysis (MFA) by showing potential electricity savings, cost savings, and emission reductions using 5-star energy efficiency appliances. This study used a face-to-face survey of 400 participants in Seremban, the capital city of Negeri Sembilan. The study found that the majority of respondents (49%) consumed about 300-600 kWh/month of electricity with an estimated cost of MYR231.80 per month. Additionally, the study found that households in flats recorded lower average electricity consumption (460.16 kWh/unit) than bungalow households (885.92 kWh/unit) due to respondents’ socio-economic status, the physical size of the houses and the number of appliances owned. The study also revealed that the average energy consumption was higher for refrigerators (9.6 kWh/day) and air conditioners (4.5 kWh/day) due to the use of large amounts of energy to maintain a steady temperature. The material flow analysis shows that energy savings were approximately 22.53%, potential cost savings were MYR12,676.15 per month, and the potential reduction emissions were about 100,759.92 kgCO2e for one month with using EEA compared to non-EEA. The present study empirically discussed the significance of HEC quantification and the opportunity for energy efficiency is critical as a solution for sustainable urban metabolism in a developing country.

Abstract Adult zebrafish have an innate ability to recover from severe spinal cord injury. Here, we report a comprehensive single nuclear RNA sequencing atlas that spans 6 weeks of regeneration. We identify cooperative roles for adult neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity during spinal cord repair. Neurogenesis of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons restores the excitatory/inhibitory balance after injury. In addition, a transient population of injury-responsive neurons (iNeurons) show elevated plasticity 1 week post-injury. We found iNeurons are injury-surviving neurons that acquire a neuroblast-like gene expression signature after injury. CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis showed iNeurons are required for functional recovery and employ vesicular trafficking as an essential mechanism that underlies neuronal plasticity. This study provides a comprehensive resource of the cells and mechanisms that direct spinal cord regeneration and establishes zebrafish as a model of plasticity-driven neural repair.

Research has shown that students' science achievement has declined because of outdated pedagogies and a lack of innovation in teaching and learning. The penetration of digital technologies into teaching could help improve this situation. This study aimed to see the effect of Google Sites on Year 5 students' science achievement. A quasi-experimental research design was used. The experimental group consisted of 35 students exposed to Google Sites, leading to more flexible and interactive learning. The students were exposed to various teaching materials such as videos and online notes and were more actively interacting with peers and teacher. In the control group, 31 students were exposed to the conventional teaching method. The pre/post-test encompassed higher-order thinking questions on the science topic -- States of Matter was the main data source. The data were analysed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-test as covariate. The findings revealed a statistical difference in the mean score of students' achievements between the control and experimental group: F (1,65) = 31.37, p < 0.001. The experimental group achieved better scores and gave better quality answers. The study implies that teachers could use free and user-friendly technological tools to improve the quality of their teaching. However, support and space for teachers to engage and get familiarised with these tools must be made available.

Smartphone addiction (SA) has emerged as an important health concern worldwide. Recent studies have recognized SA as one of the factors that promote sedentarism and can contribute to obesity. However, the relationship between SA and obesity among Indian young adults remains understudied. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of SA and explore its association with general and central obesity among young adults in Delhi, India. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 young adults (aged 18–30 years) of either sex (60.16% females) from Delhi. Screening for SA was done using the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version. Somatometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference) were taken to determine general and central obesity. SA was prevalent among 25.2% of the participants. The prevalence of SA was higher among males and undergraduate students than among females and postgraduate/MPhil/PhD students, respectively. Further, SA was not associated with any of the obesity variables. Interestingly, smartphone addicts were found to have a 2.5-fold increased risk of being underweight. Though SA was not associated with obesity, it was found to be associated with being underweight, indicating a relationship between smartphone use and nutritional status among young adults.

