Search Results (160)

Recent advances in microbiome studies have deepened our understanding of endosymbionts and gut-associated microbiota in host biology. Of those, lepidopteran systems in particular harbor a complex and diverse microbiome with various microbial taxa that are stable and transmitted between larval and adult stages, and others that are transient and context-dependent. We highlight key microorganisms—including Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, Bifidobacterium, and Wolbachia—that play critical roles in microbial ecology, biotechnology, and microbiome studies. The fitness implications of these microbial communities can be variable; some microbes improve host performance, while others neither positively nor negatively impact host fitness, or their impact is undetectable. This review examines the central position played by the gut microbiota in interactions of insects with plants, highlighting the functions of the microbiota in the manipulation of the behavior of herbivorous pests, modulating plant physiology, and regulating higher trophic levels in natural food webs. It also bridges microbiome ecology and applied pest management, emphasizing S. frugiperda as a model for symbiont-based intervention. As gut microbiota are central to the life history of herbivorous pests, we consider how these interactions can be exploited to drive the development of new, environmentally sound biocontrol strategies. Novel biotechnological strategies, including symbiont-based RNA interference (RNAi) and paratransgenesis, represent promising but still immature technologies with major obstacles to overcome in their practical application. However, microbiota-mediated pest control is an attractive strategy to move towards sustainable agriculture. Significantly, the gut microbiota of S. frugiperda is essential for S. frugiperda to adapt to a wide spectrum of host plants and different ecological niches. Studies have revealed that the microbiome of S. frugiperda has a close positive relationship with the fitness and susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi; therefore, targeting the S. frugiperda microbiome may have good potential for innovative biocontrol strategies in the future. Full article

Pharmacokinetic modelling is extensively used in understanding drug behavior, distribution and optimizing dosing regimens. This study presents a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model developed using three numerical approaches that includes the Euler method, fourth-order Runge–Kutta method, and Adams–Bashforth–Moulton method. The model incorporates key parameters including elimination, transfer rate constants, and compartment volumes. The numerical approaches are used to simulate the concentration of drug profiles, which are then compared to the exact solution. The results reveal that with an average error of 1.54%, the fourth-order Runge–Kutta technique provides optimized results compared to other methods when the overall average error is taken into account, which shows that the Runge–Kutta method is better in terms of accuracy and consistency for drug concentration estimates in the two-compartment model. This mathematical model may be used to optimize dosing procedures by providing a less complex method. Along with that, it also monitors therapeutic medication levels, which provides accurate analysis for drug distribution and elimination kinetics. Full article

Human gait identification is a biometric technique that permits recognizing an individual from a long distance focusing on numerous features such as movement, time, and clothing. This approach in particular is highly useful in video surveillance scenarios, where biometric systems allow people to be easily recognized without intruding on their privacy. In the domain of computer vision, one of the essential and most difficult tasks is tracking a person across multiple camera views, specifically, recognizing the similar person in diverse scenes. However, the accuracy of the gait identification system is significantly affected by covariate factors, such as different view angles, clothing, walking speeds, occlusion, and low-lighting conditions. Previous studies have often overlooked the influence of these factors, leaving a gap in the comprehensive understanding of gait recognition systems. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the most effective gait recognition methods, assessing their performance across various image source databases while highlighting the limitations of existing datasets. Additionally, it explores the influence of key covariate factors, such as viewing angle, clothing, and environmental conditions, on model performance. The paper also compares traditional gait recognition methods with advanced deep learning techniques, offering theoretical insights into the impact of covariates and addressing real-world application challenges. The contrasts and discussions presented provide valuable insights for developing a robust and improved gait-based identification framework for future advancements. Full article

