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  1. Fulltext Characterization of bioadsorbent produced using incorporated treatment of chemical and carbonization procedures
    Lee CL, H'ng PS, Chin KL, Paridah MT, Rashid U, Go WZ
    R Soc Open Sci, 2019 Sep;6(9):190667.
    PMID: 31598301 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190667
    The production of bioadsorbent from palm kernel shell (PKS) and coconut shell (CS) pretreated with 30% phosphoric acid (H3PO4) was optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). Iodine adsorption for both bioadsorbents was optimized by central composite design. Two parameters including the H3PO4 pretreatment temperature and carbonization temperature were determined as significant factors to improve the iodine adsorption of the bioadsorbent. Statistical analysis results divulge that both factors had significant effect on the iodine adsorption for the bioadsorbent. From the RSM analysis, it was suggested that using 80 and 79°C as H3PO4 pretreatment temperature and 714 and 715°C as carbonization temperature would enhance the iodine adsorption of the CS and PKS bioadsobent, respectively. These results indicated that H3PO4 is a good pretreatment for preparing PKS and CS prior to carbonization process to produce bioadsorbent with well-developed microporous and mesoporous volume. The effort to produce alternative high grade and inexpensive adsorbent derived from lignocellulosic biomass, particularly in the nut shell form was implied in this research.
  2. Fulltext Crystal structure of (E)-4-{2-[4-(all-yloxy)phen-yl]diazen-yl}benzoic acid
    Rahman ML, Mohd Yusoff M, Ismail J, Kwong HC, Quah CK
    Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2014 Dec 01;70(Pt 12):499-502.
    PMID: 25552976 DOI: 10.1107/S1600536814023745
    The title compound, C16H14N2O3, has an E conformation about the azo-benzene [-N=N- = 1.2481 (16) Å] linkage. The benzene rings are almost coplanar [dihedral angle = 1.36 (7)°]. The O atoms of the carb-oxy-lic acid group are disordered over two sets of sites and were refined with an occupancy ratio of 0.5:0.5. The two disordered components of the carb-oxy-lic acid group make dihedral angles of 1.5 (14) and 3.8 (12)° with the benzene ring to which they are attached. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via pairs of O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. The dimers are connected via C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming ribbons lying parallel to [120]. These ribbons are linked via C-H⋯π inter-actions, forming slabs parallel to (001).
  3. Fulltext Evolution of habitat preference in 243 species of Bent-toed geckos (Genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827) with a discussion of karst habitat conservation
    Grismer LL, Wood PL, Le MD, Quah ESH, Grismer JL
    Ecol Evol, 2020 Dec;10(24):13717-13730.
    PMID: 33391675 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6961
    Understanding the processes that underpin adaptive evolutionary shifts within major taxonomic groups has long been a research directive among many evolutionary biologists. Such phenomena are best studied in large monophyletic groups that occupy a broad range of habitats where repeated exposure to novel ecological opportunities has happened independently over time in different lineages. The gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus is just such a lineage with approximately 300 species that range from South Asia to Melanesia and occupy a vast array of habitats. Ancestral state reconstructions using a stochastic character mapping analysis of nine different habitat preferences were employed across a phylogeny composed of 76% of the known species of Cyrtodactylus. This was done in order to ascertain which habitat preference is the ancestral condition and from that condition, the transition frequency to more derived habitat preferences. The results indicate that a general habitat preference is the ancestral condition for Cyrtodactylus and the frequency of transitioning from a general habitat preference to anything more specialized occurs approximately four times more often than the reverse. Species showing extreme morphological and/or ecological specializations generally do not give rise to species bearing other habitat preferences. The evolution of different habitat preferences is generally restricted to clades that tend to occur in specific geographic regions. The largest radiations in the genus occur in rocky habitats (granite and karst), indicating that the transition from a general habitat preference to a granite or karst-dwelling life style may be ecologically uncomplicated. Two large, unrelated clades of karst-associated species are centered in northern Indochina and the largest clade of granite-associated species occurs on the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Smaller, independent radiations of clades bearing other habitat preferences occur throughout the tree and across the broad distribution of the genus. With the exception of a general habitat preference, the data show that karst-associated species far out-number all others (29.6% vs. 0.4%-10.2%, respectively) and the common reference to karstic regions as "imperiled arcs of biodiversity" is not only misleading but potentially dangerous. Karstic regions are not simply refugia harboring the remnants of local biodiversity but are foci of speciation that continue to generate the most speciose, independent, radiations across the genus. Unfortunately, karstic landscapes are some of the most imperiled and least protected habitats on the planet and these data continue to underscore the urgent need for their conservation.
