Search

PurposeMajor objective of the instant study was to investigate the factors affecting the adoption of integrated semantic digital libraries (SDLs). It attempted to find out the challenges faced in implementing semantic technologies in digital libraries. This study also aimed to develop a framework to provide practical solutions to efficiently adopt semantic digital library systems to offer richer data and services.Design/methodology/approachTo meet the formulated objectives of the study, a systematic literature review was conducted. The authors adhered to the “Preferred Reporting Items for the Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” (PRISMA) guidelines as a research method. The data were retrieved from different tools and databases. In total, 35 key studies were included for systematic review after having applied standard procedures.FindingsThe findings of the study indicated that SDLs are highly significant as they offered context-based information resources. Interoperability of the systems, advancement in bilateral transfer modules, machine-controlled indexing, and folksonomy were key factors in developing semantic digital libraries. The study identified five different types of challenges to build an integrated semantic digital library system. These challenges included ontologies and interoperability, development of a suitable model, diversity in language, lack of skilled human resources, and other technical issues.Originality/valueThis paper provided a framework that is based on practical solutions as a benchmark for policymakers to devise formal standards for the initiation to develop integrated semantic digital libraries.

Air pollution is one of the major problems in the Delhi NCR region due to industrial emissions, traffic congestion, population growth and rapid development. Air pollutants deteriorate the environment, human health, plants and crops. This study focuses on the physiological parameters and yield attributes of paddy and wheat crops in the vicinity of a gas-based national thermal power plant (NTPC) located in Faridabad. Ten sites were selected, including the control site within a 10 km aerial distance from the exhaust chimney stack of the power plant. Major air pollutants, such as NOx, SOx, O3, and PM10, were monitored using Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines. The air quality index (AQI) was moderately polluted at the sampling site, while good air quality was observed at the control site. The results showed that the photosynthetic rates were reduced to 46% in paddies and 48% in wheat crops. In the vegetative growth stage of paddies and wheat crops, the stomatal conductance of paddies decreased to 0.11 mmol m-2s-1 compared to 0.19 mmol m-2s-1 at the control site. The transpiration rate ranged from 0.6 to 7.7 μmol/m2/s in paddies and 1.2 to 9.8 μmol/m2/s in wheat crops. The R2 value ranged from 0.702 to 0.985, which shows a strong impact of the air quality index on the physiological parameters of crops. The yield reduction due to air pollution in paddies was 11.6%, and in wheat crops, it was 14.8%. This study also provides an inventory of air pollutants in Faridabad region and their subsequent impacts on crops.

The study aimed to identify the tolerance level of rice and wheat due to air pollutants around the gas-based power plant. Ten sites were selected around 10km radius of gas based power plant. Major air pollutants like NOx, SOx, ozone, and PM10 were monitored in ten sites during the growth of rice and wheat. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of villages falls mostly in the category of moderately polluted sites. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is a tool applied for categorizing sensitive or tolerant plants towards air pollution and is calculated by using four biochemical parameters like total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid, pH, and relative water content of rice and wheat. Results indicated that the pH of cell sap of both the crops was acidic to neutral pH (3.5-6.9) at polluted sites while neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0-7.9) at less polluted sites. Ascorbic acid content was high at polluted sites since ascorbic acid shows a defense mechanism against air pollution. Chlorophyll content (up to 0.61mg/g) and relative water content have shown a significant decrease at most polluted sites. As per APTI values (APTI

Purpose This study aims to investigate the current practices being implemented against the dissemination of fake online news, identify the relationship of new media literacy (NML) with fake news epidemic control and find out the challenges in identifying valid sources of information. Design/methodology/approach To accomplish constructed objectives of this study, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted. The authors carried out the “Preferred Reporting Items for the Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” guidelines as a research methodology. The data were retrieved from ten world’s leading digital databases and online tools. A total of 25 key studies published in impact factor (IF) journals were included for systematic review vis-à-vis standard approaches. Findings This study revealed trending practices to control fake news consisted of critical information literacy, civic education, new thinking patterns, fact-checkers, automatic fake news detection tools, employment of ethical norms and deep learning via neural networks. Results of the synthesized studies revealed that media literacy, web literacy, digital literation, social media literacy skills and NML assisted acted as frontline soldiers in combating the fake news war. The findings of this research also exhibited different challenges to control fake news perils. Research limitations/implications This study provides pertinent theoretical contributions in the body of existing knowledge through the addition of valuable literature by conducting in-depth systematic review of 25 IF articles on a need-based topic. Practical implications This scholarly contribution is fruitful and practically productive for the policymakers belonging to different spectrums to effectively control web-based fake news epidemic. Social implications This intellectual piece is a benchmark to address fake news calamities to save the social system and to educate citizens from harms of false online stories on social networking websites. Originality/value This study vivifies new vistas via a reinvigorated outlook to address fake news perils embedded in dynamic, rigorous and heuristic strategies for redefining a predetermined set of social values.

