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Viruses are responsible for a variety of human pathogenesis. Owing to the enhancement of the world population, global travel, and rapid urbanization, and infectious outbreaks, a critical threat has been generated to public health, as preventive vaccines and antiviral therapy are not available. Herbal medicines and refined natural products have resources for the development of novel antiviral drugs. These natural agents have shed light on preventive vaccine development and antiviral therapies. This review intends to discuss the antiviral activities of plant extracts and some isolated plant natural products based on mainly preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) studies. Twenty medicinal herbs were selected for the discussion, and those are commonly recognized antiviral medicinal plants in Ayurveda (Zingiber officinale, Caesalpinia bonducella, Allium sativum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ferula assafoetida, Gymnema sylvestre, Gossypium herbaceum, Phyllanthus niruri, Trachyspermum ammi, Withania somnifera, Andrographis paniculata, Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, Woodfordia fruticose, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Tamarindus indica, Terminalia arjuna, Azadirachta indica, and Ficus religiosa). However, many viruses remain without successful immunization and only a few antiviral drugs have been approved for clinical use. Hence, the development of novel antiviral drugs is much significant and natural products are excellent sources for such drug developments. In this review, we summarize the antiviral actions of selected plant extracts and some isolated natural products of the medicinal herbs.

COVID-19 remains the most prominent pandemic disease since it spreads with a distinct composition with considerable intensity worldwide. Identifying the hidden antecedents on consumer behavior during a pandemic is worthwhile since the market psychology directly influences how consumers behave with the "fear of Pandemic." On the contrary, the consumer stockpiling in the face of the COVID-19 is viewed as unconventional inventory accumulation mainly meant to minimize a perceived threat of loss or fear of going without. The main objective of this paper is to systemize and organize the contemporary knowledge on stockpiling behavior during a pandemic. Herein, firstly the methodology is extensively discussed. Secondly, the analysis and discussion section is presented, with, a) citation analysis performed to evaluate the emerging research studies of stockpiling behavior and b) comprehensive analytical models within the literature. Articles were selected from well-reputed databases, including Web of Science, JStore, and Google Scholar. A total of 60 research papers were used for the analysis, whereas a limited number of studies were available in relation to the areas of "stockpiling behavior" and "Pandemic/disasters. Analysis was two folds, whereas (a) citation analysis was conducted with themes and (b) the comprehensive analytical models were identified. Citation analysis discovered five main themes: (1) Post-Switch Stockpiling, (2) Brand Switching and Stockpiling Behaviour. (3) Social Media and stockpiling behavior, (4) Predictors of Stockpiling Behaviour, and (5) Behaviour in Pandemic situations. Further, Within the analytical models proposed, the model by Ling & Ho (2020) has been identified to empirically test the hidden patterns, panic-buying behavior, and social context of consumer behavior. The authors suggest aligning the model to fill the empirical gap within the consumer behavior research context.

Achieving environmental sustainability by improving the urban microclimate is a key principle in mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This study aimed to (a) investigate the outdoor thermal comfort by establishing Heat Index (HI) values to identify thermal hot spots and (b) model green infrastructure possibilities to alleviate UHI in Colombo urban metropolitan in Sri Lanka using ENVImet climate model. Daytime temperature and humidity values of 14 urban locations were collected to determine HI to recognize thermal urban hotspots in Colombo area. A pretested comprehensive random-stratified questionnaire survey has been conducted to appraise the thermal discernment of the general public. ENVImet microclimate model was accompanied to test the temperature reduction levels in different bioclimatic green infrastructure scenarios [Two belts (R1), three belts (R2), four belts (R3), five belts (R4)] in the selected study site. Five sites (Borella, Colombo Fort, Maradana, Wellawaththa, Liberty junction) were identified as thermal hotspots in Colombo metropolitan. HI values were fluctuated within 33.82–40.35 °C range and the highest average day time HI value was observed at Maradana (40.35 °C) and the lowest HI was observed at Thummulla (33.82 °C). Survey results revealed that 89.3% people are affected with thermal uncomfortability and 5% were affected with heat-related skin diseases. Inserting trees into curbsides (R4) reduced temperature remarkably by 2.07 °C in the urban metropolitan. Therefore, the proposed green infrastructure scenario has proved to be the most suitable way to improve the thermal comfort conditions of urban environment, as it can reduce the UHI effects.