  4. Fulltext A review of the genus Rusa in the indo-malayan archipelago and conservation efforts
    Ali NANG, Abdullah ML, Nor SAM, Pau TM, Kulaimi NAM, Naim DM
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2021 Jan;28(1):10-26.
    PMID: 33424278 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.08.024
    Genus Rusa, belonging to the deer family Cervidae is native to the Indo-Malaya Archipelago (IMA). However, detailed information on the Rusa genus in the IMA is limited. This review provides comprehensive information on the Rusa genus in the IMA including, threats and conservation efforts. There are four species of deer in Rusa genus, which is Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Javan deer (Rusa timorensis), Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi) and Philippine deer (Rusa marianna). Despite their wide distribution in the South Asian and Southeast Asian regions, they are under serious threats. Some conservation efforts that are being done to protect and conserve them among others are; (1) facilities protection, (2) habitat enrichment programme, (3) Ex-situ conservation, (4) legislations, and (5) captive breeding. Conservation through genetics is also an important step in conserving these species. Recommendations for conservation of the genus are also discussed; 1. maintenance of ecosystem. 2. more effective monitoring system on the existing protected area. 3. ex-situ conservation, and 4. habitat monitoring.
  5. Fulltext 2-[(1E)-({[(Benzyl-sulfan-yl)methane-thio-yl]amino}-imino)-meth-yl]-6-meth-oxy-phenol: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
    Yusof EN, Jotani MM, Tiekink ER, Ravoof TB
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2016 Apr 01;72(Pt 4):516-21.
    PMID: 27375879 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989016004291
    The title di-thio-carbazate ester, C16H16N2O2S2, comprises two almost planar residues, i.e. the phenyl ring and the remaining 14 non-H atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0410 Å). These are orientated perpendicularly, forming a dihedral angle of 82.72 (5)°. An intra-molecular hy-droxy-O-H⋯N(imine) hydrogen bond, leading to an S(6) loop, is noted. An analysis of the geometric parameters is consistent with the mol-ecule existing as the thione tautomer, and the conformation about the C=N bond is E. The thione S and imine H atoms lie to the same side of the mol-ecule, facilitating the formation of inter-molecular N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds leading to eight-membered {⋯HNCS}2 synthons in the crystal. These aggregates are connected by phenyl-C-H⋯O(hy-droxy) inter-actions into a supra-molecular layer in the bc plane; these stack with no directional inter-actions between them. An analysis of the Hirshfeld surface confirms the nature of the inter-molecular inter-actions.
  6. Fulltext Traditional Herbal Medicines, Bioactive Metabolites, and Plant Products Against COVID-19: Update on Clinical Trials and Mechanism of Actions
    Alam S, Sarker MMR, Afrin S, Richi FT, Zhao C, Zhou JR, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:671498.
    PMID: 34122096 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671498
    SARS-CoV-2 is the latest worldwide pandemic declared by the World Health Organization and there is no established anti-COVID-19 drug to combat this notorious situation except some recently approved vaccines. By affecting the global public health sector, this viral infection has created a disastrous situation associated with high morbidity and mortality rates along with remarkable cases of hospitalization because of its tendency to be high infective. These challenges forced researchers and leading pharmaceutical companies to find and develop cures for this novel strain of coronavirus. Besides, plants have a proven history of being notable wellsprings of potential drugs, including antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer therapies. As a continuation of this approach, plant-based preparations and bioactive metabolites along with a notable number of traditional medicines, bioactive phytochemicals, traditional Chinese medicines, nutraceuticals, Ayurvedic preparations, and other plant-based products are being explored as possible therapeutics against COVID-19. Moreover, the unavailability of effective medicines against COVID-19 has driven researchers and members of the pharmaceutical, herbal, and related industries to conduct extensive investigations of plant-based products, especially those that have already shown antiviral properties. Even the recent invention of several vaccines has not eliminated doubts about safety and efficacy. As a consequence, many limited, unregulated clinical trials involving conventional mono- and poly-herbal therapies are being conducted in various areas of the world. Of the many clinical trials to establish such agents as credentialed sources of anti-COVID-19 medications, only a few have reached the landmark of completion. In this review, we have highlighted and focused on plant-based anti-COVID-19 clinical trials found in several scientific and authenticated databases. The aim is to allow researchers and innovators to identify promising and prospective anti-COVID-19 agents in clinical trials (either completed or recruiting) to establish them as novel therapies to address this unwanted pandemic.
