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Abstract Salinity is a widespread problem along the Asian coast, mainly in reclaimed lands where most people live. These low-lying areas are vulnerable to impacts from tropical cyclone induced storm surges. The role of such surges on the long-term salinity of water resources, particularly the salinisation of drinking water ponds, a key water resource, requires further investigation. Here we show, using high-resolution measurements of pond hydrology and numerical modelling, that episodic inundation events cause the widespread salinisation of surface water and groundwater bodies in coastal areas. Sudden salt fluxes in ponds cause salinity build-up in the underlying sediments and become a source of salinity. Rapid clean-up of drinking ponds immediately after a surge event can significantly minimize these salinity impacts, which are likely to increase under climate change. Our study has implications for coastal land use and water resources management in tropical deltas.

Abstract The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) contains the vast majority of radionuclides released by the accident in nuclear fuel particle form. We present and analyze groundwater measurements collected from the monitoring network in CEZ covering key aquifers over 35 years since the accident. These new data, together with a comprehensive analysis of historical data shows that 90Sr remains mobile in the subsurface environment, while groundwater concentrations of 137Cs, Pu isotopes and 241Am are relatively low, and are not of radiological concern. During the last two decades, 90Sr and 137Cs levels have declined or remained stable over time in the majority of monitoring locations. This is due to natural attenuation driven by gradual exhaustion of the fuel particle source, geochemical evolution of groundwater downstream from waste dumps and radionuclide retention in surface soil due to absorption and bio-cycling. Decommissioning of the cooling pond and construction of the ‘New safe confinement’ over Unit 4 (damaged reactor) also favored better protection of groundwater close to the Chernobyl plant site. Data from confined and unconfined aquifers, as well as rivers, evidence low radiological risks from groundwater contamination both outside the CEZ and to onsite “self-settlers”. Though several groundwater contamination “hot spots” remain in the vicinity of Unit 4, “Red Forest” waste trenches and surface water bodies with contaminated bottom sediments, the findings of this study support a monitored natural attenuation approach to groundwater management in the CEZ.

The proliferation of smartphones and mobile communication has enabled users to capture images or videos and share them immediately on social networking and messaging platforms. Unfortunately, these platforms are also used to manipulate the masses by performing social engineering attacks by sharing fabricated images (or videos). These attacks cause public shame, ethnic violence and claim lives. With the rise of advanced image processing tools, the deep fakes are automated, and their implications are boundless. In this article, we discuss different types of modification of images/videos and survey the corresponding methods and tools. We also highlight the ongoing efforts to detect fake images and videos using advanced machine learning tools and fact-checking. Along with these tools, we also need different complementary approaches discouraging the production and propagation of manipulative forged images and videos on the Internet. This paper further emphasizes that we desperately need socio-technological solutions that empower end-users with the right tools to make an informed moral decision while producing, uploading, and sharing media. Finally, supporting this, we discuss a holistic blockchain-based solution.

Cellulosic materials like cotton and linen are excellent textile substrates for dyeing with reactive and direct dyes. Due to their cellulosic nature, cotton and linen exhibit good affinity towards direct and reactive dyes. This good affinity is the reason for good washing and rubbing fastness. Chitosan is a bio-based polymer gained by the deacetylation of chitin. In contrast to cellulose, chitosan exhibits also amino functional groups. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate if a chitosan based pretreatment of cotton and linen can lead to different dyeing properties. After different chitosan based pretreatments, the color properties are determined by CIEL*a*b* indices. The rubbing fastness in dry and wet conditions is measured. Even if in the actual study no positive effects were determined by pretreatment of chitosan, the determined results could be utilized in future research to develop other functional treatments of cotton and linen materials with implemented chitosan.

Even though studies on work-life balance and family-supportive supervisor behaviors are prevalent, there are few studies in the SME setting, and the implications are yet unexplained. Thus, the study examines the effect of work-life balance on the performance of employees in SMEs, along with the mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating role of family-supportive supervisor behaviors. We have developed a conceptually mediated-moderated model for the nexus of work-life balance and job performance. We collected data from SMEs and employed SEM-PLS to test the research hypothesis and model. Empirical results demonstrate that work-life balance positively influences job satisfaction and performance. Our empirical findings also revealed that job satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between work-life balance and job performance. We also found that when FSSB interacts with work-life balance and job satisfaction, it moderates the relationship between work-life balance and job performance and job satisfaction and job performance. Hence, our findings provide exciting and valuable insights for research and practice.

Abstract Background Access to oxytocin for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in resource-poor settings is limited by the requirement for a consistent cold chain and for a skilled attendant to administer the injection. To overcome these barriers, heat-stable, non-injectable formulations of oxytocin are under development, including oxytocin for inhalation. This study modelled the cost-effectiveness of an inhaled oxytocin product (IHO) in Bangladesh and Ethiopia. Methods A decision analytic model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of IHO for the prevention of PPH compared to the standard of care in Bangladesh and Ethiopia. In Bangladesh, introduction of IHO was modelled in all public facilities and home deliveries with or without a skilled attendant. In Ethiopia, IHO was modelled in all public facilities and home deliveries with health extension workers. Costs (costs of introduction, PPH prevention and PPH treatment) and effects (PPH cases averted, deaths averted) were modelled over a 12-month program. Life years gained were modelled over a lifetime horizon (discounted at 3%). Cost of maintaining the cold chain or effects of compromised oxytocin quality (in the absence of a cold chain) were not modelled. Results In Bangladesh, IHO was estimated to avert 18,644 cases of PPH, 76 maternal deaths and 1954 maternal life years lost. This also yielded a cost-saving, with the majority of gains occurring among home deliveries where IHO would replace misoprostol. In Ethiopia, IHO averted 3111 PPH cases, 30 maternal deaths and 767 maternal life years lost. The full IHO introduction program bears an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of between 2 and 3 times the per-capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ($1880 USD per maternal life year lost) and thus is unlikely to be considered cost-effective in Ethiopia. However, the ICER of routine IHO administration considering recurring cost alone falls under 25% of per-capita GDP ($175 USD per maternal life-year saved). Conclusions IHO has the potential to expand access to uterotonics and reduce PPH-associated morbidity and mortality in high burden settings. This can facilitate reduced spending on PPH management, making the product highly cost-effective in settings where coverage of institutional delivery is lagging.

This paper explores the relationship between international economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and stock market return of Bangladesh. The study considers economic policy uncertainty of six big trading partners of Bangladesh: US, Canada, EU, China, Russia, and India. We apply time-varying linear (Break-least Square) and non-linear (Markov-Switching) regression approaches by using monthly data from January 2003 to April 2019. Our findings indicate the following. Firstly, The break-least square captured four structural breaks in the capital market of Bangladesh. Secondly, economic policy uncertainty from major importing countries (China and India) affect stock market returns of Bangladesh more significantly than major exporting countries (US and EU). Thirdly, EPU has a greater negative influence on stock returns during high volatility than low volatility regime. A number of policy measures have been recommended.