Application of advanced techniques to ensure the environment sustainability and freshwater ecosystem conservation is a paramount importance. Industrial sector is mostly accused for the increased water pressure with high water consumption rates and increased grey water footprints. Industries must take action toward implementing water conservation strategies to enhance natural water cycle, increase water-use efficiency and address future challenges. The significance of water footprint as a driving force to water conservation is spotlighted with severe water scarcity. “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” proposed by the United Nations are focused on creating a sustainable way of life to reduce the impacts on ecology and achieve economic and social benefits. Water is a central part in sustainable development; thus, all SDGs are interlinked with sustainable water use. The paper reviews incorporating the concept of water footprint to achieve SDGs in relation to industrial water conservation and the future pathways that lead to sustainable water resource management.

Extended reality has been used fairly effectively in psychotherapy to treat a variety of mental disorders. However, most of the studies required expensive additional equipment or professional assistance to practice the treatments which would limit the ability to use such solutions to manage day to day stress. In the current study, the effectiveness of Augmented Reality supported mindfulness and progressive muscle relaxation interventions for stress reduction were evaluated. Participants that reported predominantly psychological stress, practiced AR-based mindfulness for 5 min and participants that reported physiological stress, practiced a carefully curated AR-based progressive muscle relaxation session. The comparison was done against a resting control condition of participants. Heart-Rate Variability measurements were used to detect the stress level and an 18-item questionnaire was developed to classify stress as either psychological or physiological. The results of the experiment showed reduced stress levels following the interventions for the experimental group. Especially, for participants whose stress level was classified as “High” prior to the intervention, showed significant stress level reductions, classifying their stress as “Optimal” following the intervention. This study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of AR in acute stress reduction interventions.

Background: Mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD 1) gene are estimated to cause 20% of familial ALS and 1-2% of sporadic cases. Accurate gene variant classification of novel mutations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has deepened our understanding of clinical phenotypes, provided pathologic insights, and is crucial to incorporating emerging therapies. Methods: We describe a case of a 75-year-old female who presented with a rapidly progressive lower motor neuron syndrome leading to flaccid quadriparesis and complete loss of independence over a five month period. Results: Genetic testing demonstrated a heterozygous variant of uncertain significance in the SOD1 gene with a g > c point mutation at position 382 that has been described in one other patient in available literature. MR of the lumbar spine demonstrated abnormal smooth nerve root enhancement. Conclusions: This novel mutation in the SOD1 gene may be associated with a rapidly progressive phenotype of sporadic ALS. Ventral nerve root enhancement should not exclude a diagnosis of ALS especially in the absence of nodularity or nerve enlargement.

With an ever-increasing growth in the composition of millennial employees in the workforce, understanding their expectations and demands and applying strategies to keep them fully engaged and committed has become a challenge. As this group grows significantly employers need to make major changes in their engagement and motivating models. In the modern business context, most organizations tend to offer career growth opportunities with benefits and arrange mentoring programs to facilitate employee career growth and solve their issues and concerns within the organizational environment. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study is to explore how the mentoring program at XYZ Company contributes to the organizational commitment of millennial employees. Theoretical foundations are basically drawn from Homan's Social Exchange theory and Meyer and Allen’s Organizational Commitment model. This qualitative case study has used the in-depth interview method to collect primary data from a sample of 20 mentors and mentees. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis method and pattern matching technique was used to identify the categories and themes that emerged through analyzing data. The results of the study indicated that mentoring program at XYZ Company is effective and has an impact on organizational commitment of millennial employees. Mentees perceived the impact of mentoring on organizational commitment in terms of mentor's influence, role of mentoring on emotional attachment and role of mentoring on obligation to stay. Mentors increase the commitment of mentees by appreciating and valuing their commitment, tracking and reviewing their performance and guiding them towards extra effort. Further, it revealed that mentors play very important role in motivating mentees to exert great effort in terms of being productive and punctual, achieving targets and ensuring quality. Their desire to maintain organizational membership is indicated by their feelings on being valued, proud and the bond with people and the culture. Finally, mentors create an obligation to stay by delegating more authority and responsibilities, providing growth opportunities and training and developing them properly. It was identified that mentees are committed in terms of affective commitment and normative commitment. However, it was evidenced that they were committed to the job but not to the organization. This professional commitment is mainly influenced by their intention of achieving rapid career growth. These findings provide important insights for the management of the organization on the expectations and demands of millennial employees and the nature of strategies that they should introduce to keep them fully engaged and committed. Keywords: Mentoring, Employee Engagement, Organizational Commitment, Millennial employees