This study is an attempt to understand the coronavirus and COVID-19 from the viewpoint of recovered patients at Civil Hospital Jhangi Wala, District Bahawalpur. It investigates the feelings and experiences of those patients who suffered due to being infected with the novel coronavirus and who ultimately defeated the disease. A total of 310 Corona patients shared their feelings, symptoms, coping strategies, level of fear, and perceptions about the disease. The study used inferential statistics to quantify the data and determine the results. The study concluded that those people who were unafraid of the disease and who did not follow the Corona SOPs got the infection in the district of Bahawalpur. By profession, they were shopkeepers and laborers. The majority of the patients were those who had co-morbidities such as asthma and diabetes. The study recommended that those who are feeling symptoms of the flu such as fever, sneezing, loss of taste, loss of smell, sore throat, and/or having difficulty breathing must observe social distances and quarantine themselves for proper curation. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Hospital Librarianship is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd 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 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 . (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the key features of information management systems (IMSs) for automation in university libraries. This study also highlights the use of library information management systems in university libraries and the satisfaction of university librarians in using various IMS.Design/methodology/approachThis study is quantitative in nature. A survey research method has been applied to achieve the research objectives. Purposive sampling has been used to select the targeted population which consisted of 157 librarians working in university libraries. Data were collected through a web-based questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the collected data by using SPSS software.FindingsFree and open source software are widely used in university libraries to manage the bibliographic information of library material. KOHA is the most used software for library automation in university libraries of Pakistan. The key features of library information management system (IMS) include reliability and security of the software, user-friendly interface, advance searching options, use of library standards (MARC, Uni MARC, RDA), online upgradation, technical support of developing company, shared cataloging, multilingual features of software, etc (See Figure 4). The study recommends that the above-mentioned features must be considered by university librarians when selecting any software for library automation. Results showed that apart from the use of KOHA software, there are also some other software which are being used for library automation in university libraries of Pakistan. These systems include; Virtua, Library Management System (LMS), and Library Information Management Systems (LIMSs).Practical implicationsThis study has practical implications for university librarians in Pakistan as well as in other countries. Librarians can use the results of this study as a blueprint before selecting any information management system to automate the library record.Originality/valueThis study identifies the core features of IMS for automation in libraries. These features have been recommended by informational professionals who have been working in automated libraries and possess adequate professional experience in using library automation software.

Methods for the elimination of police corruption to enhance integrity, usually disregards its roots that are connected to societal elements in light of the fact that police corruption has societal causes and implementing a change of the police needs, to certain degree, transforming the community. In this research, a qualitative approach (semi-structured interviews, focus group meetings and observations) was used the analysis methods from social profiles categorized as per their degree of police corruption utilizing data. Researchers have described and examined the organizational and social determinants of police corruption to help decision-makers establish social and economic policy frameworks to monitor police corruption. Researchers concluded that poor pay, resource shortage, moral economy, and politicization of police are pertinent to police corruption. In addition, research evidence suggests that the government must increasingly strengthen organizational as well as social measures in order to minimize police corruption.