  7. Fulltext Synthesis, spectroscopic, electrochemical and photophysical properties of high band gap polymers for potential applications in semi-transparent solar cells
    Amin PO, Ketuly KA, Saeed SR, Muhammadsharif FF, Symes MD, Paul A, et al.
    BMC Chem, 2021 Apr 21;15(1):25.
    PMID: 33883016 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-021-00751-4
    BACKGROUND: The design of new polymers able to filter the electromagnetic spectrum and absorb distinctly in the UV and high-energy part of visible spectrum is crucial for the development of semi-transparent solar cells. Herein, we report on the synthesis and spectroscopic, electrochemical, and photophysical characteristics of three new polymers, namely (i) Poly(triamterene-co-terephthalate), (ii) Poly[triamterene-co- 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine-p,p'-disulfonamide], and (iii) Poly(5-hydroxyindole-2-carboxylate) that might show promise as materials for semi-transparent solar cells.

    RESULTS: The energy band gap, refractive index, dielectric constant, and optical conductivity of the electron donor polymer, poly(triamterene-co-terephthalate), were determined to be 2.92 eV, 1.56, 2.44 and 2.43 × 104 S cm-1, respectively. The synthesized electron acceptor polymers showed a relatively high refractive index, dielectric constant, and optical conductivity. The presence of a direct allowed transition was confirmed between intermolecular energy bands of the polymers.

    CONCLUSIONS: The polymers showed relatively high energy gap and deep HOMO levels, making them strong absorbers of photons in the UV region and high energy part of the visible region. The synthesized donor and acceptors performed well relative to P3HT and fullerenes due to the close match of the HOMO and LUMO levels. With further development, the polymers could be viable for use as the active layers of semi-transparent solar cells.

  8. Fulltext Innovative geopolymer-based cold asphalt emulsion mixture as eco-friendly material
    Dulaimi A, Al Busaltan S, Mydin MAO, Lu D, Özkılıç YO, Jaya RP, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Oct 13;13(1):17380.
    PMID: 37833353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44630-5
    In recent years, there has been a growing interest in cold asphalt emulsion mixture (CAEM) due to its numerous advantages, including reduced CO2 emissions, energy savings, and improved safety during construction and application. However, CAEM has often been considered inferior to hot mix asphalt (HMA) in terms of performance. To address this issue and achieve desirable performance characteristics, researchers have been exploring the modification of CAEM using high-cost additives like ordinary Portland cement. In this study, the focus was on investigating the effects of utilizing waste alkaline Ca(OH)2 solution, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), and calcium carbide residue (CCR) as modifiers to enhance the properties of CAEM. The aim was to develop an innovative geopolymer geopolymer-based cold asphalt emulsion mixture (GCAE). The results of the study revealed that the use of waste alkaline Ca(OH)2 solution led to an increase in early hydration, which was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the experimental findings demonstrated that waste alkaline Ca(OH)2 solution significantly contributed to the rapid development of early-age strength in GCAE. As a result, GCAE showed great potential for utilization in pavement applications, particularly for roads subjected to harsh service conditions involving moisture and temperature. By exploring these alternative modifiers, the study highlights a promising avenue for enhancing the performance of CAEM and potentially reducing the reliance on expensive additives like ordinary Portland cement. The development of GCAE has the potential to offer improved performance and durability in pavement applications, thus contributing to sustainable and efficient road infrastructure.