Purpose – Social media continues to be the major influencer in the lives of the millennial and generation-z in many regions of the world; especially in influencing their travel decisions. In order to validate such relationship, a systematic literature review with an end goal of closing the current gaps in knowledge with regard to the impact of social media on tourism in the Asia-Pacific region has been conducted. Design/Methodology – We performed a systematic search of relevant literature through various databases including Scopus, ScienceDirect and ProQuest. In total, 25 articles were taken into consideration in which the review protocol made use of specific techniques such as PRISMA. Approach – We conceptualized the differences and similarities in the Asia-Pacific tourism industry influenced by social media. Findings – As a contribution to knowledge and practice, we found that the usage of social media for tourism marketing purposes is strongly correlated to the tourism industry in many countries of the APAC region. However, it has not yet been generalized as a popular tool in other nations in the region. Originality of the research – This study provides practical and future recommendations concerning the influence of social media in the Asia-Pacific context that has become increasingly popular. Asia-Pacific governments need to introduce social media inclusive tourism marketing to capture the full potential of their tourism industry.

An Enterococcus faecalis strain SHH039 was isolated from a 68 year old man who was hospitalised with cholecystitis. The genomic sequence of this isolate which had a size of 2,990,081 bp and 2,663 proteins with functional assignments is presented here. Analysis of the genome revealed Enterococcus faecalis with multiple antibiotic resistance genes which may be associated with acute cholecystitis. It may be not clear if the infection symptoms are the consequence of enterococci manifestation. However, this opportunistic organism may play a minor role in the disease.

Abstract Background Recent advances in genomic technologies have facilitated genome-wide investigation of human genetic variations. However, most efforts have focused on the major populations, yet trio genomes of indigenous populations from Southeast Asia have been under-investigated. Results We analyzed the whole-genome deep sequencing data (~ 30×) of five native trios from Peninsular Malaysia and North Borneo, and characterized the genomic variants, including single nucleotide variants (SNVs), small insertions and deletions (indels) and copy number variants (CNVs). We discovered approximately 6.9 million SNVs, 1.2 million indels, and 9000 CNVs in the 15 samples, of which 2.7% SNVs, 2.3% indels and 22% CNVs were novel, implying the insufficient coverage of population diversity in existing databases. We identified a higher proportion of novel variants in the Orang Asli (OA) samples, i.e., the indigenous people from Peninsular Malaysia, than that of the North Bornean (NB) samples, likely due to more complex demographic history and long-time isolation of the OA groups. We used the pedigree information to identify de novo variants and estimated the autosomal mutation rates to be 0.81 × 10− 8 – 1.33 × 10− 8, 1.0 × 10− 9 – 2.9 × 10− 9, and ~ 0.001 per site per generation for SNVs, indels, and CNVs, respectively. The trio-genomes also allowed for haplotype phasing with high accuracy, which serves as references to the future genomic studies of OA and NB populations. In addition, high-frequency inherited CNVs specific to OA or NB were identified. One example is a 50-kb duplication in DEFA1B detected only in the Negrito trios, implying plausible effects on host defense against the exposure of diverse microbial in tropical rainforest environment of these hunter-gatherers. The CNVs shared between OA and NB groups were much fewer than those specific to each group. Nevertheless, we identified a 142-kb duplication in AMY1A in all the 15 samples, and this gene is associated with the high-starch diet. Moreover, novel insertions shared with archaic hominids were identified in our samples. Conclusion Our study presents a full catalogue of the genome variants of the native Malaysian populations, which is a complement of the genome diversity in Southeast Asians. It implies specific population history of the native inhabitants, and demonstrated the necessity of more genome sequencing efforts on the multi-ethnic native groups of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

This study examines the role of gender on entrepreneurial marketing (EM) and Bangladeshi Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) performance relationship. A self-administered questionnaire was conducted. A total of 220 owners of SMEs in Bangladesh were selected randomly as respondents from the list of active SMEs in Dhaka and Narayanganj city. The data were analyzed by using SEM-AMOS package 25.0. This study finds that there was a significant and direct effect of entrepreneurial marketing on firm performance. In addition, there was a significant effect of gender as a moderating variable in this relationship. At the corporate level, this study provides insights for the SMEs in making decisions related to gender and firm performance. The implications of the above findings are discussed.

As one of the largest and most commercially valuable finfish species, Leptomelanosomaindicum (Indian salmon) significantly contributes to Bangladesh’s marine catches. The length-based Bayesian biomass (LBB) method and catch-based Monte Carlo method (CMSY) are among the most recent and powerful methods for predicting the state of fisheries resources from data-limited fisheries. CMSY requires catch and resilience data, as well as quantitative stock status information. For LBB, only length–frequency (LF) data are required. The stock status of L. indicum was estimated using these two independent methods, utilizing twenty-one years of catch–effort and length–frequency data (978 individuals) from commercial fisheries on the Bangladesh coast. Here, a BSM (Bayesian state-space implementation of the Schaefer surplus production model) was also employed. The current study’s findings showed that the B/B0 ratio of currently exploited biomass to unexploited biomass (0.1) was smaller than BMSY/B0 (0.36) and B/BMSY = 0.28 was smaller than the reference value of 1.0, indicating the grossly overfished and depleted condition of the stock. Similar trends in the results were found for B/BMSY = 0.11 (F/FMSY = 5.66), biomass (B < BMSY), and fishing status (F > FMSY) further justify the severely overfished conditions of L. indicum stock in the study area. Furthermore, the Lc_opt (optimal length at first capture) was higher than the Lc (length at first capture), indicating that this species is being overfished, and that mesh sizes should be increased for better management. This study provides information on biological reference points (BRPs), and confirms the severely overfished status of L. indicum in the coastal waters of Bangladesh. More specific and prompt management measures are required to recover and sustainably manage this valuable species, and protect the fish stock from commercial extinction.

The novel funding sources turn out to be important for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector all over the world especially after 2007-2008 world financial crisis. Thus, to develop a new business idea and start-ups, SMEs need a sufficient amount of capital. However, after the financial crisis in 2008, SME sector faced the challenges of attracting new capital. Therefore, an innovative method of fundraising for SME was introduced as crowdfunding. Crowdfunding indicates financing a project or an idea via the internet owing the help from the many investors or donors of a society. Since there are limited works about the influence of Crowdfunding on Entrepreneur Self-efficacy (ESE), hence, to minimize the research gap and to achieve the objective of the study, we conduct a quantitative research among 190 entrepreneurs in Bangladesh using crowdfunding based on Social Cognitive theory. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in IBM-SPSS-Amos 25.0 and the stated hypotheses were tested. The study found a direct and positive effect of Crowdfunding on Entrepreneur’s Self-efficacy (β=0.924, P=.001). Overall, the result has landed support for crowdfunding, which indicates that it can influence on self-efficacy of entrepreneur. In order to determine the need of crowdfunding, we have explained and statistically demonstrated how crowdfunding can provide a supplementary channel where firms can gain finance and to create self-efficacy of entrepreneurs through exploiting the potential of internet.

