Search Results (54)

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois (Hemiptera: Miridae), is an economically important pest of row crops worldwide. Ten isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) were evaluated against the third instar nymphal stage of the tarnished plant bug and its generalist predator, the sculpted damsel bug, Nabis roseipennis Reuter (Hemiptera: Nabidae), one of the most abundant and commonly encountered damsel bugs in cotton and soybean agroecoscapes across the Southeastern United States. The objectives of these experiments were to assess the infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) by direct topical exposure against the sculpted damsel bug and tarnished plant bug, whether the predator prey choice is affected by EPN infection, and if feeding on EPN-infected tarnished plant bug (TPB) prey items could result in cross-infection of the predator. Mortality rates at a concentration of 200 infective juveniles (IJs)/mL significantly differed among isolates and insect species, ranging from 30% to 93% for tarnished plant bugs and from 6% to 38% for sculpted damsels, respectively. The third instars of L. lineolaris were more susceptible to the ten nematode isolates than N. roseipennis. Higher pathogenicity on the tarnished plant bug and a low mortality potential make strains HbHP88, HbVS, Sc17c+e, and SfSN the most promising candidates for the biological control of L. lineolaris under lab and greenhouse conditions while preserving beneficial predators of the Southeastern United States. Full article

Monitoring fungicide residues in orange fruits is vital, as fungicides for orange cultivation are increasingly used to prevent yield loss. At the same time, increasing restrictions are added by regulatory organizations. For facile on-site monitoring of the fungicide carbendazim (MBC), five ion-selective potentiometric sensors are proposed and compared. The first two sensors were prepared with a precipitation-based technique using molybdate (sensor 1) and tetraphenylborate (TPB) (sensor 2), respectively. Furthermore, two ionophore-based sensors were prepared using β-cyclodextrin as ionophore together with TPB (sensor 3) and tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate (TpClPB) (sensor 4) as ion-exchanger. Further incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) between the graphite rod and the sensing membrane of sensor 4 (sensor 5) further improved the stability and significantly lowered the limit of detection (LOD). Their performance was evaluated according to IUPAC recommendations, revealing linear response in the concentration range 1 × 10⁻⁴–1 × 10⁻² M, 1 × 10⁻⁵–1 × 10⁻² M, 1 × 10⁻⁵–1 × 10⁻³ M, 1 × 10⁻⁶–1 × 10⁻³ M, and 1 × 10⁻⁷–1 × 10⁻³ M with a Nernstian slope of 54.56, 55.48, 56.00, 56.85, and 57.34 mV/decade, respectively. The LOD values for the five sensors were found to be 7.92 × 10⁻⁵, 9.98 × 10⁻⁶, 9.72 × 10⁻⁶, 9.61 × 10⁻⁷, and 9.57 × 10⁻⁸ M, respectively. The developed potentiometric sensors were successfully applied to determine the residue and degradation rate of MBC in orange samples. After the researched fungicide was applied to the orange trees, the preharvest interval (PHI) could be calculated based on the MBC degradation kinetics determined in the tested orange samples. Full article

Hypercrosslinked polymers (HCPs) constructed by the Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of aromatic compounds have emerged as a new class of porous materials with unique merit. Herein, a HCP named HCP-TPB was coated onto a capillary column through in situ synthesis. The prepared column exhibited a nonpolar nature, and the column efficiency for n-dodecane was 3003 plates m⁻¹. Moreover, the relative standard deviations of retention time and peak area for six replicate injections of the C3–C6 were lower than 0.1% and 1.5%, respectively. The results of this study showed that it is very promising to utilize HCPs as stationary phases for the separation of C3–C6. Full article

