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Fulltext Biotechnological remediation of arsenate from aqueous solution using a novel bacterial strain: Isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamic studies

Dadrasnia A, Usman MM, Abutawila Z, Omar R, Ismail S, Abdullah R

J Environ Health Sci Eng, 2019 Dec;17(2):571-579.
PMID: 32030135 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-019-00371-0

Arsenic is a global environmental contaminant that imposes a big health threat which requires an immediate attention to clean-up the contaminated areas. This study examined the biosorption ability of a novel Bacillus strain for the removal of arsenate (pentavalent arsenic) from aqueous solution. The optimum biosorption condition was studied as a function of biomass dosage, contact time and pH. Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R), Freundlich, and Langmuir models were applied in describing the biosorption isotherm. The maximal biosorption capacity (92%) was obtained at 25 °C, biomass concentration 2000 mg/L at pH value of 4 and contact period of 50 min. Strain 139SI act as an admirable host to the arsenate. Thermodynamic assessment (ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0) also suggested the chemisorption and feasible process of As(V) biosorption. The reuse study illustrated the highest recovery of 93% using 1 M HCl, and a decrease of 25% in recovery of As(V) ions after 10 times desorption process.
Prevalence and molecular detection of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in large ruminants in Punjab, Pakistan

Anjum A, Usman S, Aslam A, Faiz M, Usman S, Imran MS, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2020 Jun 01;37(2):273-281.
PMID: 33612797

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a highly contagious disease of cattle caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides. It is characterized by anorexia, fever, dyspnea, polypnea, cough, and nasal discharges. Gross lesions in the lung such as marbling, sequestra, thickening of interlobular septa, and consolidation are evident. Serological tests including complement fixation test and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and molecular tests such as polymerase chain reactions are used for diagnostic purposes. In this study, lung samples of suspected large ruminants (cattle n=560, buffalo n=293) were collected from abattoirs of three districts of Punjab namely Lahore, Kasur and Jhang. PCR was performed with specific primers, targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene to detect the positive cases. The results indicated that 49 samples (8.75%) of cattle were positive, with maximum prevalence was observed in Jhang with 16 positive samples (10.06%), but CBPP was not detected in any buffalo sample. High prevalence of disease was seen in cattle of more than seven years of age, in female cattle, and in cross-bred cattle. Age and gender were found significantly associated (P<0.05) with the prevalence of the disease. Gene sequencing of identified 5 isolates of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides had more than 99% similarities with the strains isolated from China, Italy, Australia and Tanzania and were categorized into a monophyletic group but strain isolated from Portugal had more than 55% variable regions, hence clustered separately. This study confirms the presence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in the country which can be a threat to the livestock export market and warrants the implementation of control measures to mitigate the economic losses associated with the disease.
Fulltext Phytochemicals, mineral contents, antioxidants, and antimicrobial activities of propolis produced by Brunei stingless bees Geniotrigona thoracica, Heterotrigona itama, and Tetrigona binghami

Abdullah NA, Zullkiflee N, Zaini SNZ, Taha H, Hashim F, Usman A

Saudi J Biol Sci, 2020 Nov;27(11):2902-2911.
PMID: 33100845 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.09.014

The present study focused on the evaluation of phytochemical properties, essential mineral elements, and heavy metals contained in raw propolis produced by stingless bees Geniotrigona thoracica, Heterotrigona itama, and Tetrigona binghami found in the same ecological conditions and environment in Brunei Darussalam. The results indicated that propolis of the three stingless bee species mainly consisted of lipids (45.60-47.86%) and very low carbohydrate (0.17-0.48%) and protein contents (0.18-1.18%). The propolis was rich in mineral elements, thus good sources of minerals, while they contained low concentrations of all heavy metals. Propolis of the different bee species could be distinguished based on their mineral compositions. The vibrational and absorption spectra suggested that propolis contains π-conjugated aliphatic and aromatic compounds as well as aromatic acids having amine, ester, carbonyl, alkyl, and hydroxyl functional groups which might be attributed to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The antioxidant capacity of the propolis, based on radical scavenging activity of their ethanol extract, was in line with their total phenolic content. The ethanol extract of the propolis also showed antimicrobial activities against four bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The propolis showed slightly higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) bacteria, indicating that the antimicrobial active compounds could be associated with flavonoids, which were quantified to be approximately comparable in all the propolis.
A comprehensive review on the advances of bioproducts from biomass towards meeting net zero carbon emissions (NZCE)