Abstract Background Vivax malaria is a leading public health concern worldwide. Due to the high prevalence of Duffy-negative blood group population, Plasmodium vivax in Africa historically is less attributable and remains a neglected disease. The interaction between Duffy binding protein and its cognate receptor, Duffy antigen receptor for chemokine plays a key role in the invasion of red blood cells and serves as a novel vaccine candidate against P. vivax. However, the polymorphic nature of P. vivax Duffy binding protein (DBP), particularly N-terminal cysteine-rich region (PvDBPII), represents a major obstacle for the successful design of a DBP-based vaccine to enable global protection. In this study, the level of pvdbpII sequence variations, Duffy blood group genotypes, number of haplotypes circulating, and the natural selection at pvdbpII in Sudan isolates were analysed and the implication in terms of DBP-based vaccine design was discussed. Methods Forty-two P. vivax-infected blood samples were collected from patients from different areas of Sudan during 2014–2016. For Duffy blood group genotyping, the fragment that indicates GATA-1 transcription factor binding site of the FY gene (− 33T > C) was amplified by PCR and sequenced by direct sequencing. The region II flanking pvdbpII was PCR amplified and sequenced by direct sequencing. The genetic diversity and natural selection of pvdbpII were done using DnaSP ver 5.0 and MEGA ver 5.0 programs. Based on predominant, non-synonymous, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), prevalence of Sudanese haplotypes was assessed in global isolates. Results Twenty SNPs (14 non-synonymous and 6 synonymous) were identified in pvdbpII among the 42 Sudan P. vivax isolates. Sequence analysis revealed that 11 different PvDBP haplotypes exist in Sudan P. vivax isolates and the region has evolved under positive selection. Among the identified PvDBP haplotypes five PvDBP haplotypes were shared among Duffy-negative as well as Duffy-positive individuals. The high selective pressure was mainly found on the known B cell epitopes (H3) of pvdbpII. Comparison of Sudanese haplotypes, based on 10 predominant non-synonymous SNPs with 10 malaria-endemic countries, demonstrated that Sudanese haplotypes were prevalent in most endemic countries. Conclusion This is the first pvdbp genetic diversity study from an African country. Sudanese isolates display high haplotype diversity and the gene is under selective pressure. Haplotype analysis indicated that Sudanese haplotypes are a representative sample of the global population. However, studies with a large number of samples are needed. These findings would be valuable for the development of PvDBP-based malaria vaccine.

This study aims to examine the determinants of investors’ behavioral intentions to participate in the stock market. In this attempt, this research investigated the direct and moderating effects of the financial cognitive abilities and the financial considerations on the nexus of attitudes and behavioral intentions of investors. Data for this study were collected from active and potential investors in the Dhaka Stock Exchange of Bangladesh using a structured questionnaire. The partial least squares method was used to examine the nature and extent of the relationships of investors’ behavioral intentions with their attitude, financial cognitive abilities, and financial considerations in making stock market investment-related decisions. The findings of this study suggest that investors’ attitudes, financial planning ability, and perceptions of financial risks and benefits are important factors that influence their decisions in stock market participation. Moreover, financial planning, financial satisfaction, and perceived financial risk moderate the nexus of attitude and behavioral intentions to participate in the stock market. This study, therefore, has significant implications for policymakers, stock market regulators, and financial service providers.

Abstract Background Emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria in Southeast Asian countries threatens the global control of malaria. Although K13 kelch propeller has been assessed for artemisinin resistance molecular marker, most of the mutations need to be validated. In this study, artemisinin resistance was assessed by clinical and molecular analysis, including k13 and recently reported markers, pfarps10, pffd and pfmdr2. Methods A prospective cohort study in 1160 uncomplicated falciparum patients was conducted after treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), in 6 sentinel sites in Myanmar from 2009 to 2013. Therapeutic efficacy of ACT was assessed by longitudinal follow ups. Molecular markers analysis was done on all available day 0 samples. Results True recrudescence treatment failures cases and day 3 parasite positivity were detected at only the southern Myanmar sites. Day 3 positive and k13 mutants with higher prevalence of underlying genetic foci predisposing to become k13 mutant were detected only in southern Myanmar since 2009 and comparatively fewer mutations of pfarps10, pffd, and pfmdr2 were observed in western Myanmar. K13 mutations, V127M of pfarps10, D193Y of pffd, and T448I of pfmdr2 were significantly associated with day 3 positivity (OR: 6.48, 3.88, 2.88, and 2.52, respectively). Conclusions Apart from k13, pfarps10, pffd and pfmdr2 are also useful for molecular surveillance of artemisinin resistance especially where k13 mutation has not been reported. Appropriate action to eliminate the resistant parasites and surveillance on artemisinin resistance should be strengthened in Myanmar. Trial registration This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02792816.

Sustainability and transparency issues have been evolving the nature of corporate reporting. On these issues stakeholders are very keen to get access financial and nonfinancial information on companies’ business activities and sustainable value creation. Despite availability of information, yet many stakeholders cannot use pertinently the disclosed information due to separation of reports. Thus, ‘Integrated Report’ brings together financial and nonfinancial measure in one-piece of the report. It also shows the links among financial and nonfinancial performance metrics. This paper highlights integrated reporting as the holistic reporting approach for company and discusses the potentiality of a single report. Specifically, what integrated report can do for companies and stakeholder, for instance, integrated report for sustainability and CSR reporting, improvement in stakeholder engagement process and integrated thinking lead to changes in corporate behaviour as well as for enchancing reputation and performance. Hence, the paper justifies reasons why companies should adopt integrated reporting as reporting tools.

Recent advances in smartphones and affordable open-source hardware platforms have enabled the development of low-cost architectures for Internet-of-Things (IoT)-enabled home automation and security systems. These systems usually consist of sensing and actuating layer that is made up of sensors such as passive infrared sensors, also known as motion sensors; temperature sensors; smoke sensors, and web cameras for security surveillance. These sensors, smart electrical appliances, and other IoT devices connect to the Internet through a home gateway. This paper lays out an architecture for a cost-effective smart door sensor that will inform a user through an Android application, of door open events in a house or office environment. The proposed architecture uses an Arduino-compatible Elegoo Mega 2560 microcontroller board along with the Raspberry Pi 2 board for communicating with a web server that implements a RESTful API. Several programming languages are used in the implementation and further applications of the door sensor are discussed as well as some of its shortcomings such as possible interference from other radio frequency devices.

