Advances in Zika virus vaccines and therapeutics:A systematic review

Zika virus(ZIKV)is the causative agent of a viral infection that causes neurological complications in newborns and adults worldwide.Its wide transmission route and alarming spread rates are of great concern to the scientific community.Numerous trials have been conducted to develop treatment options for ZIKV infection.This review highlights the latest developments in the fields of vaccinology and pharmaceuticals developments for ZIKV infection.A systematic and comprehensive approach was used to gather relevant and up-to-date data so that inferences could be made about the gaps in therapeutic development.The results indicate that several therapeutic interventions are being tested against ZIKV infection,such as DNA vaccines,subunit vaccines,live-attenuated vaccines,virus-vector-based vaccines,inactivated vaccines,virus-like particles,and mRNA-based vaccines.In addition,approved anti-ZIKV drugs that can reduce the global burden are discussed.Although many vaccine candidates for ZIKV are at different stages of development,none of them have received Food and Drug Authority approval for use up to now.The issue of side effects associated with these drugs in vulnerable newborns and pregnant women is a major obstacle in the therapeutic pathway.

Photocatalytic application of magnesium spinel ferrite in wastewater remediation:A review

This review paper explores the efficacy of magnesium ferrite-based catalysts in photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminates(antibiotic and dyes).We report the influence of different doping strategies,synthesis methods,and composite materials on the degradation efficiency of these pollutants.Our analysis reveals the versatile and promising nature of magnesium ferrite-based catalysts,offering the valuable insights into their practical application for restoring the environment.Due to the smaller band gap and magnetic nature of magnesium ferrite,it holds the benefit of utilising the broader spectrum of light while also being recoverable.The in-depth analysis of magnesium ferrites'photocatalytic mechanism could lead to the development of cheap and reliable photocatalyst for the wastewater treatment.This concise review offers a thorough summary of the key advancements in this field,highlighting the pivotal role of the magnesium ferrite based photocatalysts in addressing the pressing global issue of organic pollutants in wastewater.

Overview of Jute Fibre as Thermoplastic Matrix Polymer Reinforcement

Recent decades have seen a substantial increase in interest in research on natural fibres that is aligned with sustainable development goals(SDGs).Due to their renewable resources and biodegradability,natural fiberreinforced composites have been investigated as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials to reduce the usage of hazardous waste and environmental pollution.Among the natural fibre,jute fibre obtained from a bast plant has an increasing trend in the application,especially as a reinforcement material.Numerous research works have been performed on jute fibre with regard to reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic composites.Nevertheless,current demands on sustainable materials have required new developments in thermoplastic composites.In this paper,the author reviews jute plants as reinforcement materials for thermoplastic matrix polymers.This review provides an overview of the sustainability of jute plants as reinforcement material for thermoplastic matrix polymers.The overview on jute based thermoplastic composites focused on the thermal behavior and mechanical properties.Apart from physical,chemical,and mechanical properties,the study also covers the current and perspectives for future research challenges faced by the researchers on jute fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites.

Characterization of Hydroxyapatite Extracted from Crab Shell Using the Hydrothermal Method with Varying Holding Times

Hydroxyapatite(HA)is a bio ceramic commonly utilized in bone tissue engineering due to its bioactive and osteoconductive properties.Crab shells are usually disregarded as waste material despite their significant CaCO_(3) content,and have not been widely utilized in the synthesis of HA.This study aims to synthesize and analyze HA derived from crab shells using the hydrothermal method with different durations of holding time.This study utilized precipitated calcium carbonate(PCC)derived from crab shells.With a hydrothermal reactor set at 160℃ and varying holding times of 14(HA_14),16(HA_16),and 18(HA_18)h,a PCC and(NH4)2HPO4 mixture was used to synthesize HA.The synthesis results were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy(SEM),fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),and X-ray diffraction(XRD)tests.This study has accomplished the synthesis of HA from crab shells.Nonetheless,the final product of synthesis still contained CaCO_(3) as an impurity.The prolonged hydrothermal holding time of 14 to 18 h resulted in a reduction of impurities while increasing the percentage of crystal weight and crystallite size of HA.Specimen CH_18 is the best-quality product generated in this study.This specimen produced HA with the highest percentage of crystal weight and crystallite size compared to the other specimens.Furthermore,specimen CH_18 exhibited the lowest concentration of impurities.The Ca/P ratio in this specimen was also the closest to 1.67.The Ca/P ratio,crystallite size,and crystal weight percentage of this specimen are 1.54,19.06 nm,and 99.1%,respectively.