Tijjani Usman IM, Ho YC, Baloo L, Lam MK, Sujarwo W

Bioresour Technol, 2022 Oct 27;366:128167.
PMID: 36341858 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128167

This review investigates the development of bioproducts from biomass and their contribution towards net zero carbon emissions. The promising future of biomasses conversion techniques to produce bioproducts was reviewed. The advances in anaerobic digestion as a biochemical conversion technique have been critically studied and contribute towards carbon emissions mitigation. Different applications of microalgae biomass towards carbon neutrality were comprehensively discussed, and several research findings have been tabulated in this review. The carbon footprints of wastewater treatment plants were studied, and bioenergy utilisation from sludge production was shown to mitigate carbon footprints. The carbon-sinking capability of microalgae has also been outlined. Furthermore, integrated conversion processes have shown to enhance bioproducts generation yield and quality. The anaerobic digestion/pyrolysis integrated process was promising, and potential substrates have been suggested for future research. Lastly, challenges and future perspectives of bioproducts were outlined for a contribution towards meeting carbon neutrality.
Low-cost silica based ceramic supported thin film composite hollow fiber membrane from guinea corn husk ash for efficient removal of microplastic from aqueous solution

Yogarathinam LT, Usman J, Othman MHD, Ismail AF, Goh PS, Gangasalam A, et al.

J Hazard Mater, 2022 02 15;424(Pt A):127298.
PMID: 34571470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127298

In this study, an economic silica based ceramic hollow fiber (HF) microporous membrane was fabricated from guinea cornhusk ash (GCHA). A silica interlayer was coated to form a defect free silica membrane which serves as a support for the formation of thin film composite (TFC) ceramic hollow fiber (HF) membrane for the removal of microplastics (MPs) from aqueous solutions. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinyl-chloride (PVC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are the selected MPs The effects of amine monomer concentration (0.5 wt% and 1 wt%) on the formation of poly (piperazine-amide) layer via interfacial polymerization over the GCHA ceramic support were also investigated. The morphology analysis of TFC GCHA HF membranes revealed the formation of a poly (piperazine-amide) layer with narrow pore arrangement. The pore size of TFC GCHA membrane declined with the formation of poly (piperazine-amide) layer, as evidenced from porosimetry analysis. The increase of amine concentration reduced the porosity and water flux of TFC GCHA HF membranes. During MPs filtration, 1 wt% (piperazine) based TFC GCHA membrane showed a lower transmission percentage of PVP (2.7%) and other suspended MPs also displayed lower transmission. The impact of humic acid and sodium alginate on MPs filtration and seawater pretreatment were also analyzed.
Occupational health and safety issues in the informal economic segment of Pakistan: a survey of construction sites

Ahmed I, Shaukat MZ, Usman A, Nawaz MM, Nazir MS

Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2018 Jun;24(2):240-250.
PMID: 28795938 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2017.1366145

This research covers the current status of occupational health and safety (OHS)-related practices in the informal construction segment of Pakistan. Data were collected, through interviews, from 316 construction sites employing 3577 workers. The results of the study reveal that both employers and workers lack knowledge of OHS laws/standards and no practices of this nature are enacted at these construction sites. Alarmingly, work-related accidents, whenever they happen, are not given due attention and there is no formal injury-report system. The informal construction industry employs a huge portion of the informal workforce, and lack of OHS happens at tremendous human cost. These research findings may thus play their role in strengthening the case for reforms in the sector. This study, if properly utilized, may also enable employers of the sector by increasing their knowledge about OHS practices and, as a result, trying to offer safer environments for their workers.
Fulltext Gadolinium-Doped Gallic Acid-Zinc/Aluminium-Layered Double Hydroxide/Gold Theranostic Nanoparticles for a Bimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Drug Delivery System