Abstract Background Quality of Life (QoL) is an individual’s subjective perception of well-being within their cultural context. While most QoL studies focus on individuals with certain health conditions, factors such as sex, marital status, education, and family structure can influence QoL beyond age and health conditions. Considering the limited studies on QoL in the general Indian population, especially from rural areas, the present study aims to explore the QoL and sociodemographic factors affecting QoL among community-dwelling adults in rural Punjab. Methods This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 931 individuals of both sexes (59.6% female) aged 20–75 years residing in rural areas of Mansa, Punjab, India. Sociodemographic data were collected using an interview schedule, and QoL was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. Results The overall mean QoL score was found to be 67.44 ± 14.7. The most affected QoL was in the physical domain (mean = 60.203 ± 13.49), followed by psychological (mean = 65.67 ± 18.3), social-relationship (mean = 69.88 ± 26.43), and environmental domains (mean = 74.05 ± 20.58). Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed female sex, advanced age (age group ≥ 60 years), illiteracy, and unmarried status to be positively associated and family size of 6–10 members to be negatively associated with poor QoL. Conclusion The study suggests that females, elderlies, illiterates, and unmarried individuals may be at a higher risk of poor QoL. Further, education and a bigger family size appear to increase subjective well-being among participants.

Abstract Background Hyaluronic acid (HA) has a broad range of cosmetic and therapeutic applications due to its unique physicochemical properties and involvement in various essential biological processes, including cell signaling, wound reparation, and tissue regeneration. Main body In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of HA, including its history, physicochemical properties, roles, molecular biology, and biochemistry (including occurrence, biosynthesis, and degradation), as well as its chemical modifications and conventional and emerging production methods. We also examine HA's medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications and its derivatives in arthrology, ophthalmology, wound healing, odontology, oncology, drug delivery, 3D bioprinting, and cosmetology. Finally, we discuss the potential role of HA in preventing Covid-19. Conclusion Hyaluronic acid, a naturally found substance, has shown immense potential in the clinic. Thus, it is imperative to highlight its applications in the diverse fields impacting the lives of patients and healthy individuals.

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment and depression are two common mental health conditions affecting millions worldwide. CI and depression both have complex etiology and multiple genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in their onset and progression. Further, CI and depression often occur as comorbidities, indicating an overlap in their etiologies. The likelihood of developing major depressive illness and CI, the prognosis in response to treatments, and the possibility of adverse reactions to antidepressant medicines are all significantly influenced by genetics. Looking at the limited literature on the role of ACE I/D polymorphism in CI and depression among Indian populations, the present population-based pilot study was conducted with the aim to understand the association of ACE I/D polymorphism with CI and depression among North Indian adults. Results The present study was conducted among 195 individuals aged 30 years and above. The results of the present study show that the distributions of some of the studied sociodemographic variables, viz., gender, educational status, and employment status, were significantly different between those with and without CI, where a higher percentage of females, nonliterate and unemployed participants were in CI group than in the without CI group (p value

Abstract Background Pterospermum rubiginosum has been traditionally used by the tribal inhabitants of Southern India for treating bone fractures and as a local anti-inflammatory agent; however, experimental evidence to support this traditional usage is lacking. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical characterization, in silico and in vitro anti-inflammatory evaluation, followed by in vivo toxicological screening of P. rubiginosum methanolic bark extract (PRME). Results The LCMS evaluation revealed the presence of 80 significant peaks; nearly 50 molecules were identified using the LCMS database. In silico analysis showed notable interactions with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In vitro gene expression study supported the docking results with significant down-regulation of iNOS, IL-6, and IL-10. PRME was administered orally to the SD rats and was found to be non-toxic up to 1000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. The antioxidant enzymes catalase and sodium dismutase exhibited an increased value in PRME-administered groups, possibly due to the diverse phytochemical combinations in bark extract. Conclusions PRME administration significantly downregulated the gene expression of inflammatory markers, such as iNOS, IL-6, and IL-10. The molecular docking analysis of iNOS and IL-6 supports the in vitro study. In vivo toxicological study of PRME in SD rats was found to be non-toxic up to a concentration of 1000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Graphical abstract