  9. Fulltext Enhanced fresh and hardened properties of foamed concrete modified with nano-silica
    Othuman Mydin MA, Jagadesh P, Bahrami A, Dulaimi A, Onuralp Özkılıç Y, Omar R
    Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e25858.
    PMID: 38420447 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25858
    Nowadays, the application of nanotechnology has gained increased attention in the concrete technology field. Several applications of concrete require light weight; one such concrete used is foamed concrete (FC), which has more voids in the microstructure. In this study, nano-silica (NS) was utilized, which exhibits a pozzolanic nature, and it reacts with other pozzolanic compositions (like lime, alumina, etc.) to form hydrated compounds in concrete. Apart from these hydrated compounds, NS acts as a filler material and enhances properties of concrete such as the fresh and hardened properties. This research examines the fresh, hardened, and microstructural properties of FC blended with NS. The ratio of binder and filler used in this research is 1:1.5, with a water-to-binder ratio of 0.45 and a density of 880 kg/m3. A total of six different weight fractions of NS were added to FC mixes, namely 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. Properties assessed for FC blended with NS were the slump, bulk density, strength parameters (flexural, splitting tensile, and compressive strengths), morphological analysis, water absorption, and porosity. It was concluded from this study that the optimum NS utilized to improve the properties was 3%. Apart from this, the relationship between the mechanical properties and NS dosages was developed. The correlations between the compressive strength and other properties were analyzed, and relationships were developed based on the best statistical approach. This study helps academicians, researchers, and industrialists enhance the properties of FC blended with NS and their relationships to predict concrete properties from other properties.
  10. Fulltext First report of basal rot of dragon fruit caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Bangladesh
    Mahmud NU, Chakraborty M, Paul SK, Gupta DR, Surovy MZ, Rahman M, et al.
    Plant Dis, 2020 Aug 04.
    PMID: 32748716 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-01-20-0005-PDN
    Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is a high value newly introduced fruit crop in Bangladesh. It has drawn considerable public attention due to its appealing flesh color, sweet taste and fruit qualities. Recently, basal rot of dragon fruit plants was observed in several farmer's fields, nurseries and in the research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) where about 10-15% of plants were infected in each location. Initially, the symptoms appeared in the basal part near the soil as brown lesions which gradually extended to the upper stem and finally becoming soft and watery (Figure 1a). Infected plants were collected from Kapasia of Gazipur district (Latitude 24.266 and Longitude 90.633) to isolate the causal organism. Isolations were carried out following the procedure reported by Briste et al. (2019). Briefly, infected plant parts were surface sterilized in 2% NaOCl for 1 min followed by 70% ethanol for 5 min and rinsed 3 times with sterile double distilled water. A large piece of a surface sterilized plant was cut into small pieces (2 mm × 2 mm) from the margin of the necrotic lesion and placed on half strength potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated for 7 days at 25 °C. The BTFD1 and BTFD4 isolates were purified from single spores resulting in white colonies with a growth rate of 1cm/day on PDA (Figure 1b). Colonies produced single celled microconidia from unbranched, short monophialidic conidiophores and septate macroconidia as well as chlamydospores in PDA which is consistent with Fusarium oxysporum (Figure 1c). To confirm the identity of the isolates, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, 5.8S rRNA and ITS2) and translation elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1α) were amplified using primers ITS-1/ ITS-4 and EF1-728F/ EF1-986R, respectively (Surovy et al. 2018). The ITS sequences of the isolates BTFD1 and BTFD4 (GenBank accession # MN727096 and MN727095, respectively) showed 100% similarity with the sequence from F. oxysporum strain JJF2 (MN626452). Sequence identity for EF-1α (GenBank accession # MN752123 and MN752124, respectively) was 100% with the sequence from F. oxysporum strain CAV041_EO (MK783088). The isolates (BTFD1 and BTFD4) were identified as F. oxysporum based on the aligned sequences of ITS and EF-1α, molecular phylogenetic analyses by maximum likelihood tree (Figure 2a) and maximum parsimony tree methods (Figure 2b). The isolates were stored at 4°C on dried filter paper as well as in an ultra-low temperature freezer (-80°C) at IBGE, BSMRAU, Bangladesh