This study explores the role of organizational culture (OC) in the relationship between entrepre-neurial orientation (EO) and Bangladeshi small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance. Their relationship obtains a substantial scholarly attention, however very few empirical studies have been conducted among Bangladeshi SMEs. Generally, SMEs contribute to the economy through employment generation, poverty reduction, innovation, social cohesion, and so on, which in turn contribute to the growth domestic product (GDP) of Bangladesh. Hence, SMEs are considered as a key reactor of economic growth in Bangladesh. Grounded on the literature and theoretical fact, a model was developed and intended to examine this relationship. A quantitative survey technique was exercised and the data were collected from the randomly selected 384 owners of SMEs in Dhaka–Bangladesh. The data were analyzed by using SEM-AMOS. Based on the statistical results, EO and OC were significantly related to SME performance and OC was found to mediate the relationship between EO and SME performance. This study will help entrepreneurs as well as policy makers make better decisions for maximizing SME performance through improving OC in the competitive global economy.

Antibiotic-free broiler meat production is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to consumer perception that it is superior to conventional broiler meat. Globally, broiler farming impacts the income generation of low-income households, helping to alleviate poverty and secure food in the countryside and in semi-municipal societies. For decades, antibiotics have been utilized in the poultry industry to prevent and treat diseases and promote growth. This practice contributes to the development of drug-resistant bacteria in livestock, including poultry, and humans through the food chain, posing a global public health threat. Additionally, consumer demand for antibiotic-free broiler meat is increasing. However, there are many challenges that need to be overcome by adopting suitable strategies to produce antibiotic-free broiler meat with regards to food safety and chicken welfare issues. Herein, we focus on the importance and current scenario of antibiotic use, prospects, and challenges in the production of sustainable antibiotic-free broiler meat, emphasizing broiler farming in the context of Bangladesh. Moreover, we also discuss the need for and challenges of antibiotic alternatives and provide a future outlook for antibiotic-free broiler meat production.

This study employs a mean semi-variance asset pricing framework to examine the influence of risk factors on stock returns of oil and gas companies. This study also examines how downside risk is priced in stock performance. The time-series estimations expose that market, size, momentum, oil, gas, and exchange rate have significant impacts on oil and gas stock returns, but effects are heterogeneous depending on an individual stock. The two-stage cross-section estimations provide new insights about investors’ risk-return trade-off when facing downside risks. The results show that downside risk exposures to market, momentum, oil, and exchange rate factors are negatively priced in the Malaysian oil and gas stocks. This implies that investors are penalized for their downside exposure to these risk factors, and such inference is consistent with the risk preference explanation of prospect theory. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the only risk factor found to be positively priced in the returns of oil and gas stocks. Additionally, we find a negative relationship between LNG factor and total risk. This suggests that as the risk exposure to LNG increases, the total risk decreases, implying that the LNG risk factor is an idiosyncratic risk and not a systematic risk factor. Such interpretation is consistent with the correlation result, which shows no association between LNG and the market risk factor.

Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by compression molding. The fiber content varied from 25% to 45% by weight. Water uptake percentages of the composites containing various wt% of fiber were measured. All the composites demonstrated lower water uptake percentages and maximum of 1.93% for 45 wt% PALF/PP composite treated with 7(w/v)% NaOH. Tensile Strength (TS), Tensile Modulus (TM), Elongation at Break (Eb %), Bending Strength (BS), Bending Modulus (BM), and Impact Strength (IS) were evaluated for various fiber content. The 45 wt% PALF/PP composite exhibited an increase of 210% TS, 412% TM, 155% BS, 265% BM, and 140% IS compared to PP matrix. Moreover, with the increasing of fiber content, all the mechanical properties increase significantly; for example, 45 wt% fiber loading exhibited the best mechanical property. Fibers were also treated with different concentration of NaOH and the effects of alkali concentrations were observed. The composite treated with 7 (w/v)% NaOH exhibited an increase of 25.35% TS, 43.45% TM, 15.78% BS, and 52% BM but 23.11% decrease of IS compared to untreated composite. Alkali treatment improved the adhesive characteristics of fiber surface by removing natural impurities, hence improving the mechanical properties. However, over 7% NaOH concentration of the tensile strength of the composite reduced slightly due to overexposure of fibers to NaOH.

Many developed countries become successful in their governance through instituting public management albeit global south countries face some challenges to follow it in their administrative operations. In the post Second World War period, newly independent countries faced multidimensional challenges that need to be addressed by an effective and efficient administration. Many countries in global south have been struggling against these challenges by their inherited administration. But the administration of these countries is traditional in nature, formalistic in operation, and bureaucratic in process. In 1980s a number of global south countries took initiatives to reform and restructure their administration through instituting public management which considers that non-profit government administration resembles profitable private administration in some important ways as such, there are some management tools appropriate in public and in private both domains. This article looks into the challenges are faced by global south countries to institute public management, how these challenges emerge, and how these challenges could be met.

The antifungal activity of three varieties (red, green and wild) of water chestnut fruit extracts was studied against a number of fungal species. A strong antifungal activity of ethanol and petroleum extract was found against the treated fungi resulting remarkable inhibition zone in comparison to both Dithane-M45 fungicide and control. It has also been evident that wild variety of water chestnut was comparatively more efficient in respect to antifungal activity compared to the red and green variety of the same plant.

The antifungal activity of three varieties (red, green and wild) of water chestnut fruit extracts was studied against a number of fungal species. A strong antifungal activity of ethanol and petroleum extract was found against the treated fungi resulting remarkable inhibition zone in comparison to both Dithane-M45 fungicide and control. It has also been evident that wild variety of water chestnut was comparatively more efficient in respect to antifungal activity compared to the red and green variety of the same plant.

INTRODUCTION:Reliance on out-of-pocket payment for healthcare may lead poor households to undertake catastrophic health expenditure, and risk-pooling mechanisms have been recommended to mitigate such burdens for households in Bangladesh. About 88% of the population of Bangladesh depends on work in the informal sector. We aimed to estimate willingness-to-pay (WTP) for CBHI and identify its determinants among three categories of urban informal workers rickshaw-pullers, shopkeepers and restaurant workers. METHODS:The bidding game version of contingent valuation method was used to estimate weekly WTP. In three urban locations 557 workers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire during 2010 and 2011. Multiple-regression analysis was used to predict WTP by demographic and household characteristics, occupation, education level and past illness. RESULTS:WTP for a CBHI scheme was expressed by 86.7% of informal workers. Weekly average WTP was 22.8 BDT [Bangladeshi Taka; 95% confidence interval (CI) 20.9-24.8] or 0.32 USD and varied significantly across occupational groups (p = 0.000) and locations (p = 0.003). WTP was highest among rickshaw-pullers (28.2 BDT or 0.40 USD; 95% CI: 24.7-31.7), followed by restaurant workers (20.4 BDT 0.29 USD; 95% CI: 17.0-23.8) and shopkeepers (19.2 BDT or 0.27 USD; 95% CI: 16.1-22.4). Multiple regression analysis identified monthly income, occupation, geographical location and educational level as the key determinants of WTP. WTP increased 0.196% with each 1% increase in monthly income, and was 26.9% lower among workers with up to a primary level of education versus those with higher than primary, but less than one year of education. CONCLUSION:Informal workers in urban areas thus are willing to pay for CBHI and socioeconomic differences explain the magnitude of WTP. The policy maker might think introducing community-based model including public-community partnership model for healthcare financing of informal workers. Decision making regarding the implementation of such schemes should consider worker location and occupation.