The increase in environmental consciousness and waste-to-wealth concepts in the automobile sector has led to the use of natural fibers in desirable quantities. The current study deals with the extraction, treatment, and utilization of Lycium ferocissimum stem fibers for friction composite in braking applications. The fibers of Lycium ferocissimum were extracted through manual retting and subsequently treated with benzoyl chloride. Both the benzoyl chloride treated and untreated fibers of Lycium ferocissimum were employed as reinforcements in the formulation of a friction composite, following the standard practices of the industry, and the comparison was made using commercially available friction composite. The developed friction composites were tested for original equipment manufacturer quality requirements following industrial Standards. The friction composite’s tribological behavior was analyzed using the Chase test following the Society of Automotive Engineers standards. The worn surface characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscope. The test results elucidated that benzoyl chloride-treated Lycium ferocissimum fibers-based friction composites showed good frictional properties with better wear resistance compared to others, having a weight loss of 5.4%.

Abstract Malaysia was ranked 32nd on the Global Competitiveness Index in 2022, which denotes that the level of R&D and productivity in SMEs in Malaysia needs to be improved. Therefore, more research is needed to ensure it remains competitive in the global halal marketplace by using innovative concepts as a culture to promote energy-intensive halal SMEs. This study examines the sequential influence of an innovative mindset, behavior, and performance on competitive advantage among SME owner-managers embarking on halal businesses. Data were gathered from SME owner-managers from the halal energy-intensive industry by conducting a self-administered and online-based survey involving 140 respondents. Data were analyzed with the partial least squares technique (SmartPLS 3.0). The results of this study show that innovative behavior was a direct result of an innovative mindset. On the other hand, innovative behavior produced innovation performance, which in turn produced a competitive advantage. This study shows that SMEs owner-managers of halal energy-intensive industries need possess both innovative behavior and innovative attitude as valuable assets. Moreover, a key component in their ability to gain a competitive advantage is their performance in innovation.

Background: The high burden of suicide among young adults is a matter of grave concern worldwide. Yet only a few studies from India have attempted to explore the region-specific prevalence and determinants of suicidal behavior. Considering this research gap, the present study was undertaken to capture the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of suicidal behavior among college-going young adults residing in Delhi. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 272 (59.20% females) college-going young adults (aged 18–30 years) of Delhi. Data on sociodemographic variables were captured through a pretested and modified interview schedule. Screening for suicidal behavior was done using the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Results: Suicidal behavior was present in 18.01% of the studied participants. The prevalence of suicidal behavior was significantly higher among females (21.73%) than among males (12.61%) (P < 0.05), suggesting females are at a higher risk than males. Other sociodemographic variables (age, education level, state of origin, social category, religion, and family income) were not found to be associated with suicidal behavior except for the social category, where participants belonging to reserved castes were found to be at relatively lower risk of having suicidal behavior than those belonging to the unreserved category. Conclusions: The prevalence of suicidal behavior among the participants is quite high. Region-specific data on suicide-related behavior is important for averting completed suicides and preventing devastating outcomes among young adults.

Abstract The functioning of the human immune system is highly dependent on the sex of the individual, which comes by virtue of sex chromosomes and hormonal differences. Epigenetic mechanisms such as X chromosome inactivation, mosaicism, skewing, and dimorphism in X chromosome genes and Y chromosome regulatory genes create a sex-based variance in the immune response between males and females. This leads to differential susceptibility in immune-related disorders like infections, autoimmunity, and malignancies. Various naturally available immunomodulators are also available which target immune pathways containing X chromosome genes.