The utilization of membrane sensors for the monitoring and determination of pharmaceutical environmental pollutants has emerged as a crucial objective in recent years. Given the extensive use of chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ) in medicine, its presence in the environment, particularly in surface water such as rivers, is highly probable. Prolonged exposure of river water to sunlight and the photo-degradability of CPZ may enhance its photo-degradation. For the purpose of measuring CPZ in the presence of its primary photo-degradants, two sensitive and selective membrane electrodes were developed. These were synthesized utilizing two ion-pairing agents: sodium tetraphenylborate (TPB) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA). The electrodes exhibited a linear range that extended from 1 × 10⁻⁶ M to 1 × 10⁻² M. The membrane electrodes of CPZ-TPB and CPZ-PTA exhibited slopes of 59.90 ± 0.60 mV/decade and 58.90 ± 0.80 mV/decade, respectively. The sensors mentioned above showed acceptable performance in a pH range of 2.0 to 6.0. All test parameters were optimized to provide superior electrochemical performance. The fabricated membranes were effectively employed to sensitively quantify CPZ in the presence of its principal photodegradants. The developed sensors were successfully employed to quantify CPZ in river water samples without necessitating pre-treatment procedures. Full article

This research investigates the efficacy of Spirogyra sp. biomass as an effective adsorbent for the removal of AFB₁ and OTA from aqueous solutions. Several factors, including contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH level, and initial mycotoxin concentration, were analyzed to evaluate their impact on adsorption efficacy. The optimal contact time for equilibrium was determined at 60 min, during which the TPA obtained a 91% reduction in AFB₁ and 68% removal of OTA. Although increasing the adsorbent dosage improved effectiveness, excessive quantities led to particle aggregation, hence diminishing adsorption performance. The optimal dosage of 5.0 mg/mL optimized the efficacy and use of resources. Adsorption was more efficacious at acidic to neutral pH levels (5–6), enhancing the accessibility of functional groups on the biomass. Kinetic analysis indicated that adsorption process followed a pseudo second-order model, whereas isotherm studies demonstrated a heterogeneous adsorption mechanism, with the Freundlich model providing the optimal fit. The TPB exhibited enhanced adsorption capacities for both mycotoxins, offering a viable solution for mitigating mycotoxin contamination in food and feed. These findings illustrate the significance of biomass treatment techniques in improving mycotoxin removal efficacy and suggest the potential of algal biomass in food safety applications. Full article

The B169L protein (pB169L) of African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a structural protein with an unidentified function during the virus replication. The sequences of the B169L gene and the downstream B438L gene are separated by short intergenic regions. However, the regulatory mode of the gene transcription remains unknown. Here, we identified two distinct promoter regions and two transcription start sites (TSSs) located upstream of the open reading frame (ORF) of B438L. Using the promoter reporter system, we demonstrated that the cis activity of the ORF proximal promoter exhibited significantly higher levels compared with that of the distal promoter located in the B169L gene. Furthermore, transfection with the plasmids with two different promoters for B438L could initiate the transcription and expression of the B438L gene in HEK293T cells, and the cis activity of the ORF proximal promoter also displayed higher activities compared with the distal promoter. Interestingly, the B438L distal promoter also initiated the transcription of the alternatively spliced B169L mRNA (B169L mRNA2) encoding a truncated pB169L (tpB169L) (amino acids 92–169), and the gene transcription efficiency was increased upon mutation of the initiation codon located upstream of the alternatively spliced B169L gene. Taken together, we demonstrated that the distal promoter of B438L gene initiates the transcription of both the B438L mRNA and B169L mRNA2. Comprehensive analysis of the transcriptional regulatory mode of the B438L gene is beneficial for the understanding of the association of B438L protein and pB169L and the construction of the gene-deleted ASFV. Full article

This study investigates energy label awareness among Gazi University staff, exploring the influence of demographic factors on attitudes and perceptions. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research examines individual attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in shaping energy efficiency awareness. A cross-sectional survey of academic and administrative staff reveals significant differences in awareness across demographic groups. Gender-specific variations in attitudes towards energy-efficient products are evident, with the greatest difference observed between female (M = 3.93, SD = 1.16) and male staff (M = 3.58, SD = 1.30) on Capacity (I-11) (Z = −2.805, p = 0.005 < 0.05). Education level also significantly influences awareness scores, particularly on the status symbol item (I-18) (χ² = 24.543, p = 0.00 < 0.05). These findings, analyzed through Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Kruskal–Wallis Tests, provide nuanced insights into the demographic factors impacting energy label awareness. Interpretation of the findings on the complex relationship between demographic characteristics and energy label awareness with TPB provided valuable insights. The practical implications of the study highlight the imperative for tailored communication strategies and targeted interventions to raise awareness among different staff groups. By addressing these nuanced factors, the study significantly contributes to the development of effective energy policies, fostering a sustainable and energy-conscious academic community. Full article

