Tailoring the bandgap of Mn3O4 for visible light driven photocatalysis.

The photocatalytic activity of pure Mn3O4 and silver (Ag) modified Mn3O4 nanoparticles have been investigated. The nanoparticles were prepared by using co-precipitation technique. The structural analysis showed that the Ag modified Mn3O4 was successfully synthesized. For instance, a slight shift to lower angle of XRD pattern was observed after Ag doping. Morphological analysis revealed that the particles have an average size of 274 nm, 287 nm and 321 nm for pure, 1% and 3% Ag modified Mn3O4 respectively. The UV-Visible analysis indicated that the bandgap of Mn3O4 decreased with increased Ag content and the band gap is 1.4 eV with the 3% of Ag content. The spectra obtained from DRS were also evaluated through inverse logarithmic derivative method (ILD) to counter check the bandgap values. 3% Ag-modified photocatalysts exhibited the enhanced decolorization efficiency compared to pure Mn3O4 nanoparticles. The pseudo first order kinetic model is used to explain the photocatalytic kinetics of the photocatalyst. The rate constant values are 0.01/min, 0.017/min and 0.024/min for pure Mn3O4, 1% Ag and 3% Ag modified Mn3O4 nanoparticles, respectively.

Elucidation of larvicidal potential of metallic and environment friendly food-grade nanostructures against Aedes albopictus.

To combat health challenges associated with mosquito-borne diseases, the larvicidal activity of metallic nanoparticles, food-grade polymeric nano-capsules and insecticides was investigated against larvae of Aedes albopictus as an effective alternate control approach. The Ae. albopictus was identified using sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of COXI, CYTB and ITS2 genes. The characterization of synthesized nanostructures was performed through Zetasizer, UV-VIS spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The mosquito larvae were exposed to varying concentration of nanostructures and insecticides, and their percentage mortality was evaluated at different time intervals of 24 h and 48 h exposure. The highest efficacy was observed in zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and polymeric nanocapsules FG-Cur E-III (LC50 = 0.24 mg/L, LC90 = 0.6 mg/L) and (LC50 = 3.8 mg/L, LC90 = 9.33 mg/L), respectively, after 24 h; while (LC50 = 0.18 mg/L, LC90 = 0.43 mg/L) and (LC50 = 1.95 mg/L, LC90 = 6.46 mg/L), respectively, after 48 h against fourth instar larvae of Ae. albopictus. Ag, CuO, NiTiO3 and CoTiO3 nanoparticles evaluated in this study also showed promising larvicidal activity. Although ZnO-NPs proved to be effective larvicides, their possible toxicity (producing ROS species) can limit their use. The curcumin nanostructures (FG-Cur E-III) stabilized by food-grade materials are thought to exert their larvicidal activity by binding to sterol carrier protein-2, and depriving the larvae from the essential dietary cholesterol, and bears effective larvicidal potential as safe alternative for chemical larvicides, due to their environment friendly, food-grade and easy biodegradability.

Corrigendum: Impact of destination image formation on tourist trust: mediating role of tourist satisfaction.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.845538.].

Impact of Destination Image Formation on Tourist Trust: Mediating Role of Tourist Satisfaction.

Tourist destinations with cultural heritage have arisen as a prominent issue in tourism literature. Creating a positive image of the destination can influence tourists' satisfaction and willingness to return. The goal of this research is to investigate the relationship between destination image formation (DIF), tourist satisfaction (TS), and tourist trust (TT). As a result, the structural relationships between local community participation (LCP), authenticity (A), access to local products (ALP), TS, and TT were investigated in this study. This study used a quantitative approach based on a survey of 644 domestic and foreign tourists visiting the Guangdong cities of Guangzhou, Foshan, and Shenzhen. The statistical software SmartPLS 3.3.3 was used to determine the relationship between variables in the research model using structural equation modeling. The outcomes show a positive correlation between LCP, A, and ALP, which led to tourist satisfaction and, eventually, tourist trust. It is concluded that the DIF and TS may result in increased tourist trust. There is also a discussion of additional theoretical contributions, practical implications, and limitations. The outcomes of this study will help to shed light on the variables that encourage and promote tourism in developing countries.

How curriculum delivery translates into entrepreneurial skills: The mediating role of knowledge of information and communication technology.

This research examines how curriculum delivery predicts entrepreneurial skills, with knowledge of information and communication technology (ICT) as a mediator. Curriculum delivery with the multiple dimensions of objectives, contents, teaching strategies, and feedback and assessment was used in this study, and a quantitative research design was adopted. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 482 students at six universities in Lahore, Pakistan, and the partial-least-squares structural equation model in SmartPLS 3.2 was used for data analysis. The results show that all dimensions of curriculum delivery (i) do not influence entrepreneurial skills and (ii) positively influence the knowledge of ICT. Also, in the indirect relationships, all dimensions of curriculum delivery (i.e., objectives, contents, teaching strategies, and feedback and assessment) are associated positively with ICT knowledge. Therefore, ICT knowledge plays a mediating role between curriculum delivery and entrepreneurial skills. The results also show that curriculum delivery for educational entrepreneurs is not working effectively and efficiently in Pakistani universities, and it is concluded that curriculum delivery and ICT knowledge boost entrepreneurial skills. Finally, the conclusions, limitations, and practical implications of this study are presented in detail.