Isolation of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Wood and Fabrication of Polylactic Acid(PLA)Based Green Biocomposites

An innovative microcrystalline cellulose(MCC)natural fibre powder-reinforced PLA biocomposite was investigated using the hand lay-up technique.The polymer matrix composite(PMC)samples were prepared by varying the weight percentages(wt.%)of both PLA matrix and MCC reinforcement:pure PLA/100:0,90:10,80:20,70:30,60:40 and 50:50 wt.%,respectively.From the results obtained,MCC powder,with its impressive aspect ratio,proved to be an ideal reinforcement for the PLA,exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties.It was evident that the 80:20 wt.%biocomposite sample exhibited the maximum improvement in the tensile,flexural,notched impact,compressive strength and hardness by 28.85%,20.00%,91.66%,21.53%and 35.82%,respectively compared to the pure PLA sample.Similarly,during the thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),the same 80:20 wt.%biocomposite sample showed a minimum weight loss of 20%at 400℃,among others.The morphological study using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy(FE-SEM)revealed that the uniform distribution of cellulose reinforcement in the PLA matrix actively improved the mechanical properties of the biocomposites,especially the optimal 80:20 wt.%sample.Importantly,it was evident that the optimal PLA/cellulose biocomposite sample could be a suitable and alternative sustainable,environmentally friendly and biodegradable material for semi/structural applications,replacing synthetic and traditional components.

Assessing the Spatial Equality of COVID Testing Sites Maintaining Zero COVID Policy

Rapid and timely testing is essential to minimize the COVID-19 spread. Decision makers and policy planners need to determine the equal distribution and accessibility of testing sites. This study mainly examines the spatial equality of COVID-19 testing sites that maintain a zero COVID policy in Guangzhou City. The study has identified the spatial disparities of COVID testing sites, characteristics of testing locations, and accessibility. The study has obtained information on COVID testing sites in Guangzhou City and population data. Point pattern analyses, Euclidian distance and allocation, and network analyses are the main methods used to achieve the research objectives, and 1183 total COVID testing sites can be recognized in Guangzhou City. Results revealed that spatial disparities could be noticed over the study area. Testing locations of Guangzhou City are highly clustered. The most significant testing sites are located in Haizhu District, which has the third largest population. The highest population density can be identified in Yuexiu District. However, only 94 testing sites are located there. According to all the results, higher disparities can be identified, and a lack of testing sites is located in the north part of the study area. Some people in the northern part have to travel more than 10 km to reach a testing site. Finally, this paper suggests increasing the number of testing sites in the north and south parts of the study area and keeping the same distribution, considering the area, total population, and population density. This kind of research will be helpful to decision-makers in making proper decisions to maintain a zero COVID policy.

Spectrum of COVID-19 induced liver injury:A review report

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has caused changes in the global health system,causing significant setbacks in healthcare systems worldwide.This pandemic has also shown resilience,flexibility,and creativity in reacting to the tragedy.The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection targets most of the respiratory tract,resulting in a severe sickness called acute respiratory distress syndrome that may be fatal in some individuals.Although the lung is the primary organ targeted by COVID-19 viruses,the clinical aspect of the disease is varied and ranges from asymptomatic to respiratory failure.However,due to an unorganized immune response and several affected mechanisms,the liver may also experience liver cell injury,ischemic liver dysfunction,and drug-induced liver injury,which can result in respiratory failure because of the immune system’s disordered response and other compromised processes that can end in multisystem organ failure.Patients with liver cirrhosis or those who have impaired immune systems may be more likely than other groups to experience worse results from the SARS-CoV-2 infection.We thus intend to examine the pathogenesis,current therapy,and consequences of liver damage concerning COVID-19.

Measurement and Strategy Research on the Green Development Level for the New Energy Vehicle Industry in Chongqing City

This article takes 2016-2022 as the inspection period to construct an evaluation index system for the green development level of the new energy vehicle industry.The entropy method and comprehensive index are used to measure the green development level of the new energy vehicle industry in Chongqing,and compared with neighboring provinces such as Yunnan,Guizhou,and Sichuan.Policy recommendations are proposed to promote the development of the new energy vehicle industry in Chongqing City.