Adolescents are currently the most digitally connected generation in history. There is an ever-growing need to understand how typical adolescent risk-taking intersects with the vastly criminogenic potential of digital technology. Criminal hacking in older adolescents (16–19-year-olds) was assessed using an adapted Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model, a cohesive theoretical framework that incorporates cognitive processes and human drivers (informed by psychology, cyberpsychology, and criminology theory). In 2021, a large-scale anonymous online survey was conducted across nine European countries. Criminal hacking was assessed using data from 3985 participants (M = 1895, 47.55%; F = 1968, 49.39%). This study formulated a powerful predictive model of youth hacking intention (accounting for 38.8% of the variance) and behaviour (accounting for 33.6% of the variance). A significant minority, approximately one in six (16.34%), were found to have engaged in hacking, and approximately 2% reported engaging in hacking often or very often. Increased age, being male, and offline deviant behaviour were significant predictors of hacking behaviour. In line with the TPB, intention was the strongest individual predictor of hacking behaviour, which in turn was significantly predicted by cognitive processes accounted for by TPB constructs: subjective norms of family and peers, attitudes towards hacking, and perceived behavioural control. These TPB constructs were found to be significantly associated with human factors of risk-taking, toxic online disinhibition, offline deviant behaviour, and demographic variables of age and gender. Implications for future research, interventions, policy, and practice are discussed. Full article

This research intends to identify factors in the adoption of mobile government services, recognizing the main mobile government acceptance factors through different models, namely, the theory of reasoned action (TRA), the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the technology acceptance model (TAM), the technology readiness index (TRI), and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). Reviewing prior studies on factors that influence mobile government acceptance in Egypt and addressing local challenges help in the development of effective strategies for successful implementation, considering opportunities and challenges in value-added services (VAS). Therefore, the main objectives of this paper are as follows: we critically review prior studies to identify the main mobile government acceptance factors, explore the identified dimensions of mobile government acceptance, and recognize further insights into the challenges that exist in the Egyptian context. Data are gathered through interviews with technology experts and customers with technological experience in Egypt. The findings of the study show that the factors affecting mobile government adoption in the Egyptian context are identified as follows: facilitating conditions, opportunities and challenges, technology and information systems, perceived usefulness, challenges like a lack of trust, cost, privacy, age, and several other obstacles. This research assists scholars and practitioners with insights into how to create and promote an application that is deemed attractive for the adoption of m-government services. Full article

The kinetic analysis of octogen coating with a polyurethane base containing hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) was investigated using infrared spectroscopy. The coating process involved a solvent method, where octogen and liquid polyurethane were mixed, the solvent was evaporated, and curing took place at an elevated temperature. The ratio of HTPB to diisocyanate was equimolar. About 200 g octogen was coated with mixture of 2 mL HTPB, 50 mL ethyl acetate, and 0.2 mL TDI in the glass beaker at 30 °C for 1 h. The filtrated ethyl acetate was then evaporated, and the residue was dried in a vacuum oven for 15 min at 30 °C. The resulting film-coated octogen was cast into a KBr pellet and cured in the oven for 7 days at 40 °C, then infrared-analyzed every hour during the curing process. After curing, the shape of the coated octogen particles was analyzed using SEM Initially, the curing process occurred in the solvent system, followed by further curing in the bulk system. The kinetic analysis was performed using a modified diffusion-autocatalytic model, which includes noncatalytic, autocatalytic, and diffusion components. This model was compared with others during the bulk reaction and proved to be effective in correcting errors, particularly in the gel time region. Thermodynamic parameters were evaluated using the Arrhenius and Eyring equations. The reaction rate was initially controlled by chemical reactivity, but after the gel time, diffusion became the controlling factor. In the HTPB-TDI system, both the noncatalytic and autocatalytic parts decreased with increasing temperature, while diffusivity increased. It is worth noting that diffusivity is temperature-dependent. Different di-isocyanates, namely toluene diisocyanate (TDI), iso-phorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI), were studied, revealing that HMDI exhibited higher reactivity than TDI and IPDI. The catalyst effect on reaction rate of the HTPB-TDI system was investigated. The addition of catalysts (0.1%) to the HTPB-TDI system decreased their activation energy in the order DBTL > FeAA > TPB. Catalysts did not change their diffusivity. Full article

