Search Results (76)

This study examines the microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and wear behavior of medium-carbon dual-phase steel (AISI 1040) processed via Multi-Axis Compression (MAC). The DP steel was produced through inter-critical annealing at 745 °C, followed by MAC at 500 °C, resulting in a refined grain microstructure. Optical micrographs confirmed the presence of ferrite and martensite phases after annealing, with significant grain refinement observed following MAC. The average grain size decreased from 66 ± 4 μm to 18 ± 1 μm after nine MAC passes. Mechanical testing revealed substantial improvements in hardness (from 145 ± 9 HV to 298 ± 18 HV) and ultimate tensile strength (from 557 ± 33 MPa to 738 ± 44 MPa), attributed to strain hardening and the Hall–Petch effect. Fractographic analysis revealed a ductile failure mode in the annealed sample, while DP0 and DP9 exhibited a mixed fracture mode. Both DP0 and DP9 samples demonstrated superior wear resistance compared to the annealed sample. However, the DP9 sample exhibited slightly lower wear resistance than DP0, likely due to the fragmentation of martensite induced by high accumulated strain, which could act as crack initiation sites during sliding wear. Furthermore, wear resistance was significantly enhanced due to the combined effects of the DP structure and Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD). These findings highlight the potential of MAC processing for developing high-performance steels suitable for lightweight automotive applications. Full article

Background: The burden of liver cirrhosis correlated with diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a significant public health challenge in the United States. Both conditions independently contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates. While extensive individual analyses have been conducted, US trends in comorbid liver cirrhosis-DM-related mortality remain unexplored. This study seeks to investigate mortality trends associated with the simultaneous occurrence of liver cirrhosis and DM among U.S. adults over the period from 1999 to 2020. Methods: We conducted a descriptive analysis using publicly available mortality data from the CDC Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals were calculated using the 2000 U.S. standard population. Trends were stratified by year, age, sex, race/ethnicity, urbanization, region, and state. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to determine annual percentage changes (APCs) and assess statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 90,418 deaths were recorded among adults with both cirrhosis and DM between 1999 and 2020. The overall AAMR increased from 1.02/100,000 in 1999 to 1.78/100,000 in 2020, reflecting a significant upward trend in mortality. The highest mortality rates were observed in non-metropolitan regions, in the South, and among males, older adults (65+), and NH American Indian or Alaska Native and Hispanic populations. All demographic groups exhibited a pronounced mortality surge between 2018 and 2020. A state-level analysis revealed notable disparities, with Oklahoma and Texas presenting the highest AAMRs. Conclusions: Liver cirrhosis and diabetes-related mortality have been steadily increasing over the past two decades, with notable disparities in demographics and regions. These findings underscore the urgent necessity for targeted prevention, early intervention, and policy-level strategies specifically designed for high-risk populations to reduce future mortality rates in the US and ultimately, globally. Full article

Biogenic nanoparticles are considered effective alternatives to chemical pesticides for the management of pathogenic plant diseases. This study was focused on the synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to control challenging plant pathogenic bacteria in vitro and in planta. We synthesized AgNPs by reacting different proportions of silver nitrate and aqueous extract of Hedera nepalensis. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized AgNPs were determined by using various physical techniques. The TEM analysis revealed the AgNPs less than 50 nm in size and spherical shaped. For antibacterial assays, different concentrations (1000–15.62 µg/mL, 2-fold dilutions) of the extract-free AgNPs (Ef-AgNPs) or extract-mixed AgNPs (Em-AgNPs), and fruit extracts (FE) were used against plant pathogenic bacteria Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora, Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica, and Ralstonia solanacearum. In the in vitro assays, we found significant inhibition of both bacterial species in response to maximum concentrations of AgNPs. Overall, Ef-AgNPs exhibited a higher percent inhibition of bacterial pathogens. In potato tubers assay, complete inhibition of Erwinia carotovora was observed, except for the lowest AgNPs concentration of 15.62 µg/mL. Similarly, exposure of tomato plants to Ralstonia solanacearum suspensions (OD600 = 0.2) in the soil-drenching experiment and post-exposure treatment with 1000 µg/mL and 125 µg/mL of AgNPs resulted in disease inhibition. This study provides the basis that biogenic nanoparticles prepared from Hedera nepalensis are one of the best substitutes to synthetic pesticide, having displayed better results to control the growth of phytopathogenic microbes. However, field studies need to be conducted in a controlled environment to scale up the current work and find out the efficacy of nanoparticles on a larger scale. Full article

