Search Results (17)

Fire hazards are an increasing concern in several high-tech industries of public importance, particularly where textile fabrics are used in abundance. In this study, a novel layer by layer deposition method was utilized to develop a fire-retardant coating on cotton fabric. The method involves a hybrid cationic solution consisting of chitosan and branched polyethyleneimine, while bentonite clay was used as the anionic species. The treated fabric was characterized using SEM, VFT, and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM and EDS profiling confirmed the successful deposition of the (BPEI/CH + BNT) species on the surface of the cotton fabrics. FTIR analysis shows changes in chemical composition between the uncoated and coated samples, as confirmed by modifications in peaks at 3621 cm⁻¹, 1023.3 cm⁻¹, 1631 cm⁻¹, and 614.8 cm⁻¹. Finally, the thermal degradation behavior of pre-coated and post-coated samples was evaluated using thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis within a temperature range of 25 °C~700 °C, where the highest residue of ~19.83% was observed at 700 °C for the D-BPCB-30BL sample, signifying highly improved thermal stability compared to uncoated cotton. Full article

Arsenate (AsV) is absorbed and accumulated by plants, which can affect their physiological activities, disrupt gene expression, alter metabolite content, and influence growth. Despite the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) to mitigate the adverse effects of arsenic stress in plants, the underlying mechanisms of ZnONPs-mediated detoxification of AsV, as well as the specific metabolites and metabolic pathways involved, remain largely unexplored. In this study, we demonstrated root metabolomic profiling of soybean germinating seedlings subjected to 25 μmol L⁻¹ arsenate (Na₂HAsO₄) and ZnONPs at concentrations of 25 μmol L⁻¹ (ZnO25) and 50 μmol L⁻¹ (ZnO50). The objective of this study was to examine the effects on soybean root metabolomics under AsV toxicity. Metabolomic analysis indicated that 453, 501, and 460 metabolites were significantly regulated in response to AsV, ZnO25, and ZnO50 treatments, respectively, compared to the control. Pathway analysis of the differentially regulated metabolites (DRMs) revealed that the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glutathione metabolism, proline and aldarate metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism were the most statistically enriched pathways in ZnONPs-supplemented plants. These findings suggest that ZnONPs enhance the tolerance response to AsV. Collectively, our results support the hypothesis that ZnONPs fertilization could be a potential strategy for improving soybean crop resilience under AsV stress. Full article

A sol-gel matrix was generated from S– and P-based acids to prepare a fire-retardant solution system for coating natural cotton fibers. The physical properties, surface morphology, and elemental composition of the coated samples were assessed using optical scanning electron microscopy. The thermal behavior of the coated samples was documented using TGA and VFT tests, which confirmed higher thermal stability of the phosphate-based coatings. High char residue formation (~44.5%) and self-extinguishing properties were observed for the phosphate-based coating under non-curing conditions. The superior properties of phosphate-based coatings P5-4h could be ascribed to the collaborative effect of P–Si–N—i.e., the combined activity during the combustion process and pyrolysis of the coated sample. Full article

An experiment was conducted to investigate the optimal use of high-salt water for alfalfa fodder growth and quality in Aridisol. The experiment included five treatments and was performed using a completely randomized design (CRD) as factorial design with three replications. We used a leaching fraction technique (LF), which is a mitigating technique (MT). The five treatments were T1 = MT1 as normal irrigation (control), T2 = MT2 as a leaching fraction (LF) of 15% with the same quality of water, T3 = MT3 as a LF of 30% with the same quality of water, T4 = MT4 as a LF of 15% with good-quality water (as percentage of total water), in the form of 2–3 irrigations every 3 months, and T5 = MT5 as a LF of 30% with good-quality water (as percentage of total water), in the form of 2–3 irrigations every 3 months. The duration of the experiment was three years and normal soil (non-saline, non-sodic) was used in the current study. Results showed that saline water irrigation negatively affected the growth traits, but the application of the LF technique with same-quality or good-quality water mitigated such negative effects. The fodder quality traits such as crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF) and ashes were also affected in a negative way with the use of saline irrigation water. This negative impact was more intensified in the third year as the concentration of salts increased in saline water during the three years of the current investigation. A LF with canal water at 15 or 30% reduced the negative effects of salt stress and improved fodder biomass production and quality traits. For examples, using a LF with canal water at 30% increased the biomass production to 33.30 g and 15.87 g when plants were irrigated with W1 and W5, respectively. In addition, it improved quality traits such as crude protein content (5.54% and 3.73%) and crude fiber content (14.55% and 12.75%) when plants were irrigated with W1 and W5, respectively. It was concluded that the LF technique can be recommended for practice in the case of saline water irrigation for the optimized growth and quality of alfalfa fodder. Full article