Solvent-free synthesis of NiCo2S4 having the metallic nature.

Nickel-cobalt sulfide (NiCo2S4) is a prominent member of bimetallic transition metal sulfides. It is being widely used for a variety of applications such as electrode material, photocatalysis, and energy storage devices (like pseudo capacitors, supercapacitors, solar cells, and fuel cells) due to its better electronic conductivity, manageable morphology, and high capacitance. This work presents the one-step solventless synthesis of NiCo2S4 sheet-like nanostructures and then explores their metallic nature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis show the sheet-like grown morphology. Few nanorods are also seen. Except for a recent study (Xia et al. 2015) that shows metallic behavior, most of the reports show that NiCo2S4 is a semiconductor with claimed bandgap between 1.21 and 2.4 eV. In this study, we observe from UV-Vis and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) that NiCo2S4 has a specific band gap value between 2.02 and 2.17 eV. However, IV characteristics in the temperature range of 300-400 K show that NiCo2S4 is a metal with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance consistent with a recent report. Furthermore, we see the ohmic conduction mechanism. The Arrhenius plot is drawn, and the activation energy is calculated to be 3.45 meV. The metallic nature is attributed to the coupling of two metal species (nickel and cobalt), which accounts for its superior conductivity and performance in a variety of essential applications.

How Emotional Intelligence Influences Cognitive Outcomes Among University Students: The Mediating Role of Relational Engagement During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

This study investigated the relationships among emotional intelligence (EI), relational engagement (RE), and cognitive outcomes (COs). A survey questionnaire containing 34 statements was completed by 338 undergraduate students from the four universities of China, with responses recorded on a 7-point Likert-type scale. The relationships were examined using the partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings showed that EI influenced the COs directly and indirectly during the pandemic. In the forms of self-regulation (SR) and social skills (SS), the high levels of EI improved the COs of the students. Further, the aspects of EI, such as SR, self-awareness (SA), empathy (E), motivation (M), and SS were found to improve the RE of the students. The RE was positively correlated with the COs, indicating its potential for improving critical thinking among university students. Finally, the RE was a key mediator of the relationship between the EI and COs. It is concluded that the students with higher levels of EI and RE may achieve better COs. The implications of the research and suggestions for future studies are also discussed.

Comparison of the effects of gamma or sonochemical irradiation of carbon nanotubes and the influence on the mechanical and dielectric properties of chitosan nanocomposites.

Chitosan-carbon nanotube (Chi-CNT) composite materials have been prepared with CNTs that were surface treated using either dilute acid combined with 20 kHz ultrasound or gamma-irradiation in air. The mechanical and dielectric properties have been measured and compared. Both modification methods gave nanocomposites with much improved tensile properties over native chitosan. The sonochemically treated samples were stronger with higher tensile strength but at the expense of lower elasticity and extensibility than found when γ-irradiation was used. Impedance spectra showed differences in the polymer chain transitions and in the conduction mechanisms within the nanocomposites. The results correlated well with previous work suggesting that the two modification techniques result in CNT surfaces with higher polarity. This enhances interfacial interactions with the chitosan matrix although the extent of functionalisation was greater in the sonochemical case. This work demonstrates that sonochemical modification under mild conditions is a useful method for modifying CNTs for inclusion in nanocomposite materials. However, the resulting material properties depend on the level of treatment so that the sonochemical conditions need to be carefully evaluated and controlled if the effects are to be optimised.

Molecular docking based virtual screening of the breast cancer target NUDT5.

Breast cancer affects one in eight women in Bangladesh and is the most common cancer among women in South Asia next to skin cancer. NUDT5 are nucleotide-metabolizing enzymes (NUDIX hydrolases) linked with the ADP ribose and 8-oxo-guanine metabolism. It is known to be associated with the hormone dependent gene regulation and proliferation in breast cancer cells. It blocks progestin-dependent, PAR-derived nuclear ATP synthesis and subsequent chromatin remodeling, gene regulation and proliferation in this context. We describe the structure based binding features of a lead compound (7-[[5-(3, 4-dichlorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]methyl]-1,3-dimethyl-8piperazin-1yl-purine-2,6-dione-C20H20Cl2N8O3) with NUDT5 for further in vitro and in vivo validation. It is a promising inhibitor for blocking NUDT5 activity. Thus, structure based virtual screening is used to identify a potential therapeutic inhibitor for NUDT5.

Adsorption of ionic liquids onto an activated carbon: kinetic modeling studies.