BACKGROUND:The 5-year cancer specific survival (CSS) for patients with muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (MIBC) treated with cystectomy alone is approximately 50%. Platinum based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) plus cystectomy results in a marginal 5-10% increase in 5-year CSS in MIBC. Interestingly, responders to NAC (

PURPOSE:To elucidate the role of biological and clinical impact of aberrant promoter hypermethylation (PH) in ovarian cancer (OC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN:PH of PGP9.5, HIC1, AIM1, APC, PAK3, MGMT, KIF1A, CCNA1, ESR1, SSBP2, GSTP1, FKBP4 and VGF were assessed by quantitative methylation specific PCR (QMSP) in a training set. We selected two genes (VGF and PGP9.5) for further QMSP analysis in a larger independent validation (IV) set with available clinical data. Biologic relevance of VGF gene was also evaluated. RESULTS:PH frequency for PGP9.5 and VGF were 85% (316/372) and 43% (158/366) respectively in the IV set of samples while no PH was observed in controls. In 372 OC cases with available follow up, PGP9.5 and VGF PH were correlated with better patient survival [Hazard Ratios (HR) for overall survival (OS) were 0.59 (95% Confidence Intervals (CI) = 0.42-0.84, p = 0.004), and 0.73 (95%CI = 0.55-0.97, p = 0.028) respectively, and for disease specific survival (DSS) were 0.57 (95%CI 0.39-0.82, p = 0.003) and 0.72 (95%CI 0.54-0.96, p = 0.027). In multivariate analysis, VGF PH remained an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR 0.61, 95%CI 0.43-0.86, p

Schistosoma haematobium is associated with chronic bladder damage and may subsequently induce bladder cancer in humans, thus posing a serious threat where the parasite is endemic. Here we evaluated aberrant promoter DNA methylation as a potential biomarker to detect severe bladder damage that is associated with schistosomiasis by analyzing urine specimens.A quantitative methylation-specific PCR (QMSP) assay was used to examine the methylation status of seven genes (RASSF1A, RARβ2, RUNX3, TIMP3, MGMT, P16, ARF) in 57 urine samples obtained from volunteers that include infected and uninfected by S. haematobium from an endemic region. The Fishers Exact Test and Logistic Regression analysis were used to evaluate the methylation status with bladder damage (as assessed by ultrasound examination) in subjects with S. haematobium infection.RASSF1A and TIMP3 were significant to predict severe bladder damage both in univariate (p = 0.015 and 0.023 respectively) and in multivariate (p = 0.022 and 0.032 respectively) logistic regression analysis. Area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUC-ROC) for RASSF1A and TIMP3 to predict severe bladder damage were 67.84% and 63.73% respectively. The combined model, which used both RASSF1A and TIMP3 promoter methylation, resulted in significant increase in AUC-ROC compared to that of TIMP3 (77.55% vs. 63.73%.29; p = 0.023).In this pilot study, we showed that aberrant promoter methylation of RASSF1A and TIMP3 are present in urine sediments of patients with severe bladder damage associated with S. haematobium infection and that may be used to develop non-invasive biomarker of S. haematobium exposure and early molecular risk assessmentof neoplastic transformation.

Oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) is the first and rate-limiting component of the multi-enzyme OGDH complex (OGDHC) whose malfunction is associated with neuro-degeneration. The essential role of this complex is in the degradation of glucose and glutamate and the OGDHL gene (one component of OGDHC) is down-regulated by promoter hypermethylation in many different cancer types. These properties suggest a potential growth modulating role of OGDHL in cancer; however, the molecular mechanism through which OGDHL exerts its growth modulating function has not been elucidated.Here, we report that restoration of OGDHL expression in cervical cancer cells lacking endogenous OGDHL expression suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and soft agar colony formation in vitro. Knockdown of OGDHL expression in cervical cancer cells expressing endogenous OGDHL had the opposite effect. Forced expression of OGDHL increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to apoptosis through caspase 3 mediated down-regulation of the AKT signaling cascade and decreased NF-κB phosphorylation. Conversely, silencing OGDHL stimulated the signaling pathway via increased AKT phosphorylation. Moreover, the addition of caspase 3 or ROS inhibitors in the presence of OGDHL increased AKT signaling and cervical cancer cell proliferation.Taken together, these data suggest that inactivation of OGDHL can contribute to cervical tumorigenesis via activation of the AKT signaling pathway and thus support it as an important anti-proliferative gene in cervical cancer.

Methylation profiling of tumor suppressor gene (TSGs) promoters is quickly becoming a powerful diagnostic tool for the early detection, prognosis, and even prediction of clinical response to treatment. Few studies address this in salivary gland tumors (SGTs); hence the promoter methylation profile of various TSGs was quantitatively assessed in primary SGT tissue to determine if tumor-specific alterations could be detected.DNA isolated from 78 tumor and 17 normal parotid gland specimens was assayed for promoter methylation status of 19 TSGs by fluorescence-based, quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP). The data were utilized in a binary fashion as well as quantitatively (using a methylation quotient) allowing for better profiling and interpretation of results.The average number of methylation events across the studied genes was highest in salivary duct carcinoma (SDC), with a methylation value of 9.6, compared to the normal 4.5 (p

Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (NRF2) is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that positively regulates the expression of genes encoding antioxidants, xenobiotic detoxification enzymes, and drug efflux pumps, and confers cytoprotection against oxidative stress and xenobiotics in normal cells. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) negatively regulates NRF2 activity by targeting it to proteasomal degradation. Increased expression of cellular antioxidants and xenobiotic detoxification enzymes has been implicated in resistance of tumor cells against chemotherapeutic drugs.Here we report a systematic analysis of the KEAP1 genomic locus in lung cancer patients and cell lines that revealed deletion, insertion, and missense mutations in functionally important domains of KEAP1 and a very high percentage of loss of heterozygosity at 19p13.2, suggesting that biallelic inactivation of KEAP1 in lung cancer is a common event. Sequencing of KEAP1 in 12 cell lines and 54 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples revealed somatic mutations in KEAP1 in a total of six cell lines and ten tumors at a frequency of 50% and 19%, respectively. All the mutations were within highly conserved amino acid residues located in the Kelch or intervening region domain of the KEAP1 protein, suggesting that these mutations would likely abolish KEAP1 repressor activity. Evaluation of loss of heterozygosity at 19p13.2 revealed allelic losses in 61% of the NSCLC cell lines and 41% of the tumor samples. Decreased KEAP1 activity in cancer cells induced greater nuclear accumulation of NRF2, causing enhanced transcriptional induction of antioxidants, xenobiotic metabolism enzymes, and drug efflux pumps.This is the first study to our knowledge to demonstrate that biallelic inactivation of KEAP1 is a frequent genetic alteration in NSCLC. Loss of KEAP1 function leading to constitutive activation of NRF2-mediated gene expression in cancer suggests that tumor cells manipulate the NRF2 pathway for their survival against chemotherapeutic agents.