Nitrous-oxide emission and nitrate addition from agriculture to earth’s environment are two main agriculture related anthropogenic causes of environmental degradation that needs greater attention. For addressing the aforesaid issue, new techniques/practices need to be developed and implemented. The present investigation, which was focused on this issue, resulted in developing a new mode of nitrogen (N) placement, i.e. ‘mid rib placement upper to corms in two splits (MRPU-2S)’, that could reduce nitrous oxide N emission by around 70.11% and, nitrate N leaching and runoff by around 68.26 and 67.09%, respectively, over conventional method, in saffron growing soils of northwest Himalayas. Besides plummeting environmental degradation, MRPU-2S further resulted in enhancing saffron yield by 33.33% over conventional method. The findings of the present investigation were used to develop new empirical models for predicting saffron yield, nitrate N leaching and nitrous-oxide N emission. The threshold limits of nitrate N leaching and nitrous oxide N emission have also been reported exclusively in the present study.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the core competencies for librarians working in special libraries. It also measures the competencies of librarians working in special libraries of the Punjab Province against the checklist developed by the Special Library Association (SLA) Task Force. The study also identifies the training needs of librarians working in special libraries and the problems they face in acquiring SLA competencies.Design/methodology/approachA peer-reviewed questionnaire based on the list of competencies for special librarians prepared by the SLA Task Force was used to collect quantitative data from a targeted population. An online survey was administered to approach the population working in special libraries of Punjab Province. Collected data was analyzed statistically through SPSS software.FindingsA review of literature highlighted the various competencies for librarians working in special libraries (Figure 1). The findings of the study showed that the competencies identified by SLA Task Force are imperative for librarians working in special libraries of Punjab Province. The results showed that librarians working in special libraries of Punjab possessed an intermediate level of competencies identified by the SLA. However, they had a good level of basic professional and interpersonal skills. The study highlights the training needs of librarians working in special libraries to enable them in acquiring relevant competencies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study measures the competencies of librarians in special libraries of the Punjab Province. During the data collection phase, it was observed that there were some libraries where the non-professional/supporting staff was deputed, and due to this, data could not be collected from these libraries.Practical implicationsThis study has practical implications for librarians and information professionals working in special libraries to acquire the relevant competencies identified by the SLA. This study has identified various competencies areas that are essential for librarians working in special libraries.Social implicationsLibrarians working in any special library can use the results of this study as a checklist to improve their competencies level and work efficiently.Originality/valueIn contrast to other studies conducted on professional competencies of library professionals working in academic libraries, this study particularly identifies and measures the competencies of librarians working in special libraries.

In the recent years, due to heavy surge in the price of petrochemical products, researchers are getting interest towards renewable bioenergy resources such as algal-based biomass. In order to meet a world energy demand, current bioeconomy challenges and to produce valuable products, intensive and integrated research on algal biorefinery is highly required. Even though several research carried out study for the conversion of algae biomass to biofuel, but none of these proved economically viable. Hence, range of value added product (biodiesel, biochar, fertilizer, etc.) must be produced subsequently from algae. The utilization of microalgae for biomass production is better than agricultural crops as microalgae do not required fresh water for its growth, it can readily grow on wastewater throughout the year. Generation of wastewater is severe concern throughout the world and discharge of wastewater without proper treatment in to water bodies causes water pollution. Microalgae bear vast potential in significantly deescalating pollutant load (nitrate, TDS, ammonium, phosphate, organic load) from wastewater. The harvested algal biomass after remediation has significance role in producing biofuels and by-products in a sustainable way. In this chapter, emphasis would be given on role of algae in wastewater treatment and its biorefinary approach for sustainable energy development.

Evidence from well-established theories of various disciplines manifests that, in the current technology-led world, continued professional development (CPD) of information professionals plays a paramount role in the uplift of institutions. CPD of university library professionals via e-learning programs leads to the implementation of user-centric-services through the initiation of emerging technological tools and the latest methods of service-delivery. The focus of this study is to shed light on the factors influencing e-learning for CPD of working librarians, challenges being encountered for e-learning adoption, and to propose the best practices for designing an efficient e-learning portfolio. For meeting the focused study-objectives, the authors applied PRISMA guidelines and procedures. An extensive search was conducted utilizing the world’s 16 leading e-databases and digital tools containing the most relevant core studies. Consequently, 30 impact factor research papers published in renowned databases were included through the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion process. Findings revealed that different factors—including organizational survival, continuous changes, adoption of emerging technologies, and professional growth—encouraged e-learning for CPD of information professionals. The study results showed that four main challenges—technical difficulties, lack of funds, reliance upon conventional models, and overwhelming work-load—were encountered for e-learning adoption. The authors proposed a framework for the development of an effective and efficient e-learning portfolio for building professional expertise among university librarians to support the organizational vision and mission statement. The recommended framework is based upon emergent categories and sub-categories extracted via thematic analysis of the existing empirical studies. This study has theoretical insights for the researchers through valuable addition in the body of literature and practical considerations for policy implementers to construct sustainable policies for devising e-learning programs to develop professional expertise in the university library workforce for attainment of value-added outcomes.