and are available on request. To ensure pathogenicity, isolate BTFD1 was grown on PDA, incubated at 25°C for 7 days and 250 ml conidial suspension (with 1 × 105 conidia/ml) was prepared. Twelve,three-month-old healthy dragon fruit plants were inoculated. Pathogenicity tests were carried out in two sets using three replications in each set. In one set, only the basal part of the plants was dipped into the conidial suspension and in another set the whole plant was dipped into the conidial suspension for two hours. Sterile distilled water was also used in another set of plants as a control. The inoculated plants were placed on wet tissue in a plastic box (31cm × 24cm × 8cm) covered and incubated at 25°C. After 10 days, all inoculated plants in both sets developed rot symptoms similar to those observed in the field, while the control plants remained healthy (Figure 1d). The pathogen was successfully re-isolated from the inoculated symptomatic parts on half strength PDA medium and had morphology as characterized before, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. This disease has been reported in Argentina and Malaysia (Wright et al. 2007; Hafifi et al. 2019). To the bet of our knowledge, this is the first report of Fusarium basal rot of dragon fruit in Bangladesh caused by F. oxysporum.
  11. TaqMan probe based multiplex quantitative PCR assay for determination of bovine, porcine and fish DNA in gelatin admixture, food products and dietary supplements
    Sultana S, Hossain MAM, Azlan A, Johan MR, Chowdhury ZZ, Ali ME
    Food Chem, 2020 Apr 07;325:126756.
    PMID: 32413685 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126756
    Detection of animal materials in gelatin-based products is required to address religious and cultural concerns, because porcine and bovine gelatins are prohibited in Halal, Kosher and Hindus consumer goods. In this paper, multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay using TaqMan probe was developed to discriminate bovine, porcine and fish gelatin species in a single assay platform. The assay was specific to cattle, pigs and fish, having been tested against 14 non-target species. The limit of detection, under gelatin admixed conditions, was 0.005 ng/µL. Finally, a pilot survey was undertaken testing 35 Halal branded processed food and dietary items. Out of 35 samples, only two were found to be positive for porcine species. The authenticity of these two qPCR products was confirmed by DNA sequencing analysis, which showed 99-100% similarity with Sus scrofa (Wild boar) species.
  12. Fulltext The total cost of rearing a heifer on Dutch dairy farms: calculated versus perceived cost
    Mohd Nor N, Steeneveld W, Derkman TH, Verbruggen MD, Evers AG, de Haan MH, et al.
    Ir Vet J, 2015;68:29.
    PMID: 26675380 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-015-0058-x
    As farmers do not often keep a record of the expenditures for rearing, an economic tool that provides insight into the cost of rearing is useful. In the Netherlands, an economic tool (Jonkos) has been developed that can be used by farmers to obtain insight into the cost of rearing on their farm. The first objective of this study is to calculate the total cost of rearing young stock in Dutch dairy herds using Jonkos. The second objective is to compare the calculated total cost of rearing with the farmers' own estimation of the cost of rearing (the perceived cost).
  13. Groundwater level forecasting with machine learning models: A review
    Boo KBW, El-Shafie A, Othman F, Khan MMH, Birima AH, Ahmed AN
    Water Res, 2024 Mar 15;252:121249.
    PMID: 38330715 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121249
    Groundwater, the world's most abundant source of freshwater, is rapidly depleting in many regions due to a variety of factors. Accurate forecasting of groundwater level (GWL) is essential for effective management of this vital resource, but it remains a complex and challenging task. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the use of machine learning (ML) techniques to model GWL, with many studies reporting exceptional results. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of 142 relevant articles indexed by the Web of Science from 2017 to 2023, focusing on key ML models, including artificial neural networks (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), support vector regression (SVR), evolutionary computing (EC), deep learning (DL), ensemble learning (EN), and hybrid-modeling (HM). We also discussed key modeling concepts such as dataset size, data splitting, input variable selection, forecasting time-step, performance metrics (PM), study zones, and aquifers, highlighting best practices for optimal GWL forecasting with ML. This review provides valuable insights and recommendations for researchers and water management agencies working in the field of groundwater management and hydrology.