Erdafitinib (JNJ-42756493, BALVERSA) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma. In this work, a translational model-based approach to inform the choice of the doses in phase 1 trials is illustrated.A pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed to describe the time course of erdafitinib plasma concentrations in mice and rats. Data from multiple xenograft studies in mice and rats were analyzed using the Simeoni tumor growth inhibition (TGI) model. The model parameters were used to derive a range of erdafitinib exposures that might inform the choice of the doses in oncology phase 1 trials. Conversion of exposures to doses was based on preliminary PK assessments from the first-in human (FIH) study.A one-compartment PK disposition model, with linear absorption and dose-dependent clearance, adequately described the PK data in both mice and rats via an allometric scaling approach. The TGI model was able to describe tumor growth dynamics, providing quantitative measurements of erdafitinib antitumor potency in mice and rats. Based on these estimates, ranges of efficacious unbound concentration were identified for erdafitinib in mice (0.642-5.364 μg/L) and rats (0.782-2.565 μg/L). Based on the FIH data, it was possible to transpose exposures into doses and doses of above 4 mg/day provided erdafitinib exposures associated with significant TGI in animals. The findings were in agreement with the results of the FIH trial, in which the first hints of clinical activities were observed at 6 mg.The successful modeling exercise of erdafitinib preclinical data showed how translational PK-PD modeling might be a tool to help to inform the choice of the doses in FIH studies.

Plant identification is an interesting and challenging research topic due to the variety of plant species. Identification of medicinal plants is very useful to botanists, industrialists, food engineers and physicians. Among different parts of a plant, leaf is widely used for plant identification because it is usually the most abundant type of data available in botanical reference collections and the easiest to obtain in the field studies. A number of research works have been carried out for plant leaf identification. In this work, a system is developed to identify medicinal plants from Sri Lanka using leaf images. Images of leaves of different plants are obtained from the Flavia dataset. In order to get proper results, leaf images with a white background are used. Pre-processing and feature extraction techniques are used before using a pattern matcher to compare the information from this image with the ones in the database to get potential matches.

Effective learning of building technology is stemming from persistent practices in transforming information from construction drawings to appropriate responses in compliance with the industry standards and the government requirements. This type of training has been delivered in a conventional fashion involving formal lectures and studios-based practice sessions. Nevertheless, learners usually lack construction site experience and demand for more intensive guidance to understand the learning materials they received in classes. Unfortunately, this issue is more critical as professional trainers or academics in this area with sufficient industry experience is not readily available. Devising more effective training in construction technology shall be invaluable for the learners, trainers and the construction industry itself. Research findings suggest that virtual reality (VR) environment engender learners to make more references to critical thinking and higher-order cognition in compare to conventional teaching methods. In engineering education context, VR improves learners’ understanding about spatial arrangements and the link between two-dimensional and three-dimensional environment. A literature review that identified the types of VR techniques in application to construction education and professional training was conducted. Strengths and weaknesses of these applications were compared. The findings suggest that not all VR techniques are effective on fostering blended learning with integration among real-life construction site environment. A more effective form of VR technique should address the limitation of hardware, class size and conditions.

The Corona Viral Infective Disease (COVID-19), which leads to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is caused a pandemic situation globally. World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020. Intend of this study is divulge the chemistry behind the phenomenon of viral (SARS-CoV-2) attachment on human epithelial cells as well as evaluate the receptor blocking abilities of selected herbal compounds. Significant anti-viral compounds were identified via review process of medicinal plants and Ferula asafetida, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale etc. are widely used plant species for drugs against viral infectious diseases in Ayurveda medicine. Molecular docking prognosis have been carried out to demonstrate any possible secondary metabolites present in several anti-microbial herbs that could act as blocking agents of ACE2 and GRP78 receptors of epithelial cells to baffle the binding of receptor-binding domain (RBD) sections of SARS-CoV-2. Computational findings reveal that Phyto-chemicals such as Conferone, Samarcadin, Bdrakemin Farnesiferol A, Fernesiferol C and Galbanic acid isolated from Ferula asafetida have intensive binding energies for ACE2 receptor binding process. Apart from that Hederagenin and Ursolic also shows highest inhibitory potential towards human ACE2. When considering GRP78, almost all isolated compounds in oligo-gum resins of Ferula asafetida trot out perfect binding ability towards the active site of GRP78 receptor. Hence, it is worth to pay more attention on natural phytochemicals for mitigating of human viral infections.