To ensure food security in this age of production and supply disruption, the agricultural sectors of emerging economies are gradually adopting more smart technologies to achieve sustainability. However, literature on the challenges of adopting Agriculture 4.0-based smart farming technologies is still very limited. This research, therefore, explores the contextual interrelation among the challenges to adopting Agriculture 4.0-based smart technologies in the agricultural production system from a developing country's perspective and prioritizes the identified challenges. A case study was conducted in Bangladesh, an emerging economy, where data was collected through interviews and focus group discussion sessions. A total of 21 challenges were finalized as relevant to the country's context. The Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) technique was deployed to develop a hierarchical structure depicting the challenges' interrelations. The challenges were later ranked based on their relevant weight using the Best-Worst Method (BWM). This study finds technological complexity, lack of collaboration among different stakeholders, inadequate support from the government, and lack of action plans to have very high driving power. Challenges such as high initial investment and operational costs, lack of skilled workforce, and farmers' resistance were found to be dependent challenges. This study is expected to contribute by providing a deeper insight into the challenges of adopting Agriculture 4.0 in emerging economies so that practitioners can take effective mitigating measures to streamline the plant-based agricultural production systems to promote food security and sustainability.

Abstract Background Koala retrovirus (KoRV), a major pathogen of koalas, exists in both endogenous (KoRV-A) and exogenous forms (KoRV-A to I and K to M) and causes multiple disease phenotypes, including carcinomas and immunosuppression. However, the direct association between the different KoRV subtypes and carcinogenesis remains unknown. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of koalas carrying both endogenous (KoRV-A) and exogenous (KoRV-A, B, and C) subtypes was performed using a high-throughput RNA-seq approach. PBMCs were obtained from three healthy koalas: one infected with endogenous (KoRV-A; Group I) and two infected with exogenous (KoRV-B and/or KoRV-C; Group II) subtypes. Additionally, spleen samples (n = 6) from six KoRV-infected deceased koalas (K1- K6) and blood samples (n = 1) from a live koala (K7) were collected and examined to validate the findings. Results All koalas were positive for the endogenous KoRV-A subtype, and eight koalas were positive for KoRV-B and/or KoRV-C. Transcription of KoRV gag, pol, and env genes was detected in all koalas. Upregulation of cytokine and immunosuppressive genes was observed in koalas infected with KoRV-B or KoRV-B and -C subtypes, compared to koalas infected with only KoRV-A. We found 550 DEG signatures with significant (absolute p 1.5) dysregulation, out of which 77.6% and 22.4% DEGs were upregulated (log2FC > 1.5) and downregulated (log2FC

The bottle gourd plant fibres (BGPF) and okra fibres were processed and refined (w/w 6 % NaOH) before being incorporated with polyolefin (polypropylene) for composite fabrication using a blending technique. The polyolefin matrix is used to develop composites with 5 % okra fibres and varying percentages (25, 30, 35 and 40 %) of BGPF. The results indicated that the ''35 % BGPF +5 % okra +60 % polypropylene'' composition achieved remarkable mechanical properties with tensile strength (26.95 MPa), tensile modulus (3.16 GPa), decreased elongation at break (1.71 %), bending strength (52.53 MPa), bending modulus (3.45 GPa), impact strength (14.25 kJ/m2), and hardness (69 D-shore). Moreover, these composites absorbed minimal water when a specific portion was submerged. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test on the composites revealed good fibre adhesion and adherence content between BGPF and okra fibres. Additionally, the thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry exhibited weight loss of composites during maximum cellulose degradation (80 %) at 483 °C. In the composites of the fibre-PP matrix, two distinct physical changes were observed indicating glass transition and degradation. However, the mechanical properties decreased after soil degradation. Thus, remarkable properties were achieved for the fibres-fibres and fibres-polyolefin (polypropylene) interfacial interactions.

Abstract Background Hospitalisation resulting from complications of systemic therapy and radiotherapy places a substantial burden on the patient, society, and healthcare system. To formulate preventive strategies and enhance patient care, it is crucial to understand the connection between complications and the need for subsequent hospitalisation. This review aimed to assess the existing literature on complications related to systemic and radiotherapy treatments for cancer, and their impact on hospitalisation rates. Methods Data was obtained via electronic searches of the PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Google Scholar online databases to select relevant peer-reviewed papers for studies published between January 1, 2000, and August 30, 2023. We searched for a combination of keywords in electronic databases and used a standard form to extract data from each article. The initial specific interest was to categorise the articles based on the aspects explored, especially complications due to systemic and radiotherapy and their impact on hospitalisation. The second interest was to examine the methodological quality of studies to accommodate the inherent heterogeneity. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023462532). Findings Of 3289 potential articles 25 were selected for inclusion with ~ 34 million patients. Among the selected articles 21 were cohort studies, three were randomised control trials (RCTs) and one study was cross-sectional design. Out of the 25 studies, 6 studies reported ≥ 10 complications, while 7 studies reported complications ranging from 6 to 10. Three studies reported on a single complication, 5 studies reported at least two complications but fewer than six, and 3 studies reported higher numbers of complications (≥ 15) compared with other selected studies. Among the reported complications, neutropenia, cardiac complications, vomiting, fever, and kidney/renal injury were the top-most. The severity of post-therapy complications varied depending on the type of therapy. Studies indicated that patients treated with combination therapy had a higher number of post-therapy complications across the selected studies. Twenty studies (80%) reported the overall rate of hospitalisation among patients. Seven studies revealed a hospitalisation rate of over 50% among cancer patients who had at least one complication. Furthermore, two studies reported a high hospitalisation rate (> 90%) attributed to therapy-repeated complications. Conclusion The burden of post-therapy complications is emerging across treatment modalities. Combination therapy is particularly associated with a higher number of post-therapy complications. Ongoing research and treatment strategies are imperative for mitigating the complications of cancer therapies and treatment procedures. Concurrently, healthcare reforms and enhancement are essential to address the elevated hospitalisation rates resulting from treatment-related complications in cancer patients.