The present study was conducted to fabricate and characterize mucilage-based polymeric networks of Aloe vera for controlled drug release. Aloe vera mucilage was used to develop a polymeric network via the free-radical polymerization method using potassium persulphate as the initiator, N′ N′-Methylene bisacrylamide as the crosslinker, and acrylamide as the monomer. Using varying concentrations of Aloe vera mucilage, crosslinker, and monomer, we developed different formulations. Swelling studies were conducted at pH 1.2 and 7.4. Concentrations of polymer, monomer, and crosslinker were optimized as a function of swelling. Porosity and gel content were calculated for all samples. FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, and DSC studies were conducted for the characterization of polymeric networks. Thiocolchicoside was used as a model drug to study the in vitro release in acidic and alkaline pH. Various kinetics models were applied by using a DD solver. Increasing content of monomer and crosslinker swelling, porosity, and drug release decreased while gel content increased. An increase in Aloe vera mucilage concentration promotes swelling, porosity, and drug release of the polymeric network but decreases gel content. The FTIR study confirmed the formation of crosslinked networks. SEM indicated that the polymeric network had a porous structure. DSC and XRD studies indicated the entrapment of drugs inside the polymeric networks in amorphous form. The analytical method was validated according to ICH guidelines in terms of linearity, range, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, and robustness. Analysis of drug release mechanism revealed Fickian behavior of all formulations. All these results indicated that the M1 formulation was considered to be the best polymeric network formulation in terms of sustaining drug release patterns. Full article

Migration has become a de facto phenomenon in the contemporary globalized world and India is not untouched. Indian labourers from the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh migrated to the UAE in search of better jobs and prospects. They migrated alone and left behind their families. The distance between them and their family can also create mental disorders; therefore, it becomes necessary to analyze the mental health of the migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study is quantitative and based on a sample survey approach. The researchers collected 416 samples through a structured questionnaire and used the snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, chi-square test and logistic regression were utilized to analyze and interpret the results. The outbreak of coronavirus disturbed their livelihood resulting in a cut to their salary or earnings; in total, 83% of migrants were affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of loss of their income, out of which 76% were affected by less than AED 1000. The respondents’ mental health was worrisome, but they were hopeful for the future. In total, 73.5% of respondents felt nervous, 62% felt depressed, 77% felt lonely, 63.4% had a hard time sleeping, and 63% had difficulties concentrating. The findings of the study draw attention to the policymakers to carry out necessary provisions to the targeted psychologically affected community. The findings also suggest creating awareness among the people by using social networking sites and diagnosing mental disorders on an urgent basis. Full article

This research aimed to investigate the green practices in the mega construction project of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Over recent years, there has been an increasing need for adopting and implementing more green and sustainable practices, leading to national and international sustainable and green environmental agendas. To address the issue, green project practices were considered an independent variable comprising green design, procurement, and construction. The dependent variables were environmental performance and economic performance. Primary data were collected from respondents working on the CPEC project. A representative sample of 276 respondents was used. The analysis was conducted using PLS-SEM. The results indicated that green design significantly influences economic performance, green procurement has a positive and significant effect on environmental performance, and green construction has a positive and significant impact on both environmental and economic and financial performance. The research showed that construction management at CPEC should adopt all facets of green project practices together, reducing negative environmental effects, increasing environmental benefits, and improving long-term economic performance in the area. Full article

Social networking influencers are those who use images, videos, and other updates on social media platforms to affect consumers’ impressions of a company or product. The purpose of this study is to assess the present status of social networking sites and the online purchase intentions of consumers. This research paper is an attempt to identify the effect of various attributes of social networking that influence credibility and brand image, eventually leading to the purchase intention of consumers in Delhi NCR (National Capital Region), India. The data were collected using Google Forms via an online questionnaire with a sample size of 262 respondents. A convenient sampling technique was used; structure equation modeling (SEM), convergent and discriminant validity, and model fitness were achieved through Smart PLS 3. This study’s findings reveal that expertise, information quality, and trustworthiness have significant positive effects on credibility and brand image, as well as a significant positive indirect effect on online purchase intention. Other factors, such as entertainment, attractiveness, and likability, have no significant effect on credibility and brand image. The credibility of social networking and brand image mediate the positive relationship between information quality, expertise, trustworthiness, and consumer online purchase intention. On the other hand, the credibility of social networking and brand image mediate the lack of a positive relationship between likability, attractiveness, entertainment, and consumer online purchase intention. Full article