  14. Fulltext Aerobic Exercise and Endocannabinoids: A Narrative Review of Stress Regulation and Brain Reward Systems
    Gupta S, Bharatha A, Cohall D, Rahman S, Haque M, Azim Majumder MA
    Cureus, 2024 Mar;16(3):e55468.
    PMID: 38440201 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55468
    Aerobic exercise is a widely adopted practice, not solely for enhancing fitness and reducing the risk of various diseases but also for its ability to uplift mood and aid in addressing depression and anxiety disorders. Within the scope of this narrative review, we seek to consolidate current insights into the endocannabinoid-mediated regulation of stress and the brain's reward mechanism resulting from engaging in aerobic exercise. A comprehensive search was conducted across Medline, SPORTDiscus, Pubmed, and Scopus, encompassing data available until November 30, 2023. This review indicates that a bout of aerobic exercise, particularly of moderate intensity, markedly augments circulating levels of endocannabinoids - N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine (AEA) and 2-acylglycerol (2-AG), that significantly contributes to mood elevation and reducing stress in healthy individuals.  The current understanding of how aerobic exercise impacts mental health and mood improvement is still unclear. Moderate and high-intensity aerobic exercise modulates stress through a negative feedback mechanism targeting both the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system, thereby facilitating stress regulation crucial role in endocannabinoid synthesis, ultimately culminating in the orchestration of negative feedback across multiple tiers of the HPA axis, coupled with its influence over cortical and subcortical brain structures. The endocannabinoid has been observed to govern the release of neurotransmitters from diverse neuronal populations, implying a universal mechanism that fine-tunes neuronal activity and consequently modulates both emotional and stress-related responses. Endocannabinoids further assume a pivotal function within brain reward mechanisms, primarily mediated by CB1 receptors distributed across diverse cerebral centers. Notably, these endocannabinoids partake in natural reward processes, as exemplified in aerobic exercise, by synergizing with the dopaminergic reward system. The genesis of this reward pathway can be traced to the ventral tegmental area, with dopamine neurons predominantly projecting to the nucleus accumbens, thereby inciting dopamine release in response to rewarding stimuli.
  15. Fulltext An integrative decision-making framework to guide policies on regulating ChatGPT usage
    Bukar UA, Sayeed MS, Razak SFA, Yogarayan S, Amodu OA
    PeerJ Comput Sci, 2024;10:e1845.
    PMID: 38440047 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1845
    Generative artificial intelligence has created a moment in history where human beings have begin to closely interact with artificial intelligence (AI) tools, putting policymakers in a position to restrict or legislate such tools. One particular example of such a tool is ChatGPT which is the first and world's most popular multipurpose generative AI tool. This study aims to put forward a policy-making framework of generative artificial intelligence based on the risk, reward, and resilience framework. A systematic search was conducted, by using carefully chosen keywords, excluding non-English content, conference articles, book chapters, and editorials. Published research were filtered based on their relevance to ChatGPT ethics, yielding a total of 41 articles. Key elements surrounding ChatGPT concerns and motivations were systematically deduced and classified under the risk, reward, and resilience categories to serve as ingredients for the proposed decision-making framework. The decision-making process and rules were developed as a primer to help policymakers navigate decision-making conundrums. Then, the framework was practically tailored towards some of the concerns surrounding ChatGPT in the context of higher education. In the case of the interconnection between risk and reward, the findings show that providing students with access to ChatGPT presents an opportunity for increased efficiency in tasks such as text summarization and workload reduction. However, this exposes them to risks such as plagiarism and cheating. Similarly, pursuing certain opportunities such as accessing vast amounts of information, can lead to rewards, but it also introduces risks like misinformation and copyright issues. Likewise, focusing on specific capabilities of ChatGPT, such as developing tools to detect plagiarism and misinformation, may enhance resilience in some areas (e.g., academic integrity). However, it may also create vulnerabilities in other domains, such as the digital divide, educational equity, and job losses. Furthermore, the finding indicates second-order effects of legislation regarding ChatGPT which have implications both positively and negatively. One potential effect is a decrease in rewards due to the limitations imposed by the legislation, which may hinder individuals from fully capitalizing on the opportunities provided by ChatGPT. Hence, the risk, reward, and resilience framework provides a comprehensive and flexible decision-making model that allows policymakers and in this use case, higher education institutions to navigate the complexities and trade-offs associated with ChatGPT, which have theoretical and practical implications for the future.