Purpose ― The study investigates the impact of the efficiency of Islamic banks on banking stability. Method ― A panel data analysis using the Least Square Dummy Variable Corrected (LSDVC) method is employed to examine the impact of efficiency on banking stability in Islamic banks. The study has a sample of 54 Islamic banks across eight countries from 2013 to 2021. Findings ― The findings reveal that the efficiency of Islamic banks has a positive and significant effect on banking stability. In addition, financial turmoil negatively and significantly affects the stability of Islamic banks but does not significantly affect institutional development. Additionally, financial turmoil can influence how effectively Islamic banks manage their businesses in response to banking stability. The outcomes are robust across various robustness methods. Implications ― The results imply that the efficiency of Islamic banks has a pivotal role in banking stability, considering the efficiency level. To ensure the stability of Islamic banks, practitioners and regulators of Islamic banks have to achieve and maintain the efficiency of Islamic banks by implementing the required policies and guidelines. Originality/Value ― Previous studies examining the impact of Islamic banks' efficiency on banking stability remain limited. The paper fills the research gap by examining how Islamic bank efficiency affects banking stability, considering the effects of financial turmoil and institutional development.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused constraints on education that takes place face-to-face; thus, the learning process has been conducted online. With this emergence, an application-based learning tool called a Learning Management System (LMS) was created to cater to the requirements of distant students. Therefore, this study explores how SPACE-LMS is used in the Teacher Professional Education Program (TPEP) and how it interacts with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and self-efficacy. This study collected data from TPEP participants in the province of West Sumatra-Indonesia from the 2022 cohort, and 245 individuals actively participated. As the quantitative method, Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis with SmartPLS software was used to test and predict the conceptual model. The empirical findings demonstrate that the readiness of adopting SPACE influences perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU). Self-efficacy (SE) influences PEU and intention to use (ITU); PEU influences PU; PEU influences attitudes toward users (ATT); and PU influences ATT. Interestingly, PU had no impact on the ITU. The desire of TPEP students to use the SPACE-LMS is also influenced by their sense of self-efficacy. Thus, this study has both theoretical and practical implications.

Dengue is an important vector-borne disease occurring globally. Dengue virus (DENV) infection can result in a potentially life-threatening disease. To date, no DENV-specific antiviral treatment is available. Moreover, an equally effective pan-serotype dengue virus vaccine is not available. Recently, two DENV vaccines, Dengvaxia and Qdenga, were licensed for limited use. However, none of them have been approved in Bangladesh. DENV is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, and global warming caused by climate change favoring Aedes breeding plays an important role in increasing DENV infections in Bangladesh. Dengue is a serious public health concern in Bangladesh. In the year 2023, Bangladesh witnessed its largest dengue outbreak, with the highest number of dengue cases (n = 321,179) and dengue-related deaths (n = 1,705) in a single epidemic year. There is an increased risk of severe dengue in individuals with preexisting DENV-specific immunoglobulin G if the individuals become infected with different DENV serotypes. To date, vector control has remained the mainstay for controlling dengue; therefore, an immediate, strengthened, and effective vector control program is critical and should be regularly performed for controlling dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh. In addition, the use of DENV vaccine in curbing dengue epidemics in Bangladesh requires more consideration and judgment by the respective authority of Bangladesh. This review provides perspectives on the control and prevention of dengue outbreaks. We also discuss the challenges of DENV vaccine use to reduce dengue epidemics infection in Bangladesh.

Textiles are used for many different applications and require a variety of properties. Wet functionalization improve textiles’ properties, such as hydrophilicity or antimicrobial activity. Chitosan is a bio-based polymer widely investigated in the textile industry for this purpose. A weaving comprising a cotton/polyester mix and a pure-polyester weaving was functionalized with different concentrations of chitosan to determine the most robust method for chitosan detection in both cotton- and polyester-containing materials. Additionally, mixtures of chitosan with 3-glycidyloxypropyltriethoxy silane (GLYEO) or 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (AMEO) were applied in a one-step or two-step procedure on the same fabrics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and dyeing with Remazol Brilliant Red F3B demonstrated the presence of chitosan and silanes on the textiles’ surfaces. While non-functionalized textiles were not stained, the dependency of the dyeing depths on the chitosan concentrations enabled us to infer the efficacy of the very short processing time and a mild dyeing temperature. The one-step application of AMEO and chitosan resulted in the highest presence of silicon on the textile and the greatest color intensity. The functionalization with GLYEO reduced the water sink-in time of polyester, while chitosan-containing solutions increased the hydrophobicity of the material. Washing experiments demonstrated the increasing hydrophilicity of the cotton/polyester samples, independent of the type of functionalization. These experiments show that chitosan-containing recipes can be used as part of a useful method, and the type of functionalization can be used to adjust the hydrophilic properties of polyester and cotton/polyester textiles. Via this first step, in the future, new combinations of bio-based polymers with inorganic binder systems can be developed, ultimately leading to sustainable antimicrobial materials with modified hydrophilic properties.

Abstract This study examined the factors influencing customers’ consumption intentions and willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food by combining personal innovativeness, perceived compatibility, perceived product value, desire to eat, and willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food into a conceptual framework. Applying the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework with personal innovativeness, perceived compatibility, and perceived product value, this study obtained data from 1540 respondents using an online cross-sectional questionnaire and utilized partial least squares structural equation modeling to verify the study hypotheses. The findings revealed that personal inventiveness, attitude, perceived compatibility, subjective norms, perceived product value, and perceived behavioral control exert a significant influence on the intention and willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food. The result also showed that perceived behavior and intention significantly affect willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food. Furthermore, the outcome confirmed that, with the exception of the link between perceived product value, subjective norms, and willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food, intention serves as a significant mediator in the relationship between factors and willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of the factors that influence consumers’ intention to consume and willingness to pay a premium for 3D-printed food, providing new insights from new variables and broadening the scope of the TPB’s original model in the perspective of new food settings and Asian nations. These findings imply that 3D-printed food sellers in the Asian market need to pay more attention to the factors that stimulate customers’ intentions, which, in turn, affect consumers’ views of perceived product value and improve their readiness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food.