The research aims to assess the relationship between fiscal decentralization and climate change mitigation to warrant the direction for the carbon-capturing systems of China. The study estimated the results of China and applied unit root test, cointegration analysis, CS-ARDL test, and robustness analysis. The survey results highlighted a significant relationship between the fiscal decentralization index and climate change mitigation. More specifically, the budgetary decentralization index’s economic, governmental, and institutional factors play a substantial role in climate change mitigation in the short run. While governmental factors are found insignificant asein the long run, economic, institutional, and cultural factors revealed a significant connection in the Chinese setting. The results of the study are robust in both long-run and short-run perspectives. The study also presented prudential guidelines for using fiscal decentralization as an environmental tool for climate change mitigation and launching an effective system for carbon capture management from the Chinese perspective. Full article

Purpose: This article aims to investigate the main drivers of mobile banking among Delhi–NCR consumers. The TAM (technological acceptance model) was used as a framework for this study. Only a few studies have looked at how online banking users in India plan to use other similar services, such as m-banking. In order to do this, a theoretical model was made using the technology acceptance model. This model was then expanded to include the factors that make m-banking users more likely to use mobile banking. These adoption factors include the feeling of being watched, the ability to do things on your own with a mobile device, social dominance, and the role of customer support as a mediator. The use of m-banking is the thing that matters. Scope: In the last two decades, digital mobile devices have become the primary preferred method of consumer communication. Throughout the past year, mobile banking has become increasingly popular. The increasing number of smartphones in use, as well as the government’s push for cashless transactions, provide an opportunity for the Indian banking industry to rapidly expand its usage of mobile and online banking. Methodology: The data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 376 respondents from different sustainable investment classes. The use of convenience sampling was imposed. Structure equation modeling (SEM), reliability, convergence, discriminate validity, and model fitness were achieved through SmartPLS 3. Findings: The study found that the adoption factors had a significant impact on perceived surveillance, mobile self-reliance, and social domination and mediating role of customer support to use mobile banking. These latest findings will inform banks and financial institutions on the rise of m-banking in India, as well as provide insight into digital banking channels and add to the literature on the topic of digital banking adoption. Full article

The three levels of the industrial sector in Saudi Arabia (primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors) are collectively regarded as a pillar of the economy, with great potential that offers attractive job prospects. Therefore, the success of Saudi private sector companies and foreign companies operating in the Kingdom is pivotal. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of incentives and rewards on the performance of employees in the Saudi industrial sectors, and the role of job satisfaction in this relationship. The research population consisted of employees working with the industrial sectors in Eastern Region in Saudi Arabia, and the sample comprised 216 full-time employees. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used as a statistical method for testing the hypotheses. The results demonstrated that there is an insignificant direct effect between incentives and rewards, and employees’ performance. However, evidence shows a significant direct effect between incentives and rewards, and job satisfaction, as well as a significant direct effect between the mediating variable, job satisfaction, and performance. Furthermore, when job satisfaction acts as a mediator, the influence of incentives and rewards on employees’ performance is significant. The research findings have notable theoretical and practical implications for incentive and rewards systems. The present study seeks to further our understanding of the incentive and reward effect on employees’ performance by examining job satisfaction as a mediating variable to the relationship. Additionally, the study attempts to explain how the relationship between proposed variables works in Saudi cultural context, which differs than Western contexts where most of the previous studies have been conducted. Analyzing employee job satisfaction as a mediator facilitates a better understanding of how and why different forms of incentives and rewards enhance employees’ behavior at work. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome characterized by increased glucose levels, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, and frequently decreased insulin levels. The current research was carried out for eight consecutive weeks to evaluate the possible reno-protective effects of quercetin (50 mg/kg b.w.) on streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg b.w.) induced diabetes rat models. Various physiological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were determined in control, diabetic control, and quercetin-treated diabetic rats. The current findings demonstrated that diabetes control rats showed significantly decreased body weights (198 ± 10 vs. 214 ± 13 g) and insulin levels (0.28 ± 0.04 vs. 1.15 ± 0.05 ng/mL) in comparison to normal control. Besides this, the other parameters showed increased values, such as fasting blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol levels (99 ± 5 vs. 230 ± 7 mg/dL, 122.9 ± 8.7 vs. 230.7 ± 7.2 mg/dL, 97.34 ± 5.7 vs. 146.3 ± 8 mg/dL) (p < 0.05). In addition, the urea and creatinine levels (39.9 ± 1.8 mg/dL and 102.7 ± 7.8 μmol/L) were also high in diabetes control rats. After 8 weeks of quercetin treatment in STZ-treated animals, body weight, insulin, and fasting blood sugar levels were significantly restored (p < 0.05). The inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) were significantly increased (52.64 ± 2, 95.64 ± 3, 23.3 ± 1.2 pg/mL) and antioxidant enzymes levels (SOD, GST, CAT, and GSH) were significantly decreased (40.3 ± 3 U/mg, 81.9 ± 10 mU/mg, 14.2 ± 2 U/mg, 19.9 ± 2 μmol/g) in diabetic rats. All the parameters in diabetic animals treated with quercetin were restored towards their normal values. Histopathological findings revealed that the quercetin-treated group showed kidney architecture maintenance, reduction of fibrosis, and decreased expression of COX-2 protein. These results determined that quercetin has reno-protective effects, and conclude that quercetin possesses a strong antidiabetic potential and might act as a therapeutic agent in the prevention or delay of diabetes-associated kidney dysfunction. Full article

