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In a recent study, La+3 substituted T-type hexagonal ferrites S r 2 − x L a x F e 8 O 14 with concentration of (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) with increment of 0.05 step length was fabricated by sol–gel auto-combustion route. XRD results revealed that with the increment in the substitution of La+3 ions, the lattice parameters (a) and (c) decreased, and hence the unit cell volume decreased. The crystallite size was observed to vary in the range of 20.21–29.30 nm. The dielectric constant was observed to decrease as a function of frequency mean while the dielectric constant values declined with La3+ ions substitutions. The ac conductivity of samples enhanced with the increase in applied frequency. The FTIR spectra exhibited the absorption bands at different wave numbers (447, 570, and 1532 cm−1) indicating the stretching vibration of carbon-oxygen and metal-Oxygen ions within material. In the P-E graphs, the samples divulged the lossy behavior and this lossy behavior varied inversely with doping concentration. The decrease in lossy behavior was observed with the La3+ contents which unveiled the enhancement in resistivity of the samples. The saturation magnetization decreased with the substitution of La3+ contents which was reasoned to the spin canting effect of rare earth ions. The law of approach to saturation magnetization (LAS) was applied for fitting the magnetic curves and the results showed coincidence between the experimental and theoretical results. The coercivity of the samples increased drastically with La3+ ions substitution and the samples converted from soft magnetic materials to hard magnetic materials. The samples with high coercivity values might be suitable for high-density storage devices. Highlights: A series of T-hexaferrites was prepared by sol-gel auto combustion method. The XRD analysis confirmed the single phase for all samples. The c/a ratio of these samples falls in the range of Hexaferrites. The dielectric properties changes with the increase of La3+ contents. Magnetic properties varies with La3+ contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutual relationship, cooperation and unity among nations, societies and states have always required international laws and regulations; otherwise it is likely that there had been the situation of wars, fights, distrusts, doubts and nihilism. Therefore, The Holy Prophet (PBUH) made such comprehensive and omnibus universal laws and regulations so that all the nations can live in the best and organized way to an extent. For the ease and comprehensibility to Muslim Umma, Imam Abu Hanifa introduced a domain of knowledge based on Fiqh with name Ilm al Siyyer. His (RA) sayings and practices have primary importance in making an Islamic international law. He (RA) accordingly, wrote a book on it. Later on, this domain of knowledge was also introduced by his followers like Muhammad Bin Hasan Shainbani in Kutb e Zahir ur Riwayah, Qazi Abu Yousaf in Al-asaar o Al-khiraaj and Hasan bin Ziada in Adab ul Alqazi o Kitaab ul khiraaj. Following them, we can get guidance from Imam Abu Hanifa’ s thoughts, which may help in strengthening mutual relationships, eradicating wars and hatred among nations and states, and in extending socio economic, commercial and economical interests of states to masses and masses to states. Furthermore, matters on war and peace and mutual contracts can be settled with the result of which protection of children, women, old people, ambassadors, religious leaders human life and property during war can be ensured, and in peace and in making agreements, construction and development of the nations and the countries can be safeguarded. It is due to the weaknesses in and non enforceability of contemporary international laws, it is felt that Imam Abu Hanifa’s (RA) thoughts are needed to be utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the synthesis of ammonia (NH3) has been developed by electrocatalytic technology that is a potential way to effectively replace the Haber–Bosch process, which is an industrial synthesis of NH3. Industrial ammonia has caused a series of problems for the population and environment. In the face of sustainable green synthesis methods, the advantages of electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction for synthesis of NH3 in aqueous media have attracted a great amount of attention from researchers. This review summarizes the recent progress on the highly efficient electrocatalysts based on 2D non-metallic nanomaterial and provides a brief overview of the synthesis principle of electrocatalysis and the performance measurement indicators of electrocatalysts. Moreover, the current development of N2 reduction reaction (NRR) electrocatalyst is discussed and prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body weight reduction is the first-line recommendation in NAFLD patients. Dapagliflozin has a strong potential to reduce body weight in addition to its glycemic control effect Objective: To study the effect of dapagliflozin on various parameters in NAFLD type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 150 type 2 diabetic patients with NAFLD diagnosed on the basis of radiological findings and deranged liver enzymes were randomly allocated into two groups. Both groups were taking tab glimepiride as a standard treatment of type 2 diabetes. Group A was given tab dapagliflozin 5–10 mg while group B was given tab placebo in addition to lifestyle modifications for a period of 12 weeks. Body weight, BMI, HbA1c, and serum aminotransferases were analyzed pre- and post-treatment using SPSS 20. Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, glycemic control was improved in both study groups, i.e., dapagliflozin (FBS from 95 ± 14 to 80 ± 11 mg/dl with p = 0.003, HbAIc from 7.5 ± 4.5 to 6.4 ± 5.4% with p = 0.002) and placebo (FBS from 100 ± 9.5 to 90.5 ± 13 mg/dl with p = 0.004, HbA1c from 8.2 ± 3.5 to7.6 ± 4.2% with p = 0.006). However, the dapagliflozin group showed a significant reduction in FBS and HbA1c as compared to placebo with p value 0.006 and 0.04 respectively. Body weight was significantly reduced in the dapagliflozin group (from 90 ± 13.5 to 84 ± 11.6) as compared to the placebo group (from 85 ± 17.8 to 85.5 ± 13.7) with p = 0.002. BMI also reduced in the dapagliflozin group (from 29.5 ± 2.5 to 26.5 ± 3.5) versus the placebo group (from 31.5 ± 3.0 to 29.5 ± 4.2) with p = 0.002. There was also significant reduction in ALT in the dapagliflozin group from 69 ± 15.5 to 52 ± 12.8 versus placebo from 68 ± 20.5 with p = 0.04 and AST from 74 ± 13 to 47 ± 13.5 versus placebo from 71 ± 12.5 to 65 ± 10.5 with p = 0.02 Conclusion: Dapagliflozin has a strong potential to reverse NAFLD-associated changes in type 2 diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High plant density is considered a proficient approach to increase maize production in countries with limited agricultural land; however, this creates a high risk of stem lodging and kernel abortion by reducing the ratio of biomass to the development of the stem and ear. Stem lodging and kernel abortion are major constraints in maize yield production for high plant density cropping; therefore, it is very important to overcome stem lodging and kernel abortion in maize. In this review, we discuss various morphophysiological and genetic characteristics of maize that may reduce the risk of stem lodging and kernel abortion, with a focus on carbohydrate metabolism and partitioning in maize. These characteristics illustrate a strong relationship between stem lodging resistance and kernel abortion. Previous studies have focused on targeting lignin and cellulose accumulation to improve lodging resistance. Nonetheless, a critical analysis of the literature showed that considering sugar metabolism and examining its effects on lodging resistance and kernel abortion in maize may provide considerable results to improve maize productivity. A constructive summary of management approaches that could be used to efficiently control the effects of stem lodging and kernel abortion is also included. The preferred management choice is based on the genotype of maize; nevertheless, various genetic and physiological approaches can control stem lodging and kernel abortion. However, plant growth regulators and nutrient application can also help reduce the risk for stem lodging and kernel abortion in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal toxicity causes a remarkable decline in the growth and yield of numerous plant species in the agricultural system. Cadmium (Cd) among the other heavy metals is the most distinguished lethal heavy metal as its higher water solubility, relative mobility, and phytotoxicity. Silicon (Si), as a second most abundant element, has been reported to mitigate numerous abiotic stresses, comprising heavy metal stress in plants. The 2-repeated studies were conducted to disclose the protective role of silica gel derived from sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) at the rate of 1 and 3 mmol L−1 on the root morphological characters of wheat plants grown in cultured medium with three levels of Cd toxicities (0, 50, and 200 µmol L−1). The results of our studies demonstrated a remarkable alteration in morphological traits of wheat roots with both levels of Cd toxicities through incorporating an excessive amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), by lipid peroxidation, by limitation of essential nutrient availability, and by the accumulation of the high contents of Cd in root cells. While the introduction of Si nanoparticles at the rate of 1 and 3 mmol L−1 in the cultured medium having Cd toxicities remarkably demolished Cd adversity by shifting the balance between antioxidant enzymes and oxidants of ROS. Moreover, Si significantly increased cations concentrations in root tips that compete with Cd ions for exchange sites and reduced Cd uptake and accumulation by roots. Being an effective beneficial element, Si improved root morphological characters by strengthening the antioxidative defense system and by hindering ROS in root tissues grown in a cultured medium with different toxicities of Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress has been a great challenge for the sustainability of maize (Zea mays L.) production in arid and semi-arid regions. The utilization of drought-tolerant hybrids and proper irrigation regimes represent a management strategy to stabilize maize production under water-limited conditions. A two-year field experiment was conducted to assess the leaf gas exchange, growth, grain yield, and water use efficiency in two cultivars of maize, i.e., Zhengdan 958 (H1) and Zhongdan 909 (H2), under different water regimes, i.e., full irrigation (FI), reproductive irrigation (RI), and rainfed (RF). Plant samples were collected at different growth stages to measure the maize growth and development under the three irrigation regimes. The grain yield in RF was significantly reduced by 30.4% (H1) and 31.1% (H2); and the water use efficiency (WUE) by 8.5% (H1) and 9.3% (H2) compared with FI. On the other hand, irrigation application at the flowering stage was shown to significantly boost the grain yield by 40.3% (H1) and 25.5% (H2); and the WUE by 27.6% (H1) and 14.1% (H2) compared to RF. This indicated that H1 benefited more from irrigation use compared to H2. The improved grain yield through reproductive irrigation was due to the greater soil plant analysis development (SPAD), net photosynthesis, and biomass production when compared to zero irrigation. Zhengdan 958 was shown to be relatively more resistant to drought stress during flowering compared to Zhongdan 909. Thus, to achieve reliable maize production in Huaibei Plain, reproductive irrigation is recommended, combined with Zhengdan 958. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]