Swellable polymers that respond to pH (including a portion of the physiological pH range) have been prepared from N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) copolymerized with acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid or propacrylic acid by dispersion polymerization. When the swellable polymer particles are dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel membrane, large changes occur in the turbidity of the membrane (which is measured using an absorbance spectrometer) as the pH of the buffer solution in contact with the hydrogel membrane is varied. The swelling of the NIPA copolymer is nonionic, as the ionic strength of the buffer solution in contact with the PVA membrane was increased from 0.1 to 1.0 M without a decrease in the swelling. For many of these NIPA copolymers, swelling was also reversible in both low- and high ionic strength pH-buffered media and at ambient and physiological temperatures. The composition of the formulation used to prepare these copolymers of NIPA can be correlated to the enthalpy and entropy of the pH-induced swelling.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an approved intervention for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), but current targeting approaches are only partially successful. Our objectives were (1) to examine the feasibility of MRI-guided TMS in the clinical setting using a recently published surface-based, multimodal parcellation in patients with TRD who failed standard TMS (sdTMS); (2) to examine the neurobiological mechanisms and clinical outcomes underlying MRI-guided TMS compared to that of sdTMS. We used parcel-guided TMS (pgTMS) to target the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex parcel 46. Resting-state functional connectivity (rsfc) was assessed between parcel 46 and predefined nodes within the default mode and visual networks, following both pgTMS and sdTMS. All patients (n = 10) who had previously failed sdTMS responded to pgTMS. Alterations in rsfc between frontal, default mode, and visual networks differed significantly over time between groups. Improvements in symptoms correlated with alterations in rsfc within each treatment group. The outcome of our study supports the feasibility of pgTMS within the clinical setting. Future prospective, double-blind studies of pgTMS vs. sdTMS appear warranted.

Swellable polymers that respond to pH (including a portion of the physiological pH range) have been prepared from N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) copolymerized with acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid or propacrylic acid by dispersion polymerization. When the swellable polymer particles are dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel membrane, large changes occur in the turbidity of the membrane (which is measured using an absorbance spectrometer) as the pH of the buffer solution in contact with the hydrogel membrane is varied. The swelling of the NIPA copolymer is nonionic, as the ionic strength of the buffer solution in contact with the PVA membrane was increased from 0.1 to 1.0 M without a decrease in the swelling. For many of these NIPA copolymers, swelling was also reversible in both low- and high ionic strength pH-buffered media and at ambient and physiological temperatures. The composition of the formulation used to prepare these copolymers of NIPA can be correlated to the enthalpy and entropy of the pH-induced swelling.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224066.].

We present measurements of the nucleation, growth and evolution of single hydrogen nanobubbles containing zeptomoles of molecular hydrogen and likely originating from a single catalytic site. These bubbles are measured using nanoscale platinum and gold meniscus-contacted electrodes, whose picoliter volumes facilitate rapid supersaturation and evolution of bubbles. Observed periodic current transients were utilized to understand the nucleation, growth, coalescence, and evolution of single nanobubbles at different overpotentials and pHs. This provides a novel platform to understand factors governing bubble nucleation and evolution. These measurements offer exciting possibilities to connect experiments with computational models in important energy applications.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) in stable patients with cirrhosis can easily be overlooked. We report on the presenting symptoms, disease progression, and outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) in children with HPS. Twenty patients were diagnosed with HPS between 1996 and 2016. The etiologies were as follows: biliary atresia (n = 9); alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (n = 2); cryptogenic liver disease (n = 3); and others (n = 6). HPS presentations were as follows; dyspnea (n = 17) and pneumonia (n = 3). For diagnostic confirmation, the following techniques were used: technetium-99m-labeled macroaggregated albumin lung perfusion scan (n = 13) or contrast echocardiogram (n = 7). There were 16 patients listed for LT, with a median age at HPS diagnosis of 10 years and an average wait from listing to LT of 9 weeks. A marked rise in hemoglobin (Hb; median, 125-143.5 g/L) and modest decrease in oxygen saturation (SpO2 ; median 91% to 88% room air) were evident over this time. Patients' need for assisted ventilation (1 day), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay (3 days), and total hospital stay (20 days) were similar to our general LT recipients-the key difference in the postoperative period was the duration of supplementary O2 requirement. Hb of ≥130 g/L on the day of LT correlated with a longer PICU stay (P value = 0.02), duration of supplementary O2 (P value = 0.005), and the need for the latter beyond 7 days after LT (P value = 0.01). Fifteen patients had resolution of their HPS after LT. The 5-, 10-, and 20-year survival rates were unchanged at 87.5%. None had a recurrence of HPS. In conclusion, HPS is a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis which usually develops insidiously. This combined with the often-stable nature of the liver disease leads to delays in diagnosis and listing for LT. Progressive polycythemia extends the need for supplementary O2 and PICU stay. We advocate screening for HPS with a combination of SpO2 and Hb monitoring to facilitate earlier recognition, timely LT, and shortened recovery periods.