Daclatasvir dihydrochloride (DAC) is a drug used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In this study, an ionophore-based nanosphere emulsion was made of tricresyl phosphate (TCP) as the oil phase that is dispersed in water using Pluronic F-127 as an emulsifying agent. The nanospheres, consisting of the oil phase TCP, were doped with sodium tetraphenyl borate (Na-TPB) as a cation-exchanger and dibenzo-18-Crown-6 (DB18C6) as an ionophore (chelating agent) for DAC. The nanosphere emulsion was employed as a titrant in the complexometric titration of DAC (the analyte), and the DAC-selective electrode (ISE) was used as an indicator electrode to detect the endpoint. In the sample solution, DAC²⁺ ions diffused into the emulsified nanospheres, replaced Na⁺ from the ion exchanger (Na-TPB), and bonded to the ionophore (DB18C6). The DAC-selective nanospheres were successfully utilized to determine DAC in various samples, including standard solutions, commercial tablets (Daclavirocyrl^®), serum, and urine. The method exhibited a linear dynamic range of 81.18 µg/mL to 81.18 pg/mL (10⁻⁴ to 10⁻¹⁰ M), achieved high recovery values ranging from 99.4% to 106.5%, and displayed excellent selectivity over similar interfering species (sofosbuvir and ledipasvir). The proposed method offers a new approach to determine the drug species (neutral, anionic, and cationic) without the requirement of water-soluble ligands or pH control. Full article

Supramolecular fexofenadine sensors have been constructed. Although noncovalent intermolecular and intramolecular interactions, which are far weaker than covalent contacts, are the main focus of supramolecular chemistry, they can be used to create sensors with an exceptional affinity for a target analyte. The objective of the current research study is to adapt two PVC membrane sensors into an electrochemical approach for the dosage form determination of histamine H1-receptor antagonists: fexofenadine. The general performance characteristics of two new modified potentiometric membrane sensors responsive to fexofenadine hydrochloride were established. The technique was based on the employment of γ-cyclodextrin (CD) (sensor 1), 4-tert-butylcalix[8]arene (calixarene) (sensor 2) as an ionophore, potassium tetrakis (4-chlorophenyl) borate (KTpClPB) as an ion additive, and (o-NPOE) as a plasticizer for sensors 1 and 2. The sensors showed fast responses over a wide fexofenadine concentration range (1 × 10⁻² to 4.5 (4.7) × 10⁻⁶ M), with detection limits of 1.3 × 10⁻⁶ M and 1.4 × 10⁻⁶ M for sensors 1 and 2, respectively, in the pH range of 2–8. The tested sensors exhibit the fexofenadine near-Nernstian cationic response at 56 and 58 mV/decade for sensors 1 and 2, respectively. The sensors exhibit good stability, fast response times, accuracy, precision, and longer life for fexofenadine. Throughout the day and between days, the sensors exhibit good recovery and low relative standard deviations. Fexofenadine in its pure, dose form has been identified with success using the modified sensors. The sensors were employed as end-point indications for the titration of fexofenadine with NaTPB. Full article