While digital religion and digital protest can ideally serve the common good, religious nationalist and fundamentalist movements have exploited these tools to disrupt the social fabric and create dangerous political outcomes. This paper examines how religious communicators within Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and Alternative for Germany (AfD) perceive and enact their responsibility within digital spaces, leveraging the power of “networked communities” and the collective identity of the digital “crowd” to advance their agendas of religious fundamentalism and political conservatism. Bypassing traditional media, groups like the AfD and TLP exploit digital religion to build communities, spread propaganda that merges religion with national identity, frame political issues as religious mandates, and mobilize collective action. Campbell’s concept of the “networked community” demonstrates how digital technologies form decentralized, fluid, and global religious communities, distinct from traditional, geographically bound ones. Both the TLP and AfD have tapped into this new digital religious space, shaping and mobilizing political and religious identities across virtual borders. Gerbaudo’s idea of the “digital crowd” complements this by examining how collective action in the digital age reshapes mass mobilization, with social media transforming how political movements operate in the 21st century. Although the AfD’s platform is not overtly religious, the party strategically invokes ethno-Christian identity, framing opposition to Islam and Muslim immigration as a defense of German cultural and Christian values. Similarly, the TLP promotes religious nationalism by advocating for Pakistan’s Islamic identity against secularism and liberalism and calling for strict enforcement of blasphemy laws. Recognizing digital spaces as tools co-opted by religious nationalist movements, this paper explores how communicators in these movements understand their responsibility for the social and long term consequences of their messages. Using Luhmann’s systems theory—where communication is central to social systems—this paper analyzes how the TLP and AfD leverage individuals’ need for purpose and belonging to mobilize them digitally. By crafting emotionally charged experiences, these movements extend their influence beyond virtual spaces and into the broader public sphere. Finally, this paper will reflect on the theological implications of these dynamics both on and offline. How do religious communicators in digital spaces reconcile their theological frameworks with the social impact of their communication? Can digital religious communities be harnessed to foster social cohesion and inclusivity instead of exacerbating social divisions? Through this lens, the paper seeks to deepen our understanding of the intersection between digital religion, political mobilization, and theological responsibility in the digital age. Full article

In recent years, biosensors have emerged as a promising solution for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), offering automated systems for rapid chemical analyses with minimal pre-treatment requirements. The use of saliva as a biological sample matrix offers distinct advantages, including non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and reduced susceptibility to fluid intake fluctuations compared to alternative methods. The aim of this study was to explore and compare two types of low-cost biosensors, namely, the colourimetric and electrochemical methodologies, for quantifying paracetamol (acetaminophen) concentrations within artificial saliva using the MediMeter app, which has been specifically developed for this application. The research encompassed extensive optimisations and methodological refinements to ensure the results were robust and reliable. Material selection and parameter adjustments minimised external interferences, enhancing measurement accuracy. Both the colourimetric and electrochemical methods successfully determined paracetamol concentrations within the therapeutic range of 0.01–0.05 mg/mL (R² = 0.939 for colourimetric and R² = 0.988 for electrochemical). While both techniques offered different advantages, the electrochemical approach showed better precision (i.e., standard deviation of response = 0.1041 mg/mL) and speed (i.e., ~1 min). These findings highlight the potential use of biosensors in drug concentration determination, with the choice of technology dependent on specific application requirements. The development of an affordable, non-invasive and rapid biosensing system holds promise for remote drug concentration monitoring, reducing the need for invasive approaches and hospital visits. Future research could extend these methodologies to practical clinical applications, encouraging the use of TDM for enhanced precision, accessibility, and real-time patient-centric care. Full article

Flexibility, light weight, and mechanical robustness are the key advantages of flexible photovoltaic (PV) modules, making them highly versatile for sustainable energy solutions. Unlike traditional rigid PV modules, their flexible nature makes them incredibly versatile for harnessing energy in places where doing so was once impossible. They have a wide range of applications due to their flexibility and moldability, making it possible to conform these modules to surfaces like curved rooftops and other irregular structures. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of all the materials used in flexible PV modules with a focus on their role in sustainability. We thoroughly discuss the active-layer materials for crystalline silicon (c-Si)-based solar cells (SC) and thin-film solar cells such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), as well as copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), amorphous thin-film silicon (a-Si), perovskite and organic solar cells. Various properties, such as the optical, barrier, thermal, and mechanical properties of different substrate materials, are reviewed. Transport layers and conductive electrode materials are discussed with a focus on emerging trends and contributions to sustainable PV technology. Various fabrication techniques involved in making flexible PV modules, along with advantages, disadvantages, and future trends, are highlighted in the paper. The commercialization of flexible PV is also discussed, which is a crucial milestone in advancing and adapting new technologies in the PV industry with a focus on contributing toward sustainability. Full article