Comprehensive Assessment of Anxiolytic Properties in 4-HPAA Derivatives: Bridging in Vivo Validation and Molecular Docking Analyses

Anxiety is a significant mental health issue that substantially affects an individual’s quality of life. Feelings of uneasiness, irritability, and sleep disturbances characterize it. 4-Hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4-HPAA) is identified in brain cells as a physiological byproduct of tyramine. This study hypothesizes that 4-HPAA may regulate anxiety due to its anxiolytic properties, acting as a modulator of the GABAergic system, which plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. Our study aims to enhance the anxiolytic effects of 4-HPAA through chemical modification to improve its pharmacokinetic properties. Three derivatives, namely Isopropyl-4-hydroxy-[phenyl] acetate (IHPA), Isopropyl-4-hydroxy-[phenyl] acetate (MPAA), and 4-methoxyphenyl acetate (MPHA), have been synthesized from 4-HPAA. This assessment will use well-established animal models, specifically the Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM) and Zero Maze (EZM) tests, selected for their validity in replicating anxiety-like symptoms in animals. Chronic caffeine administration via drinking water (0.3 g/l for 14 days) was employed to induce an anxiety state for testing purposes. IHPA and MPAA demonstrated significant anxiolyticactivity when tested in the EPM and EZM experiments. Molecular docking simulations using AutoDock Vina indicated that 4-HPAA derivatives had docking scores ranging from −5.8 to −4.8 kcal/mol, compared to the standard anxiolytic medication Diazepam, which scored −7.1 kcal/mol. These scores suggest a potential for 4-HPAA derivatives to interact effectively with the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA_A) receptor. In conclusion, our in vivo and in silico analyses indicate a promising anxiolytic potential for 4-HPAA derivatives.

The Correlation between Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR)and Chinese Family Enterprises in China

It is imperative to aggressively advocate for and transmit the ideas of corporate social responsibility as Chinese family enterprises transition into the phase of corporate inheritance.This study conducts a thorough examination of existing literature to elucidate the concept and model of western corporate social responsibility.It also analyses the current state of Chinese corporate social responsibility and highlights the fulfilment of corporate social responsibility by private enterprises.Furthermore,it specifically investigates the significance of family enterprises in promoting and preserving the culture of corporate responsibility.Lastly,it delves into the correlation between corporate social responsibility and family enterprises.This study presents the process of transmission and inheritance of Chinese family firms,focusing on the influence of Chinese traditional culture,the original purpose of enterprise development,and enterprise image.

Exploring the Relationship between Spatiotemporal Variations in Air Quality and Meteorological Parameters before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Xi’an

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the air pollution of the world. The present study investigated the temporal and spatial variability in air quality in Xi’an, China, and its relationship with meteorological parameters during and before the COVID-19 pandemic. The outcomes of this study indicated that air pollutants, PM2.5, NO2, PM10, CO, and SO2 are likely to decrease during winter (25%, 50%, 30%, 40%, and 35%) to spring (30%, 55%, 38%, 50%, and 40%) and summer (40%, 58%, 60%, 55%, and 47%), respectively. However, the concentration of O3-8h increased by 40%, 55%, and 65% during winter, spring, and summer, respectively. The values of the air quality index decreased during the COVID-19 period. Furthermore, significant positive trends were reported in PM2.5, NO2, PM10, O3, and SO2, and no notable trends in CO during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both during and before the COVID-19 period, PM10, NO2, PM2.5, CO, and SO2 showed a negative correlation with the temperature and a moderately positive significant correlation between O3-8h and temperature. The findings of this study would help understand the air pollution circumstances in Xi’an before and during the COVID-19 period and offer helpful information regarding the implications of different air pollution control strategies.

Nanosecond Pulses Generation with Samarium Oxide Film Saturable Absorber

Nanosecond pulse generation is demonstrated in a mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser(EDFL) utilizing a samarium oxide(Sm2O3) film. The Sm2O3 film exhibits a modulation depth of 33%, which is suitable for modelocking operation. The passively pulsed EDFL operates stably at 1569.8 nm within a pumping power from 109 to 146 m W. The train of generated output pulses has a pulse width of 356 nm repeated at a fundamental frequency of 0.97 MHz. The average output power of 3.91 m W is obtained at a pump power of 146 m W, corresponding to 4.0 nJ pulse energy. The experimental result indicates that the proposed Sm2O3 saturable absorber is viable for the construction of a flexible and reliably stable mode-locked pulsed fiber laser operating in the 1.5 m region.

Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the complete plastid genomes and nuclear sequences reveal Daphne(Thymelaeaceae)to be non-monophyletic as current circumscription

The diverse members of the genus Daphne are prized for their fragrant flowers.Despite being promising ornamental plants in many countries,genetic information of Daphne is scarce.In this study,the plastomes of four species and one variety of Daphne were sequenced and analyzed.The plastomes were typical and contained a pair of inverted repeat(IR)regions that separated the large single-copy(LSC)region from the small single-copy(SSC)region.With a length ranging from 132,869 bp(D.genkwa)to 174,773 bp(D.championii),106 to 141 genes were predicted.Comparative plastome analysis of the newly sequenced plastomes with four publicly available Daphne plastomes identified an expansion of the IRs,sequence variations,and mutational hotspots.Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the genus Daphne in its current circumscription is polyphyletic.Daphne genkwa was nested within the genus Wikstroemia,while D.championii was well resolved as sister to Edgeworthia.These findings concurred with results from our study that used nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequence data.The conflicts on the molecular placement of D.championii and D.genkwa and the present taxonomic classification in Daphne suggest that a new intergeneric classification system of Daphneae warrants consideration.

Optimization of the Voltage Doubler Stages in an RF-DC Convertor Module for Energy Harvesting

This paper presents an optimization of the voltage doubler stages in an energy conversion module for Radio Frequency (RF) energy harvesting system at 900 MHz band. The function of the energy conversion module is to convert the (RF) signals into direct-current (DC) voltage at the given frequency band to power the low power devices/circuits. The design is based on the Villard voltage doubler circuit. A 7 stage Schottky diode voltage doubler circuit is designed, modeled, simulated, fabricated and tested in this work. Multisim was used for the modeling and simulation work. Simulation and measurement were carried out for various input power levels at the specified frequency band. For an equivalent incident signal of –40 dBm, the circuit can produce 3mV across a 100 k? load. The results also show that there is a multiplication factor of 22 at 0 dBm and produces DC output voltage of 5.0 V in measurement. This voltage can be used to power low power sensors in sensor networks ultimately in place of batteries.

Financial reporting of cash flow： Arbitrary items and management preferences

The international financial reporting standard for cash flow statement （IAS 7） provides options for the classification of certain cash flow items （arbitrary items）. Therefore, business firms may classify the arbitrary items using the option that would maximize their own interest. This reduces the comparability of financial statements amongst business firms. This study aims to investigate the factors explaining management preferences in the selection of financial reporting practices on the arbitrary cash flow items. It concludes that managers tend to magnify the CFO reported in order to maximize the shareholders＇ wealth, which in turn would maximize their compensation. Managers of business firms with a relatively smaller size of CFO tend to classify interest paid and dividends paid as non-CFO in order to magnify their CFO. They also tend to classify interest received as CFO in order to inflate their relatively smaller size of CFO up to expectation. Similarly, managers of business firms with a relative larger size of dividends paid would classify the dividends paid outside CFO.

Antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of saponin extracts from walnut(Juglans regia L.) leaves

Objective:To investigate the relationship between triterpenoid saponin content and antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of 70%ethanolic,butanolic,aqueous,supernate and precipitate extracts of Juglans regia leaves.Methods:Triterpenoid saponins of different Juglans regia leaf extracts were measured by the vanillin method.Antioxidant activity was evaluated against DPPH and ABTS free radicals.We also assessed α-glucosidase inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of the leaf extracts.Pearson’s correlation coefficient was evaluated to determine the correlation between the saponin content and biological activities.Results:The butanolic extract was most effective against DPPH with an IC50of 6.63μg/mL,while the aqueous extract showed the highest scavenging activity against ABTS free radical with an IC50of 42.27μg/mL.Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a strong negative correlation (r=-0.956) between DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50) and the saponin content in the samples examined.In addition,the aqueous extract showed the best α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared with other extracts.All the extracts had fair antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis,Escherichia coli,and Klebsiella pneumoniae except for the aqueous extract.Conclusions:Juglans regia extracts show potent antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.There is a correlation between saponin levels in Juglans regia leaf extracts and the studied activities.However,additional research is required to establish these relationships by identifying the specific saponin molecules responsible for these activities and elucidating their mechanisms of action.