Sani Usman M, Hussein MZ, Fakurazi S, Masarudin MJ, Ahmad Saad FF

Nanomaterials (Basel), 2017 Aug 31;7(9).
PMID: 28858229 DOI: 10.3390/nano7090244

We have developed gadolinium-based theranostic nanoparticles for co-delivery of drug and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent using Zn/Al-layered double hydroxide as the nanocarrier platform, a naturally occurring phenolic compound, gallic acid (GA) as therapeutic agent, and Gd(NO₃)₃ as diagnostic agent. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were grown on the system to support the contrast for MRI imaging. The nanoparticles were characterized using techniques such as Hi-TEM, XRD, ICP-ES. Kinetic release study of the GA from the nanoparticles showed about 70% of GA was released over a period of 72 h. The in vitro cell viability test for the nanoparticles showed relatively low toxicity to human cell lines (3T3) and improved toxicity on cancerous cell lines (HepG2). A preliminary contrast property test of the nanoparticles, tested on a 3 Tesla MRI machine at various concentrations of GAGZAu and water (as a reference) indicates that the nanoparticles have a promising dual diagnostic and therapeutic features to further develop a better future for clinical remedy for cancer treatment.
Combined effects of knee brace, laterally wedged insoles and toe-in gait on knee adduction moment and balance in moderate medial knee osteoarthritis patients

Khan SJ, Khan SS, Usman J, Mokhtar AH, Abu Osman NA

Gait Posture, 2018 03;61:243-249.
PMID: 29413792 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.01.024

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that toe-in gait (TI) will further reduce first peak (Knee Adduction Moment) KAM and decrease balance when combined with a knee brace (KB) and laterally wedged insoles (LWI) in medial knee osteoarthritis (kOA) patients.
PARTICIPANTS: Twenty patients with bilateral symptomatic medial kOA.
INTERVENTIONS: 4-point leverage-based KB, full-length LWI with 5° inclination and toe-in gait (TI).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: First and second peak knee adduction moment (fKAM and sKAM respectively), balance and pain.
METHODS: The fKAM and sKAM were determined from 3-dimensional gait analysis with six randomized conditions: (1) N (without any intervention), (2) KB, (3) KB + TI, (4) LWI, (5) LWI + TI, (6) KB + LWI + TI. Balance was assessed by Biodex Balance System using three stability settings, (i) Static (ii) Moderate dynamic setting for fall risk (FR12) and (iii) High dynamic setting for fall risk (FR8).
RESULTS: The reduction in fKAM and sKAM was greatest (19.75% and 12%) when TI was combined with KB and LWI respectively. No change in balance was observed when TI combined with KB, and LWI and when used concurrently with both the orthosis at static and FR12 conditions. Significant balance reduction was found at FR8 for KB + TI (22.22%), and KB + LWI + TI (35.71%). Pain increased significantly for KB (258%), KB + TI (305%), LWI + TI (210%) and KB + LWI + TI (316%). LWI showed no effect on pain.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a synergistic effect of TI when combined with KB and LWI concurrently in sKAM reduction. However, the concurrent use of TI, KB and LWI decreases balance and pain as assessed on a highly dynamic platform.
Study site: Department of Sports Medicine, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Effects of different foot progression angles and platform settings on postural stability and fall risk in healthy and medial knee osteoarthritic adults

Khan SJ, Khan SS, Usman J, Mokhtar AH, Abu Osman NA

Proc Inst Mech Eng H, 2018 Feb;232(2):163-171.
PMID: 29283019 DOI: 10.1177/0954411917750409

This study aims to investigate the effects of varying toe angles at different platform settings on Overall Stability Index of postural stability and fall risk using Biodex Balance System in healthy participants and medial knee osteoarthritis patients. Biodex Balance System was employed to measure postural stability and fall risk at different foot progression angles (ranging from -20° to 40°, with 10° increments) on 20 healthy (control group) and 20 knee osteoarthritis patients (osteoarthritis group) randomly (age: 59.50 ± 7.33 years and 61.50 ± 8.63 years; body mass: 69.95 ± 9.86 kg and 70.45 ± 8.80 kg). Platform settings used were (1) static, (2) postural stability dynamic level 8 (PS8), (3) fall risk levels 12 to 8 (FR12) and (4) fall risk levels 8 to 2 (FR8). Data from the tests were analysed using three-way mixed repeated measures analysis of variance. The participant group, platform settings and toe angles all had a significant main effect on balance ( p ≤ 0.02). Platform settings had a significant interaction effect with participant group F(3, 144) = 6.97, p
Fulltext Polystyrene microplastics induce gut microbiome and metabolome changes in Javanese medaka fish (Oryzias javanicus Bleeker, 1854)

Usman S, Razis AFA, Shaari K, Azmai MNA, Saad MZ, Isa NM, et al.