  16. Fulltext Chitosan/aloe vera gel coatings infused with orange peel essential oils for fruits preservation
    Felicia WXL, Kobun R, Nur Aqilah NM, Mantihal S, Huda N
    Curr Res Food Sci, 2024;8:100680.
    PMID: 38328465 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2024.100680
    Continuous fruit waste poses significant environmental and economic challenges, necessitating innovative fruit coating technologies. This research focuses on harnessing discarded orange peels to extract essential oil (OPEO), which is then integrated into a chitosan/aloe vera (CTS/AVG) matrix. The study comprehensively characterised the coating in terms of its physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial efficacy. The investigation involved an analysis of particle size and distribution in the coating solutions, highlighting changes induced by the incorporation of orange peel essential oil (1 %, 2 % and 3 % v/w) into the chitosan/aloe vera (4:1 v/v) matrix, including particle size reduction and enhanced Brownian motion. The study quantifies a 33.21 % decrease in water vapour transmission rate and a reduction in diffusion coefficient from 9.26 × 10-11 m2/s to 6.20 × 10-11 m2/s following the addition of OPEO to CTS/AVG. Assessment of antioxidant potential employing DPPH radical scavenging assays, revealed that CTS/AVG/3 %OPEO exhibited notably superior radical scavenging activity compared to CTS/AVG, CTS/AVG/1 %OPEO, and CTS/AVG/2 %OPEO, demonstrated by its IC50 value of 17.01 ± 0.45 mg/mL. The study employs the well diffusion method, demonstrating a higher susceptibility of gram-negative bacteria to the coating solutions than gram-positive counterparts. Remarkably, CTS/AVG/3 %OPEO displayed the most pronounced inhibition against Escherichia coli, generating an inhibitory zone diameter of 14 ± 0.8 mm. The results collectively emphasised the potential of CTS/AVG/3 %OPEO as a viable natural alternative to synthetic preservatives within the fruit industry, attributed to its exceptional antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
  17. Wernicke Encephalopathy as the First Presentation of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder With Horizontal Nerve Palsy
    Supahiah P, Thomas BHI, Zhen PC, Aris AM, Abdul-Jalil F, Din NM
    J Neuroophthalmol, 2023 Dec 01;43(4):e293-e295.
    PMID: 34924530 DOI: 10.1097/WNO.0000000000001444
  18. Fulltext A model for evaluating the performance of compulsory education inputs in ethnic areas in China
    Yang B, Tan Y, Sarker MNI, Deng W, Yuan J, Firdaus RBR
    Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e26247.
    PMID: 38390186 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26247
    A scientific performance evaluation model is necessary to establish a performance evaluation index system for compulsory education in ethnic areas and to conduct objective and impartial evaluations. After conducting theoretical analysis and reviewing literature, it was determined that existing educational input performance evaluation models are general and fail to reflect the unique characteristics of compulsory education development in ethnic areas of China. Therefore, this study intends to improve their self-adaptability and degree of fit. Based on the features of China's ethnic areas and the current situation of compulsory education development, a trinity evaluation model of compulsory education input performance in ethnic regions was constructed using the classical performance evaluation theoretical framework. This model includes the "implementation topic - target concept - performance dimension." The government is the main organization responsible for organizing and implementing the entire performance evaluation, with publicness and responsiveness as the value idea of evaluation. The "4E″ of enough, equity, efficiency, and effectiveness are the evaluation objectives, and input, allocation, output, and effect are the dimensions of the building of the performance evaluation index system. The "4E″ evaluation objectives are integrated into the performance evaluation dimensions and index system. The reconstructed theoretical model of performance evaluation combines universality and specificity, highlights the dual attributes of "tool-value," realizes the organic combination of internal and external performance evaluation, illustrates the overall performance evaluation process and ensures objective, fair, and accurate performance evaluation results. It provides useful guidelines for further optimizing compulsory education investment policies and promoting high-quality and well-balanced compulsory education in China's ethnic areas.