Attitudes and understanding of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer care:An exploratory study of patients’perspectives in Karachi,Pakistan

Objective:To evaluate the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)modalities among patients with cancer in Karachi,Pakistan.Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to December 2021.Five hundred patients with cancer were invited to participate in the study.Electronic databases,namely,Google scholar,Publons,EMBASE,PubMed,Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,and ResearchGate was used for questionnaire designed.The self-administered survey included questions on demographic characteristics,education level,socio-economic conditions and information about CAM therapies,prevalence,effectiveness,and common CAM modalities.Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 22.Results:Out of the 500 invited patients,433(86.6%)successfully completed and returned the questionnaires.In contrast to patients who were with younger,highly educated,professionally active,higher income,and had advanced cancer,time since diagnosis,type of treatment,cancer types and family history are significantly associated with CAM use.The results showed that 59.8%of the participants were acquainted with complementary and/or alternative medicine and considered safe owing to its natural ingredients.The prevalence of CAM usage among cancer patients was 40.9%and the most widely used CAM modality was herbal medicine(27.7%)and dietary supplements(28.8%).Patients used CAM as a complementary therapy to improve the morphological parameter(28.2%),strengthen the immune system(6.8%),and to decrease the side effects of conventional treatment(18.1%).Most of the respondents get the information regarding CAM therapy from the electronic media(43.2%)and the family members(48%)rather than healthcare personnel.Conclusions:Participants used CAM modalities along with the conventional health care practices.Further multicentre studies should be conducted to provide information regarding the usage of CAM therapies and their eventual benefits in patients with cancer.

Pushing the limits of existing plasma focus towards 1016 fusion neutrons with Q=0.01

Existing conventional megajoule plasma focus machines with 2–3 MA are producing fusion neutron yields of several times 10^(11) in deuterium operation,the fusion yields predominantly being the beam-gas target.Increasing the current to 10 MA and using 50%–50%D-T mixture will scale the neutron yield towards 10^(16) D-T fusion neutrons.In this work,we derive the Lawson criterion for plasma focus devices with a beam-target fusion neutron mechanism,so that we may glimpse what future technological advancements are needed for a break-even Q=1 plasma focus.We perform numerical experiments with a present-day feasible 0.9 MV,8.1 MJ,11 MA machine operating in 100 Torr in 50%–50%D-T mixture.The Lee Code simulation gives a detailed description of the plasma focus dynamics through each phase,and provides plasma and yield parameters which show that out of 1.1×10^(19) fast beam ions produced in the plasma focus pinch,only 1.24×10^(14) ions take part in beam-target fusion reactions within the pinch,producing the same number of D-T neutrons.The remnant beam ions,numbering at least 10^(19),exit the focus pinch at 1.9 MeV,which is far above the 115 keV ion energy necessary for an optimum beam-target cross-section.We propose to regain the lost fusion rates by using a high-pressure D-T-filled drift-tube to attenuate the energy of the remnant beam ions until they reach the energy for the optimum fusion cross-section.Such a fusion enhancement tube would further harvest beam-target fusion reactions by increasing the interaction path length(1 m)at increased interaction density(6 atm).A gain factor of 300 is conservatively estimated,with a final yield of 3.7×10^(16) D-T neutrons carrying kinetic energy of 83.6 kJ,demonstrating Q=0.01.

Fast Detection and Classification of Dangerous Urban Sounds Using Deep Learning

Video analytics is an integral part of surveillance cameras. Comparedto video analytics, audio analytics offers several benefits, includingless expensive equipment and upkeep expenses. Additionally, the volume ofthe audio datastream is substantially lower than the video camera datastream,especially concerning real-time operating systems, which makes it lessdemanding of the data channel’s bandwidth needs. For instance, automaticlive video streaming from the site of an explosion and gunshot to the policeconsole using audio analytics technologies would be exceedingly helpful forurban surveillance. Technologies for audio analytics may also be used toanalyze video recordings and identify occurrences. This research proposeda deep learning model based on the combination of convolutional neuralnetwork (CNN) and recurrent neural network (RNN) known as the CNNRNNapproach. The proposed model focused on automatically identifyingpulse sounds that indicate critical situations in audio sources. The algorithm’saccuracy ranged from 95% to 81% when classifying noises from incidents,including gunshots, explosions, shattered glass, sirens, cries, and dog barking.The proposed approach can be applied to provide security for citizens in openand closed locations, like stadiums, underground areas, shopping malls, andother places.

Removal of Dyes from Wastewater by Adsorption onto Activated Carbon: Mini Review

Nowadays, wastewater from dyeing industries became a challenging issue in the world. Researchers have reported several techniques to treat those effluents based on their projects. Adsorption is the most common method because of cheap, simple and effective method. In this work, activated carbon was used for dye adsorption purpose. This adsorbent has high surface area and high porosity to remove dye. This review highlighted some important results of the last few years regarding the use of activated carbon in wastewater treatment. Research findings supported that adsorption process is spontaneous in nature. Adsorption data confirmed Langmuir model, indicating the chemisorption occurred.