Toxicol Rep, 2022;9:1369-1379.
PMID: 36518379 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.05.001

Microplastics (MPs) have become emerging pollutants of public health concern, due to their impact on aqua-terrestrial ecosystems and integration into the food web, with evidence of human exposure and unrevealed health implications. There is a paucity of information regarding the effects of MPs exposure on the gut system using metagenomic and metabolomic approaches. In this study, Javanese medaka fish was exposed to 5 µm beads of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) suspensions, at concentrations of 100 μg/L (MP-LOW), 500 μg/L (MP-MED), and 1000 μg/L (MP-HIGH), for a duration of 21 days, and evaluated for gut microbiome and metabolome responses. The results revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in richness and diversity of the gut microbiome in the MP-HIGH group, and identification of 7 bacterial genera as differential features by the Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe). The gut metabolic profile revealed upregulation of 9 metabolites related to energy metabolism, via tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), creatine pathway, and urea cycle, as determined by the pathway analysis. Furthermore, positive correlation was found between the genus Aeromonas and glucose, lactate, and creatine metabolites. The study revealed that PS-MPs exposure resulted in altered bacterial microbiome and metabolic disorder related to energy metabolism. It further provided additional data on gut bacterial genera and metabolites associated with MPs toxicity in aquatic organism, which will inevitably enable its future health risks assessment in animals and possibly humans.
Microcystin production by oscillatorialean cyanobacteria isolated from cryopreserved Antarctic mats

Usman AS, Merican F, Zaki S, Broady P, Convey P, Muangmai N

Harmful Algae, 2022 Dec;120:102336.
PMID: 36470600 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2022.102336

Twenty cyanobacterial strains of eight morphospecies isolated from deep-frozen (-15 °C) mat samples originally collected on Ross Island, in Victoria Land, and on the McMurdo Ice Shelf were screened for the presence of genes encoding for production of anatoxins, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin/nodularin and saxitoxin. One strain of each of Microcoleus autumnalis and Phormidesmis priestleyi and two strains of Wilmottia murrayi were found to produce microcystin. No toxin production was detected in the other 16 strains representing five species. The four toxin-producing strains were characterised using both morphological and molecular approaches. Phylogenetic analyses using partial 16S rRNA sequences were consistent with the morphological identification of all four strains. They were all found to contain a fragment of the mcyE gene, which is involved in microcystin biosynthesis. ELISA analysis of extracts from cultures of these strains confirmed the presence of low concentrations of microcystin: 0.35 μg/L in M. autumnalis, <0.15 μg/L in P. priestleyi, 1.60 μg/L in W. murrayi strain 1 and 0.9 μg/L in W. murrayi strain 2. This study includes the first report of microcystin synthesis by W. murrayi.
Fulltext Disparities in Prevalence and Barriers to Hypertension Control: A Systematic Review

Elnaem MH, Mosaad M, Abdelaziz DH, Mansour NO, Usman A, Elrggal ME, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 06;19(21).
PMID: 36361453 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114571

Controlling hypertension (HTN) remains a challenge, as it is affected by various factors in different settings. This study aimed to describe the disparities in the prevalence and barriers to hypertension control across countries of various income categories. Three scholarly databases-ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar-were systematically examined using predefined search terms to identify potentially relevant studies. Original research articles published in English between 2011 and 2022 that reported the prevalence and barriers to HTN control were included. A total of 33 studies were included in this systematic review. Twenty-three studies were conducted in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), and ten studies were from high-income countries (HIC). The prevalence of hypertension control in the LMIC and HIC studies ranged from (3.8% to 50.4%) to (36.3% to 69.6%), respectively. Concerning barriers to hypertension control, patient-related barriers were the most frequently reported (n = 20), followed by medication adherence barriers (n = 10), lifestyle-related barriers (n = 8), barriers related to the affordability and accessibility of care (n = 8), awareness-related barriers (n = 7), and, finally, barriers related to prescribed pharmacotherapy (n = 6). A combination of more than one category of barriers was frequently encountered, with 59 barriers reported overall across the 33 studies. This work reported disparities in hypertension control and barriers across studies conducted in LMIC and HIC. Recognizing the multifactorial nature of the barriers to hypertension control, particularly in LMIC, is crucial in designing and implementing customized interventions.
Chitosan Nanoparticles as Potential Nano-Sorbent for Removal of Toxic Environmental Pollutants

Benettayeb A, Seihoub FZ, Pal P, Ghosh S, Usman M, Chia CH, et al.