The Biomedical Freshman Research Initiative (BFRI) is a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a hispanic-serving institution. Our analysis showed that BFRI participation was associated with retention in the BS in Biomedical Science program and at UTRGV. No significant difference in academic achievement and graduation in 4 years was observed. The results from this study suggest that BFRI is a promising avenue to provide more opportunities for students to be exposed to and participate in research early on and retain them in the science pipeline at a lower cost and manpower.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of progressive replacement of fish oil with Schizochytrium-derived oil from Veramaris® (VMO) in the diets of Atlantic salmon, focusing on its effect during the pre-adaptation to smoltification phase of parr, with an emphasis on the winter signal period. Substitution of fish oil with VMO during this critical developmental phase of salmon (pre-adaptation to smoltification phase) can contribute to the goal of reducing dependence on wild fisheries as a primary source of essential fatty acids in aquafeeds. Three isoproteic, isolipidic and isoenergetic diets were formulated; a control diet containing 5% fish oil and 12% plant oil (0VMO) and two other diets, in which 50% and 100% of the EPA+DHA from fish oil were replaced with VMO, henceforth referred to as 50VMO and 100VMO, respectively. The fish were exposed to a 12 L:12D photoperiod over a 49-day window with samples collected at five time points, including a 48-h salt water challenge to evaluate the effects on common smoltification-related biomarkers including the expression of two genes coding for the two protein isoforms of the NKA alpha catalytic subunit (nkaa1a, nkaa1b), the gene coding for NA+/K+Cl⁻ co-transporter (nkcc1) in the gills as well as osmolality, Cl-, Mg2+, Ca2+, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 in plasma. The results showed non-significant differences in growth performance and only minor differences in smoltification-related parameters between the dietary treatment groups. Overall, the unconventional source of EPA+DHA was not detrimental to growth, hypoosmoregulatory ability or general welfare, suggesting that the progressive substitution of fish oil with Schizochytrium-derived oil in diets for Atlantic salmon parr is a viable option for adoption by the aquaculture industry.

The synergy between deep learning and meta-heuristic algorithms presents a promising avenue for tackling the complexities of energy-related modeling and forecasting tasks. While deep learning excels in capturing intricate patterns in data, it may falter in achieving optimality due to the nonlinear nature of energy data. Conversely, meta-heuristic algorithms offer optimization capabilities but suffer from computational burdens, especially with high-dimensional data. This paper provides a comprehensive review spanning 2018 to 2023, examining the integration of meta-heuristic algorithms within deep learning frameworks for energy applications. We analyze state-of-the-art techniques, innovations, and recent advancements, identifying open research challenges. Additionally, we propose a novel framework that seamlessly merges meta-heuristic algorithms into deep learning paradigms, aiming to enhance performance and efficiency in addressing energy-related problems. The contributions of the paper include:1. Overview of recent advancements in MHs, DL, and integration.2. Coverage of trends from 2018 to 2023.3. Introduction of Alpha metric for performance evaluation.4. Innovative framework harmonizing MHs with DL for energy problems.

Background and aim: Asthma is a chronic airway hyperresponsiveness disorder and Obese people have greater rates of asthma incidence and prevalence. Obesity, a complex condition, can cause nutritional metabolic problems that change trace elements and minerals. Trace element and antioxidant levels affect asthma aetiology. In this study, we aim to determine the serum levels of trace elements Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, Co, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr, total antioxidants (TAS), and lifestyle that determine specific clinical conditions in asthma and obesity patients from Vellore City (Tamil Nadu, India). Methods: A case-control study to determine the level of the serum trace elements with 838 subjects (n = 242 asthma patients, n = 140 asthmatic obese, n = 185 obese patients, and n = 271 controls) between the ages of 20 and 60 years was carried out. Asthma was diagnosed based on the clinical examination and pulmonary function tests. Trace element levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) in serum, and a DPPH-free radical scavenging assay was used to determine the total antioxidant capacity level in serum. Result: In asthma male patients, serum levels of Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, and TAS were significantly lower and Pb, Cd, and Cr significantly higher, whereas in female asthma patients, serum levels of Zn, Fe, Mg, and TAS were significantly lower and Pb significantly higher. In asthmatic obese male patients, Fe, Cu, and TAS were significantly lower, and Pb, Cd, and Co were significantly higher; in asthmatic obese female patients, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, and TAS were significantly lower, and Ni was significantly higher. In obese male patients, Zn, Fe, Cu, and TAS were significantly lower and Cd was significantly higher, and in obese female patients, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, and TAS were significantly lower. Conclusion: The influence of the level of trace elements, heavy metal, total antioxidant, and the lifestyle patterns, may increase the risk of asthma and obesity.