The present status of solid waste management reviewed into this article based in Lahore, Pakistan. Following UN-Habitat city profiling with involved systematic quantitative, qualitative assessment, governance features of the present waste management includes in and shows the present system, waste collection, transportation is the main concentration and producing 74,000 tons year-1 of organic compost. Lahore waste management system (LWMC) is low in their target market consulted in decision making (inclusivity) and bad performance (governance features). Formal waste management system having backward of the informal system, which is absolutely inconsistent with current waste management systems. Watchful arranging and organization proposed here to reduce the trouble by integrating informal waste management system into formal waste management system for shared advantages. The integrated sustainable waste management (ISWM) indicators used for different levels of income class and LWMC performance in Lahore. Recommendation builds for the public awareness for recycling and to make the integrating informal sector sustainable system and fill the historical data gap.

This study aims to identify the relationship between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management (PKIM) practices. It also intends to investigate trending tools and approaches being applied for PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance. It also reveals challenges for the development of an effective PKIM system. To meet the study’s objectives, a systematic literature review was carried out. Fifty research papers published in peer-reviewed journals were included to conduct a comprehensive systematic review. The findings of the study revealed that a significant positive relationship exists between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management for sustainable lifelong learning and innovative organizational performance. Social media tools, the adoption of emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence were trending techniques for the successful implementation of PKIM practices in academia and the field. This research has significant theoretical, practical, social, academic, and managerial implications.

This study sought to investigate factors causing the spread of fake news on digital media (DM) and to explore the sometimes disastrous consequences of fake news on social media. The study also aimed to construct a framework for fake news disaster management to control the dangers of false news on DM. The study applied PRISMA guidelines and techniques for exploring, devising, and inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search was carried out through 15 of the world’s leading digital databases. As a result, 31 peer-reviewed studies published in impact-factor journals of leading databases were included. Findings showed that several factors influenced the sharing of fake news on digital media (DM) platforms. Six major trending factors were the rise of technologies, social connections, political reasons, the absence of a controlling center, online business and marketing, and quick dissemination of information. The study identified the disadvantages of fake news (FN) on digital media (DM). A framework was constructed for managing fake news disasters to control the spread of fake news on digital media. This paper offers important theoretical contributions through the development of a framework for controlling fake news spread on digital media and by providing a valuable addition to the existing body of knowledge. The study offers practical assistance to top management, decision makers, and policymakers to devise policies to effectively manage problems caused by fake news dissemination. It provides practical strategies to address fake news disasters on digital media for redefining social values. This research also assists digital media managers in utilizing the proposed framework and controlling the harmful impact of fake news on social media.

The objectives of the study were to identify the relationship between big data analytics with context-based news detection on digital media in the data age, to find out the trending approaches to detect fake news on digital media, and to explore the challenges for constructing quality big data to detect misinformation on social media. Scoping review methodology was applied to carry out a content analysis of 42 peer-reviewed research papers published in 10 world-leading digital databases. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between quality big data analytics and fake news detection on digital media. Additionally, it was found that artificial intelligence, fact-checking sites, neural networks, and new media literacy are trending techniques to identify correct information in the age of misinformation. Moreover, results manifested that hidden agenda, the volume of fake information on digital media, massive unstructured data, the fast spread of fake news on digital media, and fake user accounts are prevalent challenges to construct authentic big data for detecting false online information on digital media platforms. Theoretically, the study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the relationship between big data analytics and context-based fake news on digital media in the data age. This intellectual piece also contributes socially by offering practical recommendations to control the cancer of fake news in society for stopping horrific perils; hence, it has a societal impact. Current research has practical applications for generators of digital media applications, policy-makers, decision-takers, government representatives, civil societies, higher education bodies, media workforce, educationists, and all other stakeholders. Recommendations offered in the paper are a roadmap for framing impactful policies to stay away from the harms of fake digital news.