Nanomaterials (Basel), 2023 Jan 21;13(3).
PMID: 36770407 DOI: 10.3390/nano13030447

Adsorption is the most widely used technique for advanced wastewater treatment. The preparation and application of natural renewable and environmentally friendly materials makes this process easier and more profitable. Chitosan is often used as an effective biomaterial in the adsorption world because of its numerous functional applications. Chitosan is one of the most suitable and functionally flexible adsorbents because it contains hydroxyl (-OH) and amine (-NH2) groups. The adsorption capacity and selectivity of chitosan can be further improved by introducing additional functions into its basic structure. Owing to its unique surface properties and adsorption ability of chitosan, the development and application of chitosan nanomaterials has gained significant attention. Here, recent research on chitosan nanoparticles is critically reviewed by comparing various methods for their synthesis with particular emphasis on the role of experimental conditions, limitations, and applications in water and wastewater treatment. The recovery of pollutants using magnetic nanoparticles is an important treatment process that has contributed to additional development and sustainable growth. The application of such nanoparticles in the recovery metals, which demonstrates a "close loop technology" in the current scenarios, is also presented in this review.
Does globalization affect the green economy and environment? The relationship between energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and economic growth

Anser MK, Usman M, Godil DI, Shabbir MS, Sharif A, Tabash MI, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Oct;28(37):51105-51118.
PMID: 33974204 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14243-4

This study analyzes the relationship between globalization, energy consumption, and economic growth among selected South Asian countries to promote the green economy and environment. This study also finds causal association between energy growth and nexus of CO2 emissions and employed the premises of the EKC framework. The study used annual time series analysis, starting from 1985 to 2019. The data set has been collected from the World Development Indicator (WDI). The result of a fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) method describes a significantly worse quality environment in the South Asian region. The individual country as Bangladesh shows a positively significant impact on the CO2 emissions and destroys the level of environment regarding non-renewable energy and globalization index. However, negative and positive growth levels (GDP) and square of GDP confirm the EKC hypothesis in this region. This study has identified the causality between GDP growth and carbon emission and found bidirectional causality between economic growth and energy use.
Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-lymphocyte ratio in stroke-associated pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zawiah M, Hayat Khan A, Abu Farha R, Usman A, Bitar AN

Curr Med Res Opin, 2023 Mar;39(3):475-482.
PMID: 36710633 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2023.2174327

BACKGROUND: Predicting stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is crucial for intensifying preventive measures and decreasing morbidity and mortality. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association between baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with SAP and to determine the strength of the association.
METHODS: The Web of Science, SCOPUS, and PUBMED databases were searched to find eligible studies. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the differences in NLR, MLR, and PLR levels between SAP and non-SAP patients. The meta-analysis was conducted using the software "Review Manager" (RevMan, version 5.4.1, September 2020). The random-effect model was used for the pooling analysis if there was substantial heterogeneity. Otherwise, the fixed-effect model was adopted.
RESULTS: Twelve studies comprising 6302 stroke patients were included. The pooled analyses revealed that patients with SAP had significantly higher levels of NLR, MLR, and PLR than the non-SAP group. The SMD, 95% CI, p-value, and I2 for them were respectively reported as (0.88, 0.70-1.07, .00001, 77%); (0.94, 0.43-1.46, .0003, 93%); and (0.61, 0.47-0.75, .001, 0%). Subgroup analysis of NLR studies showed no significant differences in the effect size index between the severity of the stroke, the sample size, and the period between the stroke onset and the blood sampling.
CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that an elevated NLR, MLR, and PLR were associated with SAP, indicating that they could be promising blood-based biomarkers for predicting SAP. Large-scale prospective studies from various ethnicities are recommended to validate this association before they can be applied in clinical practice.
Correction to: Does globalization affect the green economy and environment? The relationship between energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and economic growth

Anser MK, Usman M, Godil DI, Shabbir MS, Sharif A, Tabash MI, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Oct;28(37):51119.
PMID: 34213726 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15192-8
Fulltext Accessory respiratory muscles performance among people with spinal cord injury while singing songs with different musical parameters

Ramli MI, Hamzaid NA, Engkasan JP, Usman J, Salleh M, Hueh WD

PLoS One, 2024;19(7):e0305940.
PMID: 38968230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305940