This study examines the complex and time-varying relationship between residential energy demand (including electricity, geothermal, and solar energy) and climate change using wavelet analyses with monthly USA data from January 1990 to March 2023. The results show that residential energy demand and climate change indicators exhibit a time-varying interrelationship with cyclical and lag effects. Specifically, before 2021, a positive correlation between residential electricity demand and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in short-term frequencies was found, but the relationship reversed thereafter, with an increase in CO2 levels influencing and decreasing residential electricity demand. In the long run frequencies, the link between residential power consumption and CO2 emissions shifted over time, exhibiting inconsistent co-movement. The co-movements between residential geothermal and CO2 show predominantly positive correlations, with CO2 leading the relationship in the short run, while geothermal leads the co-movements in the long run. In both short and long-term frequencies, the dependency and co-movement between residential solar and CO2 are mixed, with residential solar leading to positive correlations and CO2 leading to negative correlations. Therefore, improved insulation, energy-efficient windows, and high-efficiency heating systems can all assist in reducing heat loss and the total energy demand for domestic heating and subsequently low CO2 emissions.

Abstract Introduction Lumpy skin disease, an economically significant bovine illness, is now found in previously unheard‐of geographic regions. Vaccination is one of the most important ways to stop its further spread. Aim Therefore, in this study, we applied advanced immunoinformatics approaches to design and develop an effective lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) vaccine. Methods The membrane glycoprotein was selected for prediction of the different B‐ and T‐cell epitopes by using the immune epitope database. The selected B‐ and T‐cell epitopes were combined with the appropriate linkers and adjuvant resulted in a vaccine chimera construct. Bioinformatics tools were used to predict, refine and validate the 2D, 3D structures and for molecular docking with toll‐like receptor 4 using different servers. The constructed vaccine candidate was further processed on the basis of antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility, different physiochemical properties and molecular docking scores. Results The in silico immune simulation induced significant response for immune cells. In silico cloning and codon optimization were performed to express the vaccine candidate in Escherichia coli. This study highlights a good signal for the design of a peptide‐based LSDV vaccine. Conclusion Thus, the present findings may indicate that the engineered multi‐epitope vaccine is structurally stable and can induce a strong immune response, which should help in developing an effective vaccine towards controlling LSDV infection.

A large eddy simulation (LES) is conducted in a plane channel flow which is turbulent. For understanding the mechanism of the turbulent motion more efficiently, the present study is an attempt to conduct the LES using a Dynamic Smagorinsky Model (DSM) and a Differential Equation Wall Model (DEWM). DSM is a subgrid-scale model and DEWM is for approximating the near wall layer. The simulation is performed in a domain of 2 π δ × 2 δ × π δwhich is discretized by 32 × 20 × 32grid points where δ is the channel half width. The discretization techniques have been used in the simulation, are the 3rd order low storage R-K method in time and 2nd order finite difference formulation in space. To assess the performance of the LES with DSM and DEWM, the simulation results are compared with direct numerical simulation (DNS) data and LES data using Standard Smagorinsky Model (SSM). Comparing the results in the essential turbulence statistical field it has been found that DSM performs better than SSM in most of the cases and shows better agreement with the DNS results. Flow structures in the turbulent flow field are compared in isosurfaces and contour plots, and found that tube-like vortical structures are randomly distributed over the entire flow field, and the number of the vortical structures are more for the DSM case than that of SSM.

With the increased stress in people’s daily lives, the secretion of sweat from the human body has steadily increased. Therefore, textile industries continue to introduce various products to meet consumers’ demands. Thus far, people use more cotton and polyester fabrics among other textile fabrics in their daily usage or total living period. Textile products, especially those made from cellulose fibers such as cotton, can promote the growth of microorganisms due to their high surface area and moisture retention. In contrast to cellulosic materials, polyester contains no chemically functional or hydrophilic groups. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure wearers’ protection as both cotton and polyester can create unwanted odors due to the decomposition of sweat by microorganisms. The application of chitosan on textile substrates is a useful approach for textile functionalization. Chitosan has been reported as a popular finishing agent due to its intrinsic properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, abundance in nature, antimicrobial, and antistatic ability, etc. In this study, the solution of chitosan was applied to 100 % cotton and polyester fabrics using a common pad-dry-cure technique. The resulting fabrics were characterized by drop-test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and color measurement. Thus, this study presents a small overview of the finishing using chitosan-containing recipes on both cotton and polyester fabrics.

Abstract Background Evaluating the effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment on a patient’s overall well-being is crucial and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a reliable metric for assessing this impact. Little is known about HRQoL among cancer survivors across various stages and treatments. The study examined individual and clinical factors influencing HRQoL among cancer survivors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in two specialised cancer care hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Cancer-diagnosed adults receiving treatment at selected hospitals from January to May 2022 were enrolled. The 5-level EuroQol-5 Dimensions version (EQ-5D-5L) instrument was used to collect HRQoL data. HRQoL scores were derived using UK value sets. The investigation used a multivariable Tobit regression model to determine the association between independent variables and HRQoL scores. Results A total of 607 adult patients were enrolled, with 55% being females and 66% aged 36 to 64 years. Reported health problems in five EQ-5D domains include mobility (11%), self-care (11%), usual daily activities (19%), pain/discomfort (21%), and anxiety/depression (46%). Patients with throat, brain, lung, blood, and liver cancer had lower utility scores. Advanced-stage cancer survivors had lower utility scores (β = -49 units, 95% codfidence interval [CI]: -0.75 to -0.22) compared to early-stage survivors. Physically inactive survivors had lower utility scores by 0.41 units (95% CI: -0.51 to -0.30) compared to their counterparts. Private hospital patients had higher utility scores, whereas patients belonged to poor socioeconomic groups scored worse than wealthier ones. Conclusions This study highlights the impact of clinical and individual characteristics on HRQoL among cancer survivors. These findings advocate for an enhanced Bangladeshi cancer patient care model through timely interventions or programs, early detection or diagnosis, tailored treatments, and the promotion of physical activity to bolster HRQoL outcomes.

Abstract Considerable attention has been paid to the problem of food waste on a worldwide scale. Evidence demonstrates that food waste occurs mostly in private households, and that home food waste has been identified as the leading cause of global food waste. Home food waste poses a severe threat to food security and involves environmental and financial ramifications. While this is a global issue, most studies on what motivates people to make changes that would result in less food waste have been conducted in wealthy countries. Integrating the Theory of Interpersonal Behavior (TIB), this study fills this gap by investigating the factors influencing Chinese household consumers’ intentions toward food waste reduction and their actual food waste behavior. This study used a cross-sectional survey approach to collect data from households using social media platforms. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was adopted to assess and evaluate the conceptual model. The empirical findings demonstrate that cognitive (perceived value of sustainability), environmental (awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility), social (social norms), and emotional (anticipated guilt) aspects tend to have a positive influence on Chinese household consumers’ intentions toward reducing food waste, suggesting that interpersonal behavior could reduce food consumption in developing countries like China. Furthermore, the findings show that the intention to decrease food waste serves as an intermediary variable that highlights another route of association between the TIB factors and actual food waste reduction behavior. The findings will be more informative to policymakers, marketers, and researchers in developing strategies to reduce food waste.