(1) Background: Children who undergo surgical or endoscopic procedures display high levels of stress, and various means are applied to reduce their anxiety. Salivary cortisol (S Cortisol) and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) are often used as a valid biomarker of stress. The primary purpose of the study was the investigation of stress levels through S Cortisol and S amylase after intervention in surgical or endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy–colonoscopy). The secondary outcomes were the investigation of the intention to adopt new methods of saliva sampling. We collected saliva samples from children subjected to invasive medical procedures, with the aim of applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as an intervention means to provide information and education to both parents and children undergoing stressful situations, and assess its efficacy in reducing stress levels. We also aimed at acquiring a better understanding of the acceptability of noninvasive biomarker collection in community settings. (2) Methods: The sample of this prospective study comprised 81 children who underwent surgical or endoscopic procedures at the Attikon General University Hospital, Athens, Greece and 90 parents. The sample was divided into two groups. The first, ‘Group Unexplained’, was not provided any information or education about the procedures, while the second, ‘Group Explained’, was informed and educated based on TPB. Thereafter, 8–10 weeks after intervention, the Theory of Planned Behavior questions were re-completed by the ‘Group Explained’. (3) Results: Significant differences were detected in cortisol and amylase values between the two groups postoperatively after applying the TPB intervention. Saliva cortisol was reduced by 8.09 ng/mL in the ‘Group Explained’ while in the ‘Group Unexplained’ it was reduced by 4.45 ng/mL (p < 0.001). Salivary amylase values decreased by 9.69 ng/mL in the ‘Group Explained’ after the intervention phase of the study, while in the ‘Group Unexplained’ they increased by 35.04 ng/mL (p < 0.001). The regression explains 40.3% (baseline) and 28.5% (follow-up) of parental intention. The predictive factor of parental intention (baseline) is attitude (p < 0.001) and follow-up is behavioral control (p < 0.028) and attitude (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Providing proper education and information for parents has a positive effect on reducing children’s stress levels. Changing parental attitudes towards saliva collection plays the most important role, since a positive attitude can influence intention and ultimately participation in these procedures. Full article

Natural hazards are one of the destructive phenomena that pose a significant hazard to humans, property, and the economy, among others. One of the most recurring natural hazards is flooding, which is caused by typhoons, monsoons, and heavy rainfall and has been one of the main concerns of the Philippines in recent years. The study’s results will provide information on the factors affecting flood disaster preparedness by integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). A total of 509 individuals answered an online survey questionnaire with 52 adapted questions. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that risk perception (RP), media (M), and personal experience (PE) had an effect on perceived severity (PS) and perceived vulnerability (PV), which consequently affected the attitude toward the behavior (ATB), social norms (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC). It was determined that ATB, SN, and PBC significantly affected adapted behavior (AB), which consequently led to intention to follow (ITF) and perceived prevention (PP). After analyzing the data, it was revealed that 56.2% of female respondents were said to be more disaster resilient compared to males. This is the first study to determine the perceived prevention of disaster preparedness and mitigation in flood-prone areas in the Philippines. The results will be beneficial to academicians and government officials in developing determining factors that affect flood disaster preparedness. Lastly, a deeper understanding of how AB is the most significant variable may be further researched to improve the paper. Full article

During the evolutionary phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers’ eating habits and spending behaviours have progressively shifted to the pursuit of the safer and healthier food products, such as organic food. Therefore, this study investigated the factors affecting Chinese buyers’ organic food continuous purchase intentions (CPI) during the post-pandemic era. To better adapt to the current consumption context in China, this study proposed a modified TPB framework (M-TPB), by replacing subjective norms with Chinese cultural variables, such as face consciousness and group conformity, and adding constructs of perceived value of organic food (PVOF), health consciousness, and the impact of COVID-19 (IOC). Convincingly, experimental results from a structural equation model analysis of 460 usable responses indicate that M-TPB has superior explanatory power (R² = 65%) compared with the TPB model (R² = 40%) for explaining organic food CPI during the post-pandemic period. The path analysis demonstrated that perceived behavioural control, attitude, face consciousness, group conformity, health consciousness, IOC, and PVOF had substantial positive effects on CPI, while subjective norms were not significantly related. Moreover, IOC exhibited a positive and significant relationship with health consciousness and PVOF. These findings can be useful for stakeholders in the Chinese organic food industry to generate timely promoting strategies during the post-pandemic period. Full article