Aluminium foams possess multi-functional properties and a low specific weight, making them one of the most suitable choices in the application domain of the automobile and aviation sectors, vibrating machining, and structural parts. Compared to traditional fabrication routes, friction stir processing (FSP) is gaining acceptance as it is a cost-effective, highly efficient, and innocuous process to fabricate the foam precursors from the bulk substrate. In the current study, FSP was utilized to develop a precursor with MgCO₃ powder acting as the blowing agent. The FSP experiments were performed as per Taguchi’s L8 orthogonal array. The precursor was heat treated in an electric furnace at a holding temperature of 650 °C for 10 min. After the post-heat treatments, this precursor resulted in a porous structure due to the evolution of CO₂ gas from the composite. The simultaneous effect of tool rotation speed, traverse speed, and shoulder diameter was investigated on the pore size and porosity of the foam produced. The composite parameter “unit stirring” is found to be closely related to the processed zone (PZ) and volume processing rate of the processed zone, pore size, and the degree of porosity. The highest porosity of 16.67% was obtained with an average pore size of 10.5 µm. The largest pore size, 17.8 µm, was observed to be associated with a porosity of 14.40%. The analysis of the Kiviat plot revealed that the values of the PZ area and volume processing rate possess a polar symmetry with unit stirring. The pore size and pore density were both found to be symmetrically distributed about the unit stirring. Full article

The green leadership (GL) concept has significantly gained popularity over the last decade. Consequently, more research has been conducted on this emerging leadership concept, emphasizing leadership styles that promote the green environment so that sustainable goals can be achieved. In the present research, leaders’ emotional intelligence (EI) is positioned as a mediating variable between GL and employees’ green organizational citizenship behavior (GOCB). The data of this research comprised managerial and non-managerial staff from the manufacturing and service industries. A PLS-SEM was used to evaluate the relationship between the various factors among 422 employees. The empirical findings indicated that GL and GOCB had a favorable and robust relationship. The results of the study also suggested that a leader’s EI mediates the influence of green leadership on their employees’ green organizational citizenship behavior. Green leadership is essential in creating sustainable environmental behaviors among employees. It can strengthen leaders’ EI, which successively helps them to garner positivity and foster an environment of mutual harmony and cooperation in the workplace to support pro-environmental policies. Overall, our study contributes to and advances previous studies and shows that green leadership plays a critical role in influencing a leader’s own EI which, in turn, predicts the green OCB of their employees in the workplace. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted structural shocks on the global economic system by raising high economic uncertainty. Policymakers are exploring alternative measures and incentivizing foreign direct investment for the restoration of global economic operations to achieve short- and long-term growth. Given this, the study examines the global response of FDI inflow to measure the change in productive capacity. The productive capacity is proxied by structural change, private business sector, institutional quality, transportation infrastructure development, and natural capital. The study implements empirical analysis for a large panel of 170 countries in a data set from 2000 to 2021. Furthermore, the study employed the cross-sectional augmented auto-regressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) econometric estimation method for better examinations of current changes in an economic outbreak. From the results of the study, the estimations reveal that FDI inward has significant positive impact over the private business sector, institutional quality, transportation infrastructure, and natural capital on inward FDI. In accordance with discussions, the study suggests several pragmatic policy implications to achieve maximum output by utilizing the inward FDI as incentivized by the governments of the selected countries. Full article