Nanofluids, with their enhanced thermal properties, provide innovative solutions for improving heat transfer efficiency in renewable energy systems. This study investigates a numerical simulation of bioconvective flow and heat transfer in a Williamson nanofluid over a stretching wedge, incorporating the effects of chemical reactions and hydrogen diffusion. The system also includes motile microorganisms, which induce bioconvection, a phenomenon where microorganisms’ collective motion creates a convective flow that enhances mass and heat transport processes. This mechanism is crucial for improving the distribution of nanoparticles and maintaining the stability of the nanofluid. The unique rheological behavior of Williamson fluid, extensively utilized in hydrometallurgical and chemical processing industries, significantly influences thermal and mass transport characteristics. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), derived from conservation laws and boundary conditions, are converted into dimensionless ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using similarity transformations. MATLAB’s bvp4c solver is employed to numerically analyze these equations. The outcomes highlight the complex interplay between fluid parameters and flow characteristics. An increase in the Williamson nanofluid parameters leads to a reduction in fluid velocity, with solutions observed for the skin friction coefficient. Higher thermophoresis and Williamson nanofluid parameters elevate the fluid temperature, enhancing heat transfer efficiency. Conversely, a larger Schmidt number boosts fluid concentration, while stronger chemical reaction effects reduce it. These results are generated by fixing parametric values as $0.1<\varpi <1.5, 0.1<\mathit{Nr}<3.0, 0.2<\mathrm{Pr}<0.5, 0.1<\mathit{Sc}<0.4, \mathrm{and} 0.1<\mathit{Pe}<1.5.$ This work provides valuable insights into the dynamics of Williamson nanofluids and their potential for thermal management in renewable energy systems. The combined impact of bioconvection, chemical reactions, and advanced rheological properties underscores the suitability of these nanofluids for applications in solar thermal, geothermal, and other energy technologies requiring precise heat and mass transfer control. This paper is also focused on their applications in solar thermal collectors, geothermal systems, and thermal energy storage, highlighting advanced experimental and computational approaches to address key challenges in renewable energy technologies. Full article

Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) gas flowmeters are innovative devices that use microfabrication technology to measure gas flow with high precision and sensitivity. With MEMS technology, flow measurement can now be performed more accurately and compactly than ever, using low-power, compact, and highly accurate sensors. MEMS gas flowmeters utilize various principles to measure gas flow, including thermal, Coriolis, and pressure differential methods. A micro-flowmeter was developed by combining a MEMS sensor with a weak signal acquisition technique. High heat isolation and sensitivity can be achieved using a MEMS sensor with a thermal resistor-suspended VO₂ structure. Since SU-8 gum is used for the flow channel, the technology is simple and affordable, making it suitable for batch production. To acquire high-resolution, low-noise data, the device uses a super low bias current operational amplifier, aided by guard ring protection, and a 24-bit high-resolution ADC. The sensor and data acquisition combination shows that the flowmeter has favorable linearity and sensitivity between 0 and 50 mL/min at a specific offset voltage. Biochemical detection and medicine require a high-sensitivity, high-stability, and low-cost flowmeter. Full article

The present work presents an innovative marine sensing robotics device based on piezoelectric cantilever-integrated micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMSs) modeled on fish lateral lines. The device comprises 12 cantilevers of different shapes and sizes in a cross-shaped configuration, embedded between molybdenum (Mo) electrodes in a piezoelectric thin film (PbTiO₃, GaPO₄). It has the advantage of a directional response due to the unique design of the circular cantilevers. In COMSOL software 5.5, we designed, modeled, and simulated a piezoelectric device based on a comparative study of these piezoelectric materials. Simulations were performed on cantilever microstructures ranging in length from 100 µm to 500 µm. These materials perform best when lead titanate (PbTiO₃) is used. A maximum voltage of 4.9 mV was obtained with the PbTiO₃-material cantilever with a displacement of 37 µm. A laser Doppler vibrometer was used to measure the resonance frequency mode and displacement. Our simulations and experiments were in good agreement. Its performance and compactness allow us to envision its employment in underwater acoustics for monitoring marine cetaceans and ultrasound communications. In conclusion, MEMS piezoelectric transducers can be used as hydrophones to sense underwater acoustic pulses. Full article