In many distributed applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), large amounts of data are being generated that require robust storage solutions. Traditional cloud solutions, although efficient, often lack trust and transparency because of centralized management. To address these issues, we present Robust-DSN, a distributed storage network leveraging the hybrid distributed replication and encoding network (HYDREN) and the distributed swarm workflow scheduler (DSWS) as its main components. Our system uses an interplanetary file system (IPFS) as an underlay storage network and segments it into multiple regions to distribute the failure domain and improve the data’s proximity to users. HYDREN incorporates Reed–Solomon encoding and distributed replication to improve file availability, while DSWS optimizes resource allocation across the network. The uploaded file is encoded into chunks and distributed across distinct optimal nodes leveraging lightweight multithreading. Additionally, Robust-DSN verifies the integrity of all chunks by preserving the hashes when uploading and validating each chunk while downloading. The proposed system provides a comprehensive solution for resilient distributed data storage, focusing on the key challenges of data availability, integrity, and performance. The results reveal that compared with a state-of-the-art system, the proposed system improves file recovery by 15%, even with a 50% peer failure rate. Furthermore, with replication factor 4 and the same failure resilience as IPFS, it saves 50% storage and enhances file recovery by 8%. Robust-DSN acts as a distributed storage platform for emerging technologies, expanding storage system capabilities in a wide range of distributed applications. Full article

Background and Objectives: A polymorphism in the promoter region of the IL-6 gene would influence the level of IL-6 expression in patients with HCV, resulting in a pro-inflammatory response. Few studies have shown the association between −174G>C (rs1800795) and −1363G>T (rs2069827) polymorphisms and HCV infection, and their results have been contradictory. There are no data published in our population to study such an IL-6 stimulus against HCV infection and its impact on RNA secondary structure. Therefore, we isolated human subjects from the province of Punjab, Pakistan. The objective was to screen for IL-6 gene promoter polymorphisms −174G/C and −1363G/T and those correlated with serum concentrations of IL-6 in patients with HCV and compared with a control. Materials and Methods: In conventional PCR, measurement of serum IL-6 by CLIA and statistical analysis were performed to observe the genotype association studies. By integrating bioinformatics and computational tools, our study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how variations in the promoter region of IL-6 may have functional implications on gene expression. Results: The −174G>C and −1363G>T genotypes in the promoter region of patients with HCV were in strong allelic association (Δ = 0.97, p < 0.001). Interestingly, the bioinformatics analysis was well aligned with our experimental data. Conclusions: Based on the data, it can be inferred that IL-6 gene promoter polymorphisms are important in the dysregulation of IL-6 levels in patients with HCV. Full article

This study aimed to synthesize and characterize DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs along with the development and validation of a simple, accurate, and reproducible method for the determination and quantification of DTX in mPEG-PLA-NPs. The prepared NPs were characterized using AFM, DLS, zetasizer, and drug release kinetic profiling. The RP-HPLC assay was developed for DTX detection. The cytotoxicity and anti-clonogenic effects were estimated using MTT and clonogenic assays, respectively, using both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines in a 2D and 3D culture system. The developed method showed a linear response, high precision, accuracy, RSD values of ≤2%, and a tailing factor ≤2, per ICH guidelines. The DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs exhibited an average particle size of 264.3 nm with an encapsulation efficiency of 62.22%. The in vitro drug kinetic profile, as per the Krosmeyers–Peppas model, demonstrated Fickian diffusion, with initial biphasic release and a multistep sustained release over 190 h. The MTT assay revealed improved in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 in the 2D cultures and MCF-7 3D mammosphere cultures. Significant inhibitions of the clonogenic potential of MDA-MB-231 were observed for all concentrations of DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs. Our results highlight the feasibility of detecting DTX via the robust RP-HPLC method and using DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs as a perceptible and biocompatible delivery vehicle with greater cytotoxic and anti-clonogenic potential, supporting improved outcomes in BC. Full article

Azurin is a natural protein produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that exhibits potential anti-tumor, anti-HIV, and anti-parasitic properties. The current study aimed to investigate the potential of azurin protein against breast cancer using both in silico and in vitro analyses. The amino acid sequence of Azurin was used to predict its secondary and tertiary structures, along with its physicochemical properties, using online software. The resulting structure was validated and confirmed using Ramachandran plots and ERRAT2. The mature azurin protein comprises 128 amino acids, and the top-ranked structure obtained from I-TASSER was shown to have a molecular weight of 14 kDa and a quality factor of 100% by ERRAT2, with 87.4% of residues in the favored region of the Ramachandran plot. Docking and simulation studies of azurin protein were conducted using HDOCK and Desmond servers, respectively. The resulting analysis revealed that Azurin docked against p53 and EphB2 receptors demonstrated maximum binding affinity, indicating its potential to cause apoptosis. The recombinant azurin gene was successfully cloned and expressed in a BL21 (DE3) strain using a pET20b expression vector under the control of the pelB ladder, followed by IPTG induction. The azurin protein was purified to high levels using affinity chromatography, yielding 70 mg/L. In vitro cytotoxicity assay was performed using MCF-7 cells, revealing the significant cytotoxicity of the azurin protein to be 105 µg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of azurin protein as an anticancer drug candidate. Full article