PurposeTo characterize and pharmacologically influence subconjunctival lymphatics in rabbit and mouse eyes.MethodsRabbits received subconjunctival injections of trypan blue or fixable fluorescent dextrans. Bleb-related outflow pathways were quantified. Immunofluorescence for vessel-specific markers (lymphatics [podoplanin and LYVE-1] and blood vessels [CD31]) were performed in native rabbit conjunctiva and after fixable fluorescent dextran injection. Vascular endothelial cell growth factor-C (VEGFC) was injected subconjunctivally in rabbits. mRNA and protein were assessed for the above markers using RT-PCR and Western blot. Alternatively, mouse studies used Prox1-tdTomato transgenic reporter mice. Subconjunctival injection conditions included: no injection, balanced salt solution (BSS), VEGFC, 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and two concentrations of mitomycin-C (MMC). Two mouse injection protocols (short and long) with different follow-up times and number of injections were performed. Mouse eyes were enucleated, flat mounts created, and subconjunctival branching and length assessed.ResultsRabbit eyes demonstrated clear bleb-related subconjunctival outflow pathways that were distinct from blood vessels and were without nasal/temporal predilection. Immunofluorescence against vessel-specific markers showed lymphatics and blood vessels in rabbit conjunctiva, and these lymphatics overlapped with bleb-related subconjunctival outflow pathways. Subconjunctival VEGFC increased lymphatic (P = 0.004-0.04) but not blood vessel (P = 0.77-0.84) mRNA or protein in rabbits. Prox1-tdTomato transgenic reporter mice demonstrated natively fluorescent lymphatics. Subconjunctival VEGFC increased murine lymphatic branching and length (P ≤ 0.001-0.004) while antimetabolites (P ≤ 0.001-0.043) did the opposite for the long protocol.DiscussionSubconjunctival lymphatics are pharmacologically responsive to both VEGFC and antimetabolites in two animal models studied using different methodologies. These results may be important for bleb-forming glaucoma surgeries or ocular drug delivery.

BackgroundMutations in PIEZO1 (Piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1) cause human lymphatic malformations. We have previously uncovered an ORAI1 (ORAI calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1)-mediated mechanotransduction pathway that triggers lymphatic sprouting through Notch downregulation in response to fluid flow. However, the identity of its upstream mechanosensor remains unknown. This study aimed to identify and characterize the molecular sensor that translates the flow-mediated external signal to the Orai1-regulated lymphatic expansion.MethodsVarious mutant mouse models, cellular, biochemical, and molecular biology tools, and a mouse tail lymphedema model were employed to elucidate the role of Piezo1 in flow-induced lymphatic growth and regeneration.ResultsPiezo1 was found to be abundantly expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells. Piezo1 knockdown in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells inhibited the laminar flow-induced calcium influx and abrogated the flow-mediated regulation of the Orai1 downstream genes, such as KLF2 (Krüppel-like factor 2), DTX1 (Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 1), DTX3L (Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 3L,) and NOTCH1 (Notch receptor 1), which are involved in lymphatic sprouting. Conversely, stimulation of Piezo1 activated the Orai1-regulated mechanotransduction in the absence of fluid flow. Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction was significantly blocked by Orai1 inhibition, establishing the epistatic relationship between Piezo1 and Orai1. Lymphatic-specific conditional Piezo1 knockout largely phenocopied sprouting defects shown in Orai1- or Klf2- knockout lymphatics during embryo development. Postnatal deletion of Piezo1 induced lymphatic regression in adults. Ectopic Dtx3L expression rescued the lymphatic defects caused by Piezo1 knockout, affirming that the Piezo1 promotes lymphatic sprouting through Notch downregulation. Consistently, transgenic Piezo1 expression or pharmacological Piezo1 activation enhanced lymphatic sprouting. Finally, we assessed a potential therapeutic value of Piezo1 activation in lymphatic regeneration and found that a Piezo1 agonist, Yoda1, effectively suppressed postsurgical lymphedema development.ConclusionsPiezo1 is an upstream mechanosensor for the lymphatic mechanotransduction pathway and regulates lymphatic growth in response to external physical stimuli. Piezo1 activation presents a novel therapeutic opportunity for preventing postsurgical lymphedema. The Piezo1-regulated lymphangiogenesis mechanism offers a molecular basis for Piezo1-associated lymphatic malformation in humans.