The main objectives of the study were to identify key features of the digital library management system (DLMS) for developing and managing digital libraries, to reveal the satisfaction level of the library professionals in using digital library management system, and the problems being encountered in using these systems. The current study was quantitative in nature as quantitative measures were applied through a survey research strategy. Keeping in view the nature of the study, a purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from the target librarians who had been involved in operating digital library systems for building digital libraries in their respective libraries. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that in most of the university libraries in Pakistan, free and open source software (FOSS) had been implemented. DSpace was the most widely used software by library professionals in Pakistan. Key features of the digital library software included a user-friendly interface, customization, reliability and security, use of metadata standards (Dublin Core), web-based, advanced searching, consultancy and technical support, sharing e-books to devices (mobile, tabs), full-text searching, use of Boolean operators, and access control. The study recommended that library professionals of universities should be careful in planning library digitization and they should consider the above features before implementing any digital library software in their libraries.

Organic-effluents of industrial and agricultural mess are a severe menace to the environs and human-health. Accomplishing consistent photocatalytic-disintegration of organic-effluents under sunlight conditions would have thrilling insinuations for practical manure-treatment. We were fabricated the highly ordered one dimensional Ni nanorods through simple and economical approach via electro-deposition of commercially available Nickel nitrate powder [Ni(NO3)2·6H2O] inside the aluminum template. The fabricated Ni nanorods were evaluated for their potential application as photocatalyst system to disintegrate the synthetic dyes (Methyl Red and Methyl Orange) under sunlight irradiation. The morphology (size and shape), crystalline nature, chemical constituents, band gap energy data, topographical and nanomechanical properties of the fabricated Ni nanorods were characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X-Ray, UV–Visible spectroscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) which were corroborated the successful formation of desired Nickel nanorods. Furthermore, the results of photocatalytic activity were confirmed the photocatalytic nature of the fabricated Ni nanorods. The fabricated Ni nanorods were significantly disintegrated the Methyl red and Methyl orange under sunlight irradiation to their respective products in reduced period. Hence, the fabricated Ni nanorods would be prove beneficial photocatalyst system keeping the environment safe from the threats of noxious pollutants produced by different industrial sectors.

We have developed novel formazan dyes (18–23) of enhanced fastness properties with cost-effectiveness in an aqueous system, without employing any Buffers and organic solvents. Their development was entailed of the synthesis of 2-((phenyl (2-(4-sulfophenyl) hydrazono) methyl) diazenyl) benzoic acid followed by the diazotization of 2-aminobenzoic acid that further reacted with the 4-[(2Z)-2-benzylidenehydrazinyl] benzene sulfonic acid. The multi-chromic (1:1 and 2:1) metal complexes of 2-((phenyl (2-(4-sulfophenyl) hydrazono) methyl) diazenyl) benzoic acid had been developed with the salts of Cr, Fe, Co, Cu and Ni; and they were characterized by elemental analysis, powder X-ray crystallography, Ultraviolet–visible, Fourier transforms infrared, Proton nuclear magnetic resonance and C13-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques. Density functional theory (DFT) studies of all dyes (18–23) were performed to evaluate the most stable geometries and structural parameters as well. The synthesized formazan dyes were evaluated for their different fastness (light, wash, perspiration), exhaustion and fixation properties on goat leather fabric and were revealed to have virtuous fastness properties (3–5, 4–5, 3–5, and 4–5) with high percentage value of exhaustion and fixation ranged from 91 to 97% and 90–98% respectively. The synthesized formazan dyes (18–23) were developed different colors such as Red, Brown, Green, Black, and Blue on leather. Synthesized formazan dyes were also evaluated for their antibacterial propensity on leather substrate and in solution by agar well diffusion method. The metal complex formazan dye (21) was demonstrated the significant bactericidal propensity against E. coli, S. aureus, Klebsiella and B. subtilis in solution and on leather by exhibiting maximum ZOIs (19 ± 0.05 mm, 25 ± 0.07 mm, 23 ± 0.09 mm, 27 ± 0.03 mm) and percentage reduction in bacterial growth (60 ± 0.03%, 69 ± 0.07%, 80 ± 0.05% and 86 ± 0.08%) respectively. Hence, newly synthesized formazan dyes (18–23) have efficient optical and antibacterial properties that would be proved valuable for the development of new industrial products to be commercialize.