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience respiratory dysfunctions which include hypersecretions, bronchospasm, and respiratory muscles weakness. Singing therapy has been implemented as part of respiratory muscle training (RMT) to improve their muscle strength. Singing different types and genres of songs may elicit specific recruitment of respiratory muscles, attributed to the variation of the songs' characteristics including tempo, pitch, and rhythmic complexity. This study aims to determine the effect of singing songs with different characteristics on the accessory respiratory muscle performance among people with SCI. Thirteen male SCI participants of ASIA A and B (C4 -T11) were recruited. Respiratory muscle signals were retrieved by placing two mechanomyography (MMG) sensors on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles. Eight music experts categorized several songs into four categories based on their pitch, tempo, and rhythmic complexity. Each participant sang one song from each category. Findings showed statistically significant difference in RA and SCM responses among all categories (P < 0.01). The SCM muscle is most active while singing high pitch songs. While the RA is most active during slow tempo and easy rhythmic complexity. This shows that different accessory respiratory muscle is activated by people with SCI while singing songs with different characteristics. Clinicians could benefit from this knowledge while prescribing singing therapy or exercise among people with SCI in the future.
Effect of exchange rate uncertainty, energy prices and sectoral spending on agriculture value added, household consumption, and domestic investment

Iorember PT, Mohamed Yusoff NY, Abachi PT, Usman O, Alola AA

Heliyon, 2024 May 15;10(9):e30138.
PMID: 38707373 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30138

The agricultural value chain is underpinned by the interdependence of agricultural value added, household consumption and domestic investment. Understanding the complex interactions between these microeconomic outcomes and the uncertainties in the macroeconomic variables of exchange rates, energy prices and sectoral spending remains under-researched. Therefore, this study examines the impact of exchange rate, energy prices and sectoral spending on agricultural value added, household consumption and domestic investment in Nigeria from 1981 to 2020. Using Kernel regularized least squares (KRLS), the results show that the average pointwise marginal effects of exchange rate and agricultural spending are positive, while the average pointwise marginal effect of energy price is significantly negative for the agricultural value-added model. The results also show that the exchange rate, energy prices and agricultural expenditure all have a positive effect on household consumption. Regarding domestic investment, the effect of the exchange rate is positive and statistically insignificant, while the effects of energy prices and agricultural expenditure are negative and statistically significant. The study recommends the need to strengthen the social safety nets currently in place in Nigeria to support households that are vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, incentives should be given to households and farmers to help use renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power for agricultural activities. Also, investment in value chains and agribusiness initiatives should be encouraged rather than just in crop production.
Retraction Note: Natural Polymer-Based Graphene Oxide Bio-nanocomposite Hydrogel Beads: Superstructures with Advanced Potentials for Drug Delivery

Rehman S, Madni A, Jameel QA, Usman F, Rafi Raza M, Ahmad F, et al.

AAPS PharmSciTech, 2024 Mar 19;25(4):63.
PMID: 38502375 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02788-9
First principle study of X2GaAgCl6 (X = Cs, Rb) double perovskites: structural, mechanical, vibrational, electronic, optical, SLME, thermoelectric, and thermodynamic properties for solar cell applications

Rehman ZU, Rehman MA, Khan MR, Rehman B, Sikiru S, Rizwan M, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 May 07.
PMID: 38714613 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33556-8

The structural, mechanical, vibrational, electronic, optical, SLME, thermoelectric, and thermodynamic properties of X2GaAgCl6 (X = Cs, Rb), a double perovskite material, were computed by employing Density Functional Theory (DFT). CASTEP and Quantum ESPRESSO were used to perform first-principles calculations. X2GaAgCl6 possesses a cubic structure with the space-group symmetry Fm-3 m. The lattice parameters of Cs2GaAgCl6 and Rb2GaAgCl6 were optimized using the energy-volume curves, resulting in values of 7.357 Å and 7.365 Å, respectively. The population analysis confirmed the charge transfer among transition metals and halogen atoms. The stability of crystal X2GaAgCl6 (X = Cs, Rb) is effectively demonstrated by analyzing phonon dispersion curves with no negative frequencies. The band structure calculations indicated the semiconducting nature of compounds with energy gaps of 0.96 eV and 0.88 eV for Cs2GaAgCl6 and Rb2GaAgCl6, respectively. The optical characteristics results confirm that the examined materials are suitable for devices working, primarily in the electromagnetic spectrum's visible region. SLME results showed that Cs2GaAgCl6 has 30% and Rb2GaAgCl6 has 27% efficiency, respectively, suggesting their use in photovoltaics. The thermoelectric properties of X2GaAgCl6 (X = Cs, Rb) were calculated by using the BoltzTraP code in the temperature range of 300 to 800 K. The quasi-harmonic Debye model was applied to calculate the thermodynamic characteristics.

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