Biochar (BC) serves a vital function in sequestering carbon, improving nutrient cycles, and boosting overall soil quality. This research explored the enhancement of the chemical and physical properties of soil (alkaline) using nitrogen and biochar (from organic and inorganic sources) in a semi-arid climate during the autumn seasons of 2015–2016 and 2016–2017. The study involved applying biochar at various rates (0, 10, 20, and 30 t ha⁻¹) and nitrogen at different levels (0, 90, 120, and 150 kg ha⁻¹) using urea, poultry manure (PM), and farmyard manure (FYM) as nitrogen sources, which were applied to the field in a randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement. The application of biochar at the highest rate (30 t ha⁻¹) resulted in a significant increase of over 120% in soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil moisture content (SMC). Additionally, it increased total soil nitrogen (STN) by 14.16% and mineral nitrogen (SMN) by 9.09%. In contrast, applying biochar at this rate reduced soil bulk density (SBD), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) by 28.52%, 3.38%, and 2.27%, respectively, compared to the control. Similarly, applying nitrogen at 150 kg ha⁻¹ using FYM significantly improved SOC, SOM, SMC, and SBD. At the same rate, using PM as a nitrogen source enhanced STN and SMN while reducing soil pH and EC. In conclusion, this study shows that applying biochar at 30 t ha⁻¹ combined with nitrogen at 150 kg ha⁻¹, sourced from either PM or FYM, offers great potential for improving soil fertility and promoting carbon sequestration in alkaline soils of semi-arid regions. These findings highlight the value of integrating BC and organic N sources for enhancing agroecosystem sustainability. Thus, this study provides a promising pathway to enhance soil quality, improve crop productivity, and support sustainable agricultural practices in challenging environments. Full article

Peach production faces significant pre-harvest challenges, including low moisture, nutrient deficiencies, flower drop, physical damage, and surface discoloration, which can limit yield and fruit quality. To mitigate these issues, the present study hypothesized that foliar applications of silicon and zinc could enhance peach growth, yield, and quality due to their known roles in improving stress tolerance, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant activity. Therefore, this research aimed to identify optimal concentrations of silicon and zinc for quality peach production. Ten-year-old peach trees of uniform size were sprayed with four levels of silicon (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%) and zinc (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%) for two consecutive growing seasons, at the berry and pit hardening stages, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The averaged data from the two years showed that the pre-harvest foliar application of silicon significantly improved all yield and quality attributes of peaches. The foliar application of silicon at 0.3% notably enhanced fruit growth, yield, and biochemical attributes. Additionally, the highest fruit growth, yield, and quality of peach fruits were observed at the 0.75% zinc concentration. Maximum antioxidant activity, flavonoid content, proline content, and catalase activity were observed in fruits from plants treated with 0.3% silicon, which were statistically on par with 0.2% silicon. However, peroxidase activity was highest at 0.2% silicon. Regarding zinc levels, antioxidant activity, flavonoid content, proline content, and peroxidase activity were highest in fruits treated with 0.75% zinc, while catalase activity was superior when fruits were sprayed with 0.50% zinc. The interaction between silicon and zinc concentrations was found to be non-significant for most parameters, except for titratable acidity, TSS–acid ratio, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity, flavonoid content, and peroxidase activity. In conclusion, the foliar application of 0.3% silicon and 0.75% zinc independently enhanced all yield and quality characteristics of peaches. For the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar, 0.2% silicon and 0.50% zinc are recommended for optimal peach production. Full article

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are viral causes of Hepatitis that lead to significant worldwide mortality and morbidity through the sequelae of fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we have summarized recent studies that have examined the effects of antiviral therapy on the regression of fibrosis and the reduction in mortalities associated with the viruses. Antiviral therapy significantly decreases mortality and induces the regression of fibrosis. Full article

Localized calcium deficiency at the tomato flower end causes a physiological disorder called blossom end rot, resulting in yield losses of up to 50 percent. Fruit cracking is another physiological disorder of tomatoes that most often occurs when the movement of water and solutes to the tomato is protracted or rapid, but the underlying cause of fruit cracking is, again, calcium deficiency. Therefore, the present field experiment was conducted with the aim of increasing yield and reducing physiological disorders in tomatoes with a foliar application of calcium and micronutrients (zinc and boron). Four levels of calcium (0, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9%), three levels of boron (0, 0.25, and 0.5%), and three levels of Zinc (0, 0.25, and 0.5%) were applied foliarly three times (starting at flowering, the 2nd application was repeated when the fruits set, and the 3rd after a period of 15 days from the fruits set). An addition of 0.6% calcium increased yield and associated traits with a decreased flower drop. Likewise, a 0.9% calcium addition increased fruit Ca content and decreased blossom end rot, fruit cracking, and Zn content. Foliar spraying with 0.25% boron (compound B) improved flowering and production while reducing flower drop and tomato fruit cracking. Similarly, an application of 0.5% B significantly increased Ca and B content with minimal blossom end rot and Zn content. Likewise, a 0.5% Zn application resulted in yield and yield-related traits with increased fruit B and Zn contents while blossom end rot, fruit cracking, and fruit Ca content were lower when 0.5% of foliar Zn was applied. Therefore, it is concluded that a foliar application of Ca, B, and Zn can be used alone or in combination to minimize the physiological disorders, increase production, and improve tomato fruit quality. Full article