Investigating the fiscal decentralization’s effect on the carbon intensity of agricultural production may assist the United States in reaching its carbon peak and becoming carbon neutral. This paper delves into the investigation of the spatiotemporal patterns and internal relationships between fiscal decentralization, agricultural carbon intensity, and environmental regulation. The goal was achieved by using the spatial Durbin model using panel data for 49 states of the United States from 2000 to 2019. The study has found that environmental regulations play a significant role in reducing regional carbon emissions in agriculture and contribute positively to carbon emissions control. However, fiscal decentralization, which grants local governments more financial autonomy, has a positive but insignificant impact on carbon emissions, indicating that the prioritization of economic development and carbon control over environmental protection is favored by local governments. In examining the impact of environmental regulations on carbon emissions, the study reveals that fiscal decentralization does not play a substantial role in moderating this relationship. To promote low-carbon agriculture projects and ensure coordinated economic and environmental development, the study recommends optimizing the fiscal decentralization system, formulating different policies for different regions, and regulating the competencies of local governments through an effective examination system. The study concludes that it is crucial to obtain data at the city or county level to accurately understand the relationship between agricultural carbon intensity, environmental regulation, and fiscal decentralization. As a result, the central government must focus on perfecting the fiscal decentralization system, developing a differentiated agricultural carbon emission control system, controlling competition among local governments, and perfecting a political performance assessment system. Full article

Microplastic contamination was found in fish and chicken bought on the market, in food stores and in chain supermarkets in the Middle East with the contamination ranging from 0.03 ± 0.04 to 1.19 ± 0.72 particles per gram of meat in chicken and from 0.014 ± 0.024 to 2.6 ± 2.8 particles per gram in fish. Only one fish was found to be free of microplastic. The source of the microplastic was established to be the polythene-based plastic cutting board the food was cut on. More microplastic contamination was found in food cut from the bone than in cut fillets when the fillets themselves were prepared on surfaces other than plastic. Washing the fish and chicken before food preparation decreased but did not completely remove the microplastic contamination. The fate of the microplastic in grilled fish was studied. The mechanical properties of typical plastic cutting boards commercially used in the markets were investigated in the form of tensile, hardness, and wear tests. Overall, the plastic cutting boards showed similar wear rates. Full article

The distribution of energy sources is regarded to be an act of compassion in many of the Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations. In order to build a firm foundation for competitiveness and prosperity, nations should maintain equilibrium with the three key aspects of the global energy trilemma, which are energy affordability, energy access, and ecological balance. In light of this, the purpose of this research was to investigate the impact that nuclear energy, technological advancements, renewable energy, non-renewable energy, and natural resources have had on carbon footprints. We selected the top five nuclear energy countries by consumption in the Asia Pacific region, including China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and South Korea. We devised an exhaustive and all-encompassing empirical inquiry and used contemporary econometric methods. The second-generation panel’s long-run cointegration promotes the idea of long-term relationships between the series. According to the data, using nuclear and renewable sources of energy significantly contributes to an improvement in environmental quality. On the other hand, advancements in technology and the use of energy sources that do not replenish themselves considerably decrease environmental sustainability. In addition, natural resources end up playing a negative role in the long term. The results of the panel’s investigation into the chain of events that led to the development of nuclear power showed that the chain of events was unidirectional. In addition, there is causality that runs in both directions between technological innovation, renewable energy sources, non-renewable energy sources, and natural resources that have a carbon footprint. In light of this, it is recommended that these countries should combine energy policy actions and build energy strategy consistency by harmonizing the essential features of global nuclear energy in order to aid in the development of a well-calibrated energy structure. Full article

Agricultural insurance and green agriculture are strongly related. Agricultural insurance not only motivates farmers to adopt environmentally friendly production technology and enhances the effectiveness of production, but it also accomplishes the goal of lowering the number of chemicals that are put into the environment. This article investigates the dynamic relationship between agricultural insurance, air pollution, and agricultural green total factor productivity. To complete the aim, the authors used the panel auto-regressive distributed lags method (PMG method) and panel data from 50 states of the United States between 2005 and 2019. The empirical findings demonstrate a considerable co-integration and a cross-sectional reliance between agricultural insurance, air pollution, and agricultural green total factor production. Expanding agricultural insurance may boost agricultural green whole factor output but also exacerbate air pollution. However, significant air pollution does not increase agricultural production’s green total factor productivity. The panel Granger causality test shows a one-way causal relationship between agricultural insurance, green total factor productivity, and air pollution. A one-way causal relationship exists between air pollution and agricultural green total factor productivity. The author concluded that improving agricultural insurance coverage or cutting down on air pollution will boost agricultural green total factor output. These findings have long-term policy and management repercussions, particularly for those involved in agriculture policy and environmental management. Full article

