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Here we present a detailed ab initio study of two experimentally synthesized bismuth niobate BiNbO4 (BNO) polymorphs within the framework of density functional theory (DFT).

A comprehensive density functional theory guided experimental study of copper bismuth oxide CuBi2O4 to gain a better understanding of its functional properties relevant to photocatalytic activity.

The ichthyofaunal diversity of Bangladesh is declining dramatically due to various anthropogenic factors. For authentic identification at species level, approximately 655 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of 29 threatened fish species were amplified and a barcode dataset was generated. Among these species, 7% were categorized as Critically Endangered (CR), whereas 55% and 38% were categorized as Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU), respectively. K2P genetic distances were evaluated and found to be increasing with higher taxonomic rank—1.01% to 13.09% within species and 17.42% to 41.57% between species with a DNA barcode gap of 4.33%. The average %GC content of the fish species was 44.7 ± 0.49. On the other hand, the %GC values for the 6 orders—Cypriniformes, Siluriformes, Synbranchiformes, Syngnathiformes, Perciformes and Osteoglossiformes were 44.8 ± 0.81, 45.6 ± 0.61, 44.8 ± 0.85, 47 ± 0.99, 46.3 ± 0.89, 47 ± 0.90, respectively. The %GC content was highest in the first codon followed by the second and third codons for both the individual species and the Orders (1st>2nd>3rd). It was also observed that the most synonymous mutations occur at the 3rd codon position followed by the 1st and the 2nd codons. Finally, genetic variations were identified in Raiamas bola (at position 101), Ompok bimaculatus (at position 396) and Cirrhinus reba (at positions 108, 273, 310, 345, 420, 462, 495, 540 and 591) including 3 incidents of transversion (A instead of C). Thus, two different groups of C. reba emerged in the phylogram. This study, for the first time, focuses on COI based molecular characterization of the threatened fish species of Bangladesh and therefore, might work as a referral study for their authentic identification and in-situ conservation. Bioresearch Commu. 7(2): 990-998, 2021 (June)

Purpose Within the higher education structure, students have the desire for both virtual and face-to-face learning and demand for diverse simulations from the higher education institutions. The purpose of this study is to highlight the significance of higher education success (HES) for one of the top private universities in Malaysia. In the paper, a research model for HES has been proposed and tested within the management perspectives. This research model has five dimensions, namely, smart classroom, user-friendly technology, peers support, partnership and social governance, as potential determinants for HES. Design/methodology/approach A structured survey questionnaire using an extensive literature review was conducted from a No. 1 private university in Malaysia. The target population included students who have passed out under-graduate or post-graduate or are studying in their final trimester. The questionnaire was administered to 107 respondents using an interview method in order to have scientific and authentic data with minimal common method bias. The data collection process was taken over a one-month period during May 2018 and it ensured the rectification of missing data. The study utilized an inclusive criterion as those students who have complete knowledge about the university in terms of academic, administrative and technical matters. Findings Out of 107 survey respondents, 76 (71 percent) respondents were favorable for HES, which implies that the targeted education institution strives toward career development for students. The study reveals that the partnership of the institution has a positive influence on HES. Smart classroom and social governance are the other determinants which have a positive impact on HES. An excellent infrastructure facility together with formal and informal activities to cultivate knowledge sharing, trustworthiness, quality education and academic excellence of the institution makes it a healthy atmosphere for students to pursue their studies. However, user-friendly technology and peers support were not found to be significant. Practical implications The proposed research model is crucial for educationalists to design the course curriculum for higher education institutions. The significant results and scope discussed in the present study can be applied and customized to any higher education institution in the globe for long-term sustainability to orient students toward career development. Originality/value Since the present paper investigates the No. 1 private university, the current findings can be used as a guide for other private universities to enhance their course curriculum. The conceptualization of the research model includes new dimensions which highlight the latest development in HES. Emerging studies have claimed that HES depends on effective administration of the institution by the management and appropriate industry linkages, with the highest priority for student learning capabilities to exhibit their talents.