In the health sector, the computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system is a rapidly growing technology because medical diagnostic systems make a huge change as compared to the traditional system. Now a day huge availability of medical data and it needs a proper system to extract them into useful knowledge. Heart disease accounts to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Heuristic algorithms have been exposed to be operative in supporting making decisions and classification from the large quantity of data produced by the healthcare sector. Classification is a prevailing heuristic approach which is commonly used for classification purpose some heuristic algorithm predicts accurate result according to the marks whereas some others exhibit limited accuracy. This paper is used to categorize the attendance of heart disease with a compact number of aspects. Original, 13 attributes are involved in classifying heart disease. A reasonable analysis of these techniques was done to conclude how the cooperative techniques can be applied for improving prediction accuracy in heart disease. Four main classifiers used to construct heart disease prediction based on the experimental results demonstrate that support vector machine, artificial bee colony (ABC), Bat algorithm, and memory-based learner (MBL) provide efficient results. The accuracy differs between 13 features and 8 features in the training dataset is 1.9% and in the validation, dataset is 0.92% of vector machine which is the most accurate heuristic algorithm.

A series of new extensively conjugated $E$-stilbene azomethines (5a-5h) were synthesized and screened for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The compounds were tested against bacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacillus subtilis) and fungal strains (Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and Trichoderma harzianum) using the agar well diffusion method. Among the tested compounds, $N$'-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-2-(($E)$-styryl)benzohydrazide (5g) was found to possess potent antimicrobial activity higher than some drugs with significant activity reported in the literature, e.g., cefradine and terbinafine hydrochloride. Additionally, compounds 5a-5h were also evaluated for antioxidant potential using DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric thiocyanate (FTC) assays. Among these, $N$'-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-(($E)$-styryl)benzohydrazide (5e) exhibited significant antioxidant potential by both assays. Compound 5e demonstrated higher DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC$_{50} = 22 \pm 0.19 \mu$ g/m) than the standard, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT; IC$_{50} =28 \pm 0.10 \mu$ g/mL). A similar trend was observed for compound 5e in FTC assay, which exhibited 86 $\pm$ 0.19% inhibition, whereas the BHT control showed 81 $\pm$ 0.21% inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidase. The structure elucidation of the synthesized compounds was carried out by UV-Vis, FT-IR, $^{1}$H NMR, $^{13}$C NMR, and elemental analysis and mass spectrometry. These results suggest possible use of these compounds for the rational design of new antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.

A novel approach was employed for the synthesis of un-doped tinoxide and Cobalt-doped tinoxide (Co-doped SnO2) nanoparticles (NAPs) by using aqueous extract of Clerodendrum inerme with the help of eco-friendly superficial solution combustion method. Synthesized NAPs were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques and results from XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX and UV–Vis examines confirmed the successful synthesis, crystalline nature and spherical structure of un-doped SnO2 and Co-doped SnO2 NAPs with the average grain size of 30 and 40 nm; and band gap energy of 3.68 and 2.76 eV respectively. Antimicrobial propensity of the synthesized NAPs was determined by agar well assay, SEM, TEM and confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis against various bacterial and fungal strains. Synthesized Co-doped SnO2 NAPs were unveiled the extraordinary antibacterial and antifungal activities against E. coli, B. subtilis, A. niger, A. flavus, and C. albicans with the zone of inhibitions of 30 ± 0.08 mm and 26 ± 0.06 mm, 17 ± 0.04 mm, 23 ± 0.08 mm and 26 ± 0.06 respectively which were also evidenced from SEM, TEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, green synthesized Co-doped SnO2 NAPs were demonstrated the substantial antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH, significant in vitro anticancer and in vivo antitumor activity on breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) and Ehrlich ascites tumor cell lines respectively than standard. The hemolytic activity disclosed low cytotoxicity of fabricated NAPs (0.89 ± 0.05%) at 5 mg/mL, which was indicated their biocompatibility potential. Hence, the multi-purpose properties of synthesized NAPs presented in the current study can be further deliberated for pharmaceutical and nanomedicine applications.