Improving energy efficiency and minimizing environmental concerns through environmental laws and green taxes are regarded as the primary motivating factors of climate change policy. This analysis clarifies the significance of green taxes in lowering energy use and intensity from 1994 to 2020. As part of our contribution to the literature on energy economics, this study examines how green taxes interact with energy intensity and consumption in four Nordic nations. Environmental policies and sustainable development goals (SDGs) are driving new research into the effects of green taxes on energy consumption and intensity. According to the outcomes of fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), panel dynamic ordinary least square (PDOLS), and panel quantile regression, a green tax helps to reduce total energy consumption. It increases energy efficiency by motivating governments, companies, and citizens to encourage innovation in environment-related technology. When it comes to creating a more sustainable environment, the study argues that regulations that ensure the displacement of non-renewable resources while increasing energy efficacy should be implemented. Full article

Tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia L. is a difficult-to-root species, and is vegetatively propagated through stem cuttings. Limited information is available regarding the adventitious root (AR) formation of dark-pretreated micro-shoot cuttings. Moreover, the role of specific miRNAs and their targeted genes during dark-pretreated AR formation under in vitro conditions has never been revealed. The dark pretreatment has successfully promoted and stimulated adventitious rooting signaling-related genes in tissue-cultured stem cuttings with the application of auxin (0.2 mg L⁻¹ IBA). Histological analysis was performed for AR formation at 0, 12, 36, 48, and 72 h after excision (HAE) of the cuttings. The first histological events were observed at 36 HAE in the dark-pretreated cuttings; however, no cellular activities were observed in the control cuttings. In addition, the present study aimed to uncover the role of differentially expressed (DE) microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targeted genes during adventitious root formation using the lower portion (1–1.5 cm) of tetraploid R. pseudoacacia L. micro-shoot cuttings. The samples were analyzed using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology for the identification of miRNAs at the mentioned time points. Seven DE miRNA libraries were constructed and sequenced. The DE number of 81, 162, 153, 154, 41, 9, and 77 miRNAs were upregulated, whereas 67, 98, 84, 116, 19, 16, and 93 miRNAs were downregulated in the following comparisons of the libraries: 0-vs-12, 0-vs-36, 0-vs-48, 0-vs-72, 12-vs-36, 36-vs-48, and 48-vs-72, respectively. Furthermore, we depicted an association between ten miRNAs (novel-m0778-3p, miR6135e.2-5p, miR477-3p, miR4416c-5p, miR946d, miR398b, miR389a-3p, novel m0068-5p, novel-m0650-3p, and novel-m0560-3p) and important target genes (auxin response factor-3, gretchen hagen-9, scarecrow-like-1, squamosa promoter-binding protein-like-12, small auxin upregulated RNA-70, binding protein-9, vacuolar invertase-1, starch synthase-3, sucrose synthase-3, probable starch synthase-3, cell wall invertase-4, and trehalose phosphatase synthase-5), all of which play a role in plant hormone signaling and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the relative expression of these miRNAs and their targeted genes. These results provide novel insights and a foundation for further studies to elucidate the molecular factors and processes controlling AR formation in woody plants. Full article

NAI-112, a glycosylated, labionine-containing lanthipeptide with weak antibacterial activity, has demonstrated analgesic activity in relevant mouse models of nociceptive and neuropathic pain. However, the mechanism(s) through which NAI-112 exerts its analgesic and antibacterial activities is not known. In this study, we analyzed changes in the spinal cord lipidome resulting from treatment with NAI-112 of naive and in-pain mice. Notably, NAI-112 led to an increase in phosphatidic acid levels in both no-pain and pain models and to a decrease in lysophosphatidic acid levels in the pain model only. We also showed that NAI-112 can form complexes with dipalmitoyl-phosphatidic acid and that Staphylococcus aureus can become resistant to NAI-112 through serial passages at sub-inhibitory concentrations of the compound. The resulting resistant mutants were phenotypically and genotypically related to vancomycin-insensitive S. aureus strains, suggesting that NAI-112 binds to the peptidoglycan intermediate lipid II. Altogether, our results suggest that NAI-112 binds to phosphate-containing lipids and blocks pain sensation by decreasing levels of lysophosphatidic acid in the TRPV1 pathway. Full article