To determine stroke risk in subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) and temporal association between subclinical AF and stroke.Pubmed/Embase was searched for studies reporting stroke in subclinical AF in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). After exclusions, 11 studies were analysed. Of these seven studies reported prevalence of subclinical AF, two studies reported association between subclinical and clinical AF, seven studies reported stroke risk in subclinical AF, and five studies reported temporal relationship between subclinical AF and stroke. Subclinical AF was noted after CIEDs implant in 35% [interquartile range (IQR) 34-42] of unselected patients with pacing indication over 1-2.5 years. The definition and cut-off duration (for stroke risk) of subclinical AF varied across studies. Subclinical AF was strongly associated with clinical AF (OR 5.7, 95% CI 4.0-8.0, P 0.001, I2 = 0%). The annual stroke rate in patients with subclinical AF defined cut-off duration was 1.89/100 person-year (95% CI 1.02-3.52) with 2.4-fold (95% CI 1.8-3.3, P 0.001, I2 = 0%) increased risk of stroke as compared to patients with subclinical AF cut-off duration (absolute risk was 0.93/100 person-year). Three studies provided mean CHADS2 score. In these studies, with mean CHADS2 score of 2.1 ± 0.1, subclinical AF was associated with annual stroke rate of 2.76/100 person-years (95% CI 1.46-5.23). After excluding patients without AF, only 17% strokes occurred in presence of ongoing AF. Subclinical AF was noted in 29% [IQR 8-57] within 30 days preceding stroke.Subclinical AF strongly predicts clinical AF and is associated with elevated absolute stroke risk albeit lower than risk described for clinical AF.

Nanoscale working electrodes and miniaturized electroanalytical devices are valuable platforms to probe molecular phenomena and perform chemical analyses. However, the inherent close distance of metallic electrodes integrated into a small volume of electrolyte can complicate classical electroanalytical techniques. In this study, we use a scanning nanopipette contact probe as a model miniaturized electrochemical cell to demonstrate measurable side effects of the reaction occurring at a quasi-reference electrode. We provide evidence for in situ generation of nanoparticles in the absence of any electroactive species and we critically analyze the origin, nucleation, dissolution and dynamic behavior of these nanoparticles as they appear at the working electrode. It is crucial to recognize the implications of using quasi-reference electrodes in confined electrochemical cells, in order to accurately interpret the results of nanoscale electrochemical experiments.

Different growth parameters and thermal performances of selected plant species grown on vertical system modules in urban tropical climate have been investigated under the study. Further, outdoor thermal comfort simulation has been modeled by ENVI­met 4.4.5 to investigate the applicability of selected plant species in three different tropical conditions (Colombo Sethsiripaya administrative complex, Matara urban council building and Kandy Urban council building). Sample modular vertical green living wall panels were fabricated by using timber frames (60 × 40 × 5 cm) packed with cocopeat medium with a depth of 3.8 cm. Nine plant species; such as Desmodium triflorum, Roheo spathacea, Centella asiatica, Axonopus fissifoliu, Axonopus compressus, Elusine indica, Dieffenbachiae spp, Tectaria spp, and Bigonia spp were selected for the study. Plant survival percentages, plant height and leaf area index (LAI) were recorded for 8 weeks. Thermal performances were evaluated by considering temperatures at (a) 20 cm distance in front of the green wall, (b) substrate surface of the green wall modules and (c) inside the green wall compared to (d) adjacent bare wall (Control). The highest LAI was recorded from Roheo spp (3.99) followed by Axonopus f. (3.20) and Elusine spp (2.21). Axonopus f. exhibited the highest coverage on the living wall due to high LAI (>1). The highest temperature reduction (5.06 °C) was displayed by Axonopus f. compared to the other species as it covers large extent of the wall. The simulation study of the green walls developed with Axonopus f. signified a possible maximum temperature reduction of 2.07 °C, 3.29 °C and 2.03 °C in Colombo Sethsiripaya administrative complex, Matara urban council building and Kandy urban council building, respectively. Hence, modelling vertical greening with Axonopus f. can effectively enhance the thermal performance in urban context due to their LAI values and the thermal performances.