Admittedly, the disastrous emergence of drug resistance in prokaryotic and eukaryotic human pathogens has created an urgent need to develop novel chemotherapeutic agents. Onosma chitralicum is a source of traditional medicine with cooling, laxative, and anthelmintic effects. The objective of the current research was to analyze the biological potential of Onosma chitralicum, and to isolate and characterize the chemical constituents of the plant. The crude extracts of the plant prepared with different solvents, such as aqueous, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol, were subjected to antimicrobial activities. Results corroborate that crude (methanol), EtoAc, and n-C6H14 fractions were more active against bacterial strains. Among these fractions, the EtoAc fraction was found more potent. The EtoAc fraction was the most active against the selected microbes, which was subjected to successive column chromatography, and the resultant compounds 1 to 7 were isolated. Different techniques, such as UV, IR, and NMR, were used to characterize the structures of the isolated compounds 1–7. All the isolated pure compounds (1–7) were tested for their antimicrobial potential. Compounds 1 (4′,8-dimethoxy-7-hydroxyisoflavone), 6 (5,3′,3-trihydroxy-7,4′-dimethoxyflavanone), and 7 (5′,7,8-trihydroxy-6,3′,4′-trimethoxyflavanone) were found to be more active against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhi. Compound 1 inhibited S. typhi and S. aureus to 10 ± 0.21 mm and 10 ± 0.45 mm, whereas compound 6 showed inhibition to 10 ± 0.77 mm and 9 ± 0.20 mm, respectively. Compound 7 inhibited S. aureus to 6 ± 0.36 mm. Compounds 6 and 7 showed significant antibacterial potential, and the structure–activity relationship also justifies their binding to the bacterial enzymes, i.e., beta-hydroxyacyl dehydratase (HadAB complex) and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. Both bacterial enzymes are potential drug targets. Further, the isolated compounds were found to be active against the tested fungal strains. Whereas docking identified compound 7, the best binder to the lanosterol 14α-demethylase (an essential fungal cell membrane synthesizing enzyme), reported as an antifungal fluconazole binding enzyme. Based on our isolation-linked preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) data, we conclude that O. chitralicum can be a good source of natural compounds for drug development against some potential enzyme targets.

Purpose: Everyday life information seeking (ELIS) is essential for the mastery of life and plays a central role in the daily problem-solving activities of all human beings. This study aimed to investigate the everyday life information seeking of female university students residing at hostels in Lahore, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research approach using a survey method was adopted to identify the dimensions of ELIS and to fill the paucity of research on the topic. Two-hundred and forty-eight female students living in various university and private hostels in Lahore, Pakistan, were surveyed, and the collected data was analyzed using Statistics Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Findings: Results of the study revealed that hostel living expanded the social circle of students, as it offered exposure to diverse multicultural social groups. Female students living in hostels required information related to their academic needs, safety concerns, social life, and self-help issues. They relied mainly on mobiles phones, the internet, social media, and inter-personal relationships for everyday information. Cultural differences, natural hesitation, language barriers, time concerns, and difficulty in identifying reliable information were the primary obstacles in meeting everyday life information needs. Originality/value: The findings of this study can be used as a premise for developing interventions and information services for female students that allow them to live comfortably in a safe environment in hostels and achieve their educational goals. The study results may also provide useful insights for university administrations to establish libraries in hostels to better cater to their female residents’ information needs.

Shakeel Ahmad Khan,1 Sammia Shahid,2 Amber Ayaz,2 Jawaher Alkahtani,3 Mohamed S Elshikh,3 Tauheeda Riaz4 1Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong; 2Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan; 3Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Chemistry, Government College Women University Sialkot, Sialkot, PakistanCorrespondence: Shakeel Ahmad Khan Email shakilahmad56@gmail.comBackground: NiO nanoparticles have attracted much attention due to their unique properties. They have been synthesized using chemical and physical techniques that often need toxic chemicals. These toxic chemicals cannot easily be removed from the nanoparticle’s surface, make them less biocompatible, and limit their biological applications. Instead, plants based green synthesis of nanoparticles uses phytomolecules as reducing and capping agents. These phytomolecules are biologically active with no or less toxic effects.Materials and Methods: Phytomolecules-coated NiO nanoparticles were synthesized employing a green route using Abutilon indicum leaf extract. For comparative study, we also have synthesized NiO nanoparticles using the co-precipitation method. Synthesized nanoparticles were successfully characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for antibacterial activity with agar well diffusion assay against different bacteria compared to standard drug and plant extract. They are also examined for anticancer potential using MTT assay against HeLa cancer cells, and further, their antioxidant potential was determined using DPPH assay. Biocompatibility of the synthesized nanoparticles was assessed against fibroblast cells.Results: Phytomolecules-coated NiO nanoparticles were demonstrated superior antibacterial and anticancer performance against bacteria (E. coli, B. bronchiseptica, B. subtilis, and S. aureus) by presenting highest zone of inhibitions (18 ± 0.58 mm, 21 ± 0.45 mm, 22 ± 0.32 mm, and 23 ± 0.77 mm) and HeLa cancer cells by exhibiting the least cell viability percentage (51.74 ± 0.35%) compared to plant extract and chemically synthesized NiO nanoparticles but were comparable to standard antibiotic and anticancer drugs, respectively. Phytomolecules-coated NiO nanoparticles were also demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity (79.87 ± 0.43% DPPH inhibition) and biocompatibility (> 90% cell viability) with fibroblast cells.Conclusion: Nanoparticle synthesis using the Abutilon indicum leaf extract is an efficient and economical method, produces biocompatible and more biologically active nanoparticles, which can be an excellent candidate for therapeutic applications.Keywords: NiO nanoparticles, green synthesis, A. indicum, biological, anticancer, antibacterial