Wheat is the most consumed crop worldwide. Zeolite application combined with good tillage practices are good combinations that provide better soil conditions for wheat crops. Zeolite also provides a good layer for carbon to be absorbed into the soil and can retain carbon for hundreds of years. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of tillage practices and zeolite treatments on soil carbon retention and wheat crop productivity. Arranging the treatments implemented according to a factorial randomized block design which includes three replications. Tillage treatments include three levels vis: T₁= 6 tillage practices with the help of cultivator (farmer practice/control), T₂ (minimum tillage), and T₃ (2 cultivation with cultivator + Mold-board plough). The zeolite applications consist of four levels: Z₁ = 0, Z₂ = 5, Z₃ = 10 and Z₄ = 15 t ha⁻¹. The effect of the interaction between zeolite treatments and tillage practices on various factors related to soil and crops such as emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂), dissolved organic carbon, soil organic carbon, and the productivity and components of wheat productivity. Zeolite applied at 10 t ha⁻¹ in combination with minimum tillage gave significant differences in terms of CO₂ emission, dissolved organic carbon, and on soil organic carbon. The experimental results showed that minimum CO₂ emission (25.43 and 31.12 (kg CO₂-C ha⁻¹ h⁻¹), dissolved organic carbon (4.80 and 4.90 g C kg⁻¹), soil organic carbon (7.88 and 7.97 g C kg⁻¹), plant height (92.14 and 92.97 cm), spike length (11.88 ad 12.11 cm), number of spikelets (20.11 and 20.98), number of tillers (278.65 and 283.93) per unit area, 1000 grain weight (50.74 and 51.54 g), biological yield (8134.87 and 8187.38 kg ha⁻¹) and grain yield (2984.28 and 3028.96 kg ha⁻¹) and harvest index (36.69 and 37.04%) of wheat was observed in zeolite applied at 10 t ha⁻¹ with minimum tillage practice (T₂ × Z₃) compared to control and other treatments for both the years, respectively. It is therefore concluded that minimum tillage should be practiced in wheat crops with the application of zeolite at 10 t ha⁻¹ to obtain better yield and soil carbon retention under rain-fed conditions. Full article

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, also known as Podophyllum emodi Wall, holds significant ecological, ornamental, and medicinal values. However, it has become endangered due to overexploitation, prolonged seed dormancy, slow natural regeneration, and climate change. This study developed an efficient in vitro protocol for callogenesis and micropropagation of P. hexandrum to conserve germplasm in in vitro conditions. Callus formation from various plant parts, including the leaf, stem, rhizome, radicle, and cotyledon, was induced using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators. The combination of benzyladenine at 1 mg L⁻¹ and 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid at 3 mg L⁻¹ was optimal for biomass production, yielding 215.88 ± 0.31 mg, with growth per gram at 8.32 ± 0.32 and a growth rate of 13.62 ± 0.25 mg/day on MS medium. For shoot proliferation, benzyladenine (3.5 mg L⁻¹) and naphthalene acetic acid (0.5 mg L⁻¹) combined with activated charcoal showed the highest shoot induction percentage per explant. For shoot regeneration from calluses, 6-benzylaminopurine (0.5 mg L⁻¹) and thidiazuron (2 mg L⁻¹) were most effective, producing superior shoot length, number of regenerations, and regeneration percentage. Root induction was successful with α-naphthalene acetic acid supplementation (0.5 to 1.5 mg L⁻¹) in MS medium, resulting in the highest number per explant (4.08 ± 0.08), length (5.45 ± 0.15 cm), and rooting rate (87.00 ± 1.66%) of roots in plantlets. Subculturing for callus culture was performed every 28 days for up to four subcultures to prevent nutrient depletion and toxic metabolite accumulation, ensuring tissue health and viability. Continuous subculturing of callus on MS medium maintained healthy P. hexandrum germplasm in vitro. Overall, this micropropagation protocol provides a rapid system for conserving P. hexandrum germplasm. Full article