  19. Investigating the synthesis parameters of durian skin-based activated carbon and the effects of silver nanocatalysts on its recyclability in methylene blue removal
    Amir D, Nasaruddin RR, Yousefi M, Mastuli MS, Sulaiman S, Alam MZ, et al.
    Discov Nano, 2024 Feb 22;19(1):32.
    PMID: 38386194 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-03974-1
    Activated carbon (AC) is the most common and economically viable adsorbent for eliminating toxic organic pollutants, particularly dyes, from wastewater. Its widespread adoption is due to the simplicity and affordable production of AC, wherein low-cost agricultural wastes, such as durian skin can be used. Converting durian skin into AC presents a promising solution for its solid waste management. However, inherent drawbacks such as its non-selectivity, relatively short lifespan and laborious replacement and recovery processes diminish the overall efficacy of AC as an adsorbent. To address these challenges, the immobilisation of metal nanocatalysts such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is one of the emerging solutions. AgNPs can facilitate the regeneration of the adsorption sites of AC by catalysing the conversion of the adsorbed dyes into harmless and simpler molecules. Nevertheless, the immobilisation of AgNPs on AC surface can be challenging as the pore size formation of AC is hard to control and the nanomaterials can easily leach out from the AC surface. Hence, in this study, we synthesised AC from durian skin (DS) and immobilised AgNPs on the AC-DS surface. Then, we used methylene blue (MB) removal for studying the adsorption capability and recyclability of the AC-DS. In the synthesis of AC-DS, the influences of reaction temperature, activating agent, and acid-washing to its capability in adsorptive removal of  MB in solution were first determined. It was found that 400 °C, KOH activating agent, and the presence of acid-washing (50% of HNO3) resulted in AC-DS with the highest percentage of MB removal (91.49 ± 2.86%). Then, the overall results from three recyclability experiments demonstrate that AC-DS with immobilised AgNPs exhibited higher MB removal after several cycles (up to 6 cycles) as compared to AC-DS alone, proving the benefit of AgNPs for the recyclability of AC-DS. We also found that AgNPs/Citrate@AC-DS exhibited better adsorption capability and recyclability as compared to AgNPs/PVP@AC-DS indicating significant influences of type of stabilisers in this study. This study also demonstrates that the presence of more oxygen-containing functional groups (i.e., carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups) after acid-washing on AC-DS and in citrate molecules, has greater influence to the performance of AC-DS and AgNPs/Citrate@AC-DS in the removal of MB as compared to the influences of their BET surface area and pore structure. The findings in this study have the potential to promote and serve as a guideline for harnessing the advantages of nanomaterials, such as AgNPs, to enhance the properties of AC for environmental applications.
  20. Fulltext Therapeutic Potential of Enoxaparin in Lichen Planus: Exploring Reasons for Inconsistent Reports
    Patel RP, Shastri MD, Ming LC, Zaidi STR, Peterson GM
    Front Pharmacol, 2018;9:586.
    PMID: 29922163 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00586
    Lichen planus (LP) is an uncommon mucocutaneous inflammatory condition, that is immunologically mediated, typically pruritic and often recurs. The currently advocated therapies are either not highly effective or associated with severe side effects. Enoxaparin, a widely used anticoagulant, is composed of both anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant fragments. Enoxaparin is reported to have anti-inflammatory properties and it was found to be effective in LP. However, the results from clinical studies have varied substantially and, therefore, the clinical role of enoxaparin in LP remains uncertain. This review focuses on potential reasons for the reported inconsistent outcomes, as well as proposing solutions; these include identifying batch-to-batch inconsistency in the composition of enoxaparin. The potential therapeutic value of enoxaparin in LP must be explored using well-designed clinical trials, combined with experimental studies that focus on identifying the anti-inflammatory fragments of enoxaparin and elucidating the mechanism of action of these non-anticoagulant fragments.
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