This study deals with the green synthesis of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) nanoparticles using a leaf extract of Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet as a reducing and capping agent. Different characterization techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction technique confirmed the purity and crystallinity of the Cr2O3 nanoparticles. The average size of the nanoparticles ranged from 17 to 42 nm. The antibacterial activity of the green synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated against four different bacterial strains, E. coli, S. aureus, B. bronchiseptica, and B. subtilis using agar well diffusion and a live/dead staining assay. The anticancer activities were determined against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cancer cells using MTT and a live/dead staining assay. Antioxidant activity was investigated in the linoleic acid system. Moreover, the cytobiocompatibility was analyzed against the Vero cell lines using MTT and a live/dead staining assay. The results demonstrated that the green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles exhibited superior antibacterial activity in terms of zones of inhibition (ZOIs) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria compared to plant extracts and chemically synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles (commercial), but comparable to the standard drug (Leflox). The green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles exhibited significant anticancer and antioxidant activities against MCF-7 cancerous cells and the linoleic acid system, respectively, compared to chemically synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles. Moreover, cytobiocompatibility analysis displayed that they presented excellent biocompatibility with Vero cell lines than that of chemically synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles. These results suggest that the green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles&rsquo, enhanced biological activities might be attributed to a synergetic effect. Hence, green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles could prove to be promising candidates for future biomedical applications.

Background NiO nanoparticles have attracted much attention due to their unique properties. They have been synthesized using chemical and physical techniques that often need toxic chemicals. These toxic chemicals cannot easily be removed from the nanoparticle’s surface, make them less biocompatible, and limit their biological applications. Instead, plants based green synthesis of nanoparticles uses phytomolecules as reducing and capping agents. These phytomolecules are biologically active with no or less toxic effects. Materials and Methods Phytomolecules-coated NiO nanoparticles were synthesized employing a green route using Abutilon indicum leaf extract. For comparative study, we also have synthesized NiO nanoparticles using the co-precipitation method. Synthesized nanoparticles were successfully characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for antibacterial activity with agar well diffusion assay against different bacteria compared to standard drug and plant extract. They are also examined for anticancer potential using MTT assay against HeLa cancer cells, and further, their antioxidant potential was determined using DPPH assay. Biocompatibility of the synthesized nanoparticles was assessed against fibroblast cells. Results Phytomolecules-coated NiO nanoparticles were demonstrated superior antibacterial and anticancer performance against bacteria (E. coli, B. bronchiseptica, B. subtilis, and S. aureus) by presenting highest zone of inhibitions (18 ± 0.58 mm, 21 ± 0.45 mm, 22 ± 0.32 mm, and 23 ± 0.77 mm) and HeLa cancer cells by exhibiting the least cell viability percentage (51.74 ± 0.35%) compared to plant extract and chemically synthesized NiO nanoparticles but were comparable to standard antibiotic and anticancer drugs, respectively. Phytomolecules-coated NiO nanoparticles were also demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity (79.87 ± 0.43% DPPH inhibition) and biocompatibility (> 90% cell viability) with fibroblast cells. Conclusion Nanoparticle synthesis using the Abutilon indicum leaf extract is an efficient and economical method, produces biocompatible and more biologically active nanoparticles, which can be an excellent candidate for therapeutic applications.