Search

The current study was carried out to analyze the role of religiosity, family integration, and social capital as predictors of post-incarceration reintegration in Punjab, Pakistan. The current study was carried out using quantitative research methods with the implication of cross-sectional, explanatory, and survey research approaches. Data were collected by using interview schedules by visiting ex-inmates at their community settings and by telephonic interviews. The research instrument was developed by using preexisting scales pertaining to the variables of the study. To obtain the study results, descriptive analysis, KMO factor analysis, reliability analysis, and regression analysis were applied to test the study model using SPSS and Smart PLS SEM (structural equation modelling). The findings of the study showed that all the predictor variables in the model (religiosity, family integration, and social capital) showed a positive and statistically significant effect on the reintegration of ex-prisoners following their release from prison. However, in comparison to all predictor variables, family integration has a strong effect (0.568) on post-incarceration reintegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most gas emissions by motor automobiles include unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other oxides (NxOy, SOx, etc.). There are many hydrocarbon compounds in car exhaust, such as benzopyran, formaldehyde, butadiene, and so on. In this study, anatase titanium dioxide nano-particles (aTiO2-NPs) filters are investigated to prevent the entry of unburned hydrocarbons. Benzopyran is one of the most important aromatic compounds in car exhaust gases, which is very dangerous. The probability of its interaction with titanium oxide nanoparticles is simulated and evaluated according to chemically active sites of aTiO2-NP. Calculations were performed using the DFT calculation on the basis set LC-ωPBE/6-311 + G** method. The obtained data show that Ti–O chemically active site has a greater tendency to adsorb benzopyran due to its polarity (Dipole moment for 3rd of Ti–O = 6.93 D). By adsorbing benzopyran in the Ti–O position, the gap energy of aTiO2-NP decreases (Eg = 3.09 eV), and its conductivity increases. The results showed that the nano-adsorbent of aTiO2-NP has high efficiency in the adsorption of benzopyran from the environment. Due to the exhaust temperature of the car and the photocatalytic properties of the aTiO2-NPs nano-adsorbent, it can be used as an adsorbent with high performance and longevity, and good stability in high-temperature ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to higher atmospheric greenhouse gasses concentrations, global warming is undoubtedly the most critical environmental issue that needs an immediate solution. Agroforestry has attained worldwide recognition to cope with this global problem due to its greater potential to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide along with other ecosystem services, including food security. However, quantitative information about the biomass and carbon sequestration in poplar-maize agroforestry systems is not available in semi-arid climatic zones in Pakistan. The current study was carried out to evaluate the vegetation biomass and carbon stocks under three poplar-maize agroforestry planting patterns under semi-arid climatic conditions in a subdivision Jaranwala, District Faisalabad, Pakistan. The data was collected in three agroforestry patterns like; A (192 trees ha−1), B (255 trees ha−1), and C (296 trees ha−1). Allometric equations were used to estimate the biomass and carbon stock in plant species. Results showed that the poplar tree carbon stock among three planting patterns was significantly different, with maximum carbon stock of 35.62 t ha−1 in pattern C, and it was 8% and 33.5% greater than the carbon stock of pattern B and pattern A, respectively. The maximum aboveground biomass assimilated by maize crop was (11.95 t ha−1) in pattern B, and it was 10.3% and 3.6% greater than pattern A and pattern C, respectively. The grain yield was highest in pattern A as compared to the other two patterns. Additionally, the maximum soil carbon stock in soil was estimated (22.72 t ha-1) in pattern C, at 0-15 cm depth, while it was 13.42% and 6.61% greater than pattern A and pattern B, respectively. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggested that pattern C with maximum biomass production and carbon stocks is the optimum poplar maize planting pattern in requisites of both financial and environmental benefits in the form of carbon sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonamides are widely used in the treatment of many diseases due to their biological and pharmacological activities. In this paper, we prepared Cu(II) complex immobilized on the surface of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles functionalized with 2-Pyridine Benzoimidazole ligand [MNPs@PBI-CuBr2] and its catalytic activity in the synthesis of N-aryl sulfonamides containing benzoxazole scaffolds through one-pot three-component reaction of 2-aminobenzoazoles, sulfonyl chloride and aryl iodides under ecofriendly conditions. The structure of the as-prepared MNPs@PBI-CuBr2 nanomaterial was well characterized by a number of spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, XRD, TGA, VSM, MAP, XPS and ICP-OES. The MNPs@PBI-CuBr2 nanocatalyst was simply separated by magnetic separation and reused for seven times with constant activity. The TEM, XRD pattern and ICP-OES spectroscopy of catalyst after recycling were studied and the results were similar to before of utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we synthesized Fe3O4@SiO2-Imine/Thio-Cu(II) nanomaterial and studied its catalytic activity in the synthesis of N-aryl sulfonamides via the reaction of various aryl iodides and sulfonamides under eco-friendly conditions. The structure of the Fe3O4@SiO2-Imine/Thio-Cu(II) nanomaterial was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, VSM, AAS, and ICP-OES techniques. Recycling experiments revealed that the Fe3O4@SiO2-Imine/Thio-Cu(II) nanocatalyst could be easily recovered by a simple magnetic separation and recycled at least seven times without deterioration in catalytic activity. High reusability, simple recovery of catalyst, high yields, mild conditions, performance of reactions in water and simple operation are several significant advantages of this methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shorter telomere length is associated with numerous comorbidities; central obesity might trigger leukocyte telomere shortening; in the current meta-analysis we evaluated the association of central obesity with leukocyte telomere length among adults. A systematic search from Scopus, PubMed, Embase and Proquest electronic databases up to May 2021 was done. The final screening, provided five articles to be included in final meta-analysis. Those in the highest category of telomere length had 3.72 cm lower waist circumference (WC) compared with those in the lowest category (WMD=-3.718; CI=-7.180, −0.257 P = 0.035; I2 = 95.4%). Also, those in the highest LTL category had 0.02 lower waist to hip ratio (WHR) compared with those in the lowest category, although this association was not significant (WMD: −0.02; CI=-0.04, 0.01; P = 0.19; I2= 90.7%). In quality assessment of included studies, all of the studies had moderate or high quality score and there was no study with poor quality. Higher leukocyte telomere length was accompanied with lower WC among adults. This association was not significant for difference in WHR. Because of the high heterogeneity values and also because of the observational design of included studies, the inference of causality of these associations needs further investigations. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1971155. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's world, which is entangled with numerous foodborne pathogenic bacteria and viruses, it appears to be essential to rethink detection methods of these due to the importance of food safety in our lives. The vast majority of detection methods for foodborne pathogenic bacteria and viruses have suffered from sensitivity and selectivity due to the small size of these pathogens. Besides, these types of sensing approaches can improve on-site detection platforms in the fields of food safety. In recent, microfluidics systems as new emerging types of portable sensing approaches can introduce efficient and simple biodevice by integration with several analytical methods such as electrochemical, optical and colorimetric techniques. Additionally, taking advantage of aptamer as a selective bioreceptor in the sensing of microfluidics system has provided selective, sensitive, portable and affordable sensing approaches. Furthermore, some papers use increased data transferability ability and computational power of these sensing platforms by exploiting smartphones. In this review, we attempted to provide an overview of the current state of the recent aptasensor based on microfluidic for screening of foodborne pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Working strategies, benefits and disadvantages of these sensing approaches are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabricating novel biosensing constructs with high sensitivity and selectivity is highly demanded in food contaminants detection. In this prospect, various nanostructured materials were envisaged to build (bio)sensors with superior sensitivity and selectivity. The desirable biocompatibility, brilliant mechanical strength, ease of surface functionalization, as well as tunable optical and electronic features, portray 2D MXenes as versatile scaffolds for biosensing. In this review, we overviewed the state-of-the-art MXenes-based optical biosensing devices to detect mycotoxins, pesticide residues, antibiotic residues, and food borne-pathogens from foodstuff and environmental matrices. Firstly, the synthesis methods and surface functionalization/modification of MXenes are discussed. Secondly, according to the target analytes, we categorized and presented a detailed account of the newest research progress of MXenes-based optical probes for food contaminants monitoring. The efficiency of all the surveyed probes was assessed on the basis of important factors like response time, detection limit (DL), and sensing range. Lastly, the necessity and requirements for future advances in this emerging MXenes material are also given, followed by challenges and opportunities. We hope that this study will bridge the gap between nanotechnology and food science, offering insights for engineers or scientists in both areas to accelerate the progress of MXenes-based materials for food safety detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper (II) complex immobilized on the surface of silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with di(pyridin-2-yl)amine (Fe3O4@SiO2-di(pyridin-2-yl)amine-Cu(II)) was successfully fabricated and characterized by various analyses including FT-IR, SEM, TEM, EDX, TGA, XRD, VSM, AAS and ICP-OES techniques. The catalytic behavior of Fe3O4@SiO2-di(pyridin-2-yl)amine-Cu(II) nanocomposite was investigated in the synthesis of ynones and amides. Furthermore, the heterogeneous catalyst (Fe3O4@SiO2-di(pyridin-2-yl)amine-Cu(II)) can be easily recovered by external magnet and reused for 8 cycles without significant loss in activity. The results clearly exhibit the advantages of the present methodology, namely the low catalyst loading, high product yield, experimental simplicity, broad substrate scope and short reaction times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we show that tribromide heterogenized on the surface of silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles modified with N2,N4,N6-tris(aminomethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine [Fe3O4@SiO2-tris(triazine-triamine)-Br3] is a novel and efficient reusable nanocatalyst for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and oxidative coupling of thiols to disulfides using hydrogen peroxide as green oxidant. The structure of the as-fabricated Fe3O4@SiO2-tris(triazine-triamine)-Br3 was characterized by a series of spectroscopic techniques including FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, EDX, VSM, XRD and TGA techniques. TEM and SEM analysis confirmed that the typical silica shell thickness was assessed to be around 20 nm. Recycling studies revealed that the Fe3O4@SiO2-tris(triazine-triamine)-Br3 could be easily recovered by a simple magnetic separation and recycled at least 6 times without deterioration in catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The development of portable and efficient nanoprobes to realize the quantitative/qualitative onsite determination of food pollutants is of immense importance for safeguarding human health and food safety. With the advent of the smartphone, the digital imaging property causes it to be an ideal diagnostic substrate to point-of-care analysis probes. Besides, merging the versatility of carbon dots nanostructures and bioreceptor abilities has opened an innovative assortment of construction blocks to design advanced nanoprobes or improving those existing ones. On this ground, massive endeavors have been made to combine mobile phones with smart nanomaterials to produce portable (bio)sensors in a reliable, low cost, rapid, and even facile-to-implement area with inadequate resources. Herein, this work outlines the latest advancement of carbon dots nanostructures on smartphone for onsite detecting of agri-food pollutants. Particularly, we afford a summary of numerous approaches applied for target molecule diagnosis (pesticides, mycotoxins, pathogens, antibiotics, and metal ions), for instance microscopic imaging, fluorescence, colorimetric, and electrochemical techniques. Authors tried to list those scaffolds that are well-recognized in complex media or those using novel constructions/techniques. Lastly, we also point out some challenges and appealing prospects related to the enhancement of high-efficiency smartphone based carbon dots systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil reclamation through afforestation along with soil amendments is one of the most suitable practices to combat soil salinity while the use of biochar may have potential to ameliorate salt-affected soils. This study was designed to check effects of different biochars on the physico-chemical properties of soil and characteristics of three important agroforestry trees species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Vachellia nilotica and Dalbergia sissoo, in saline soils. Farmyard manure biochar (FYMB), sugarcane bagasse biochar (SCB), woodchips biochar (WCB) were applied (6% w/w) to check their effects on plants under saline conditions. Results revealed that FYMB was the best for promoting all growth and physiological parameters of three tree species while E. camaldulensis was the best suited species. Different types of biochars influenced the growth of agroforestry species differently as SCB showed better results for D. sissoo as compared to WCB but for V. nilotica and WCB was more effective than SCB. Trend of growth and other physiological attributes for E. camaldulensis and V. nilotica was FYMB > WCB > SCB > control whereas D. sissoo showed trend as FYMB > SCB > WCB > control. Biochar was helpful in improving physicochemical characteristics of saline soils by lowering values of soil EC and SAR but type of biochar has a differential effect on tree growth. Novelty statement: Biochar may be a potential source for the amelioration of salt affected soils while less is known about the effects of different types of biochars on the soil and eco-physiological response of important agroforestry trees species in saline soils. In this study, although all types of biochar ameliorated the soil conditions and enhanced the plant growth, but farmyard manure biochar was the most efficient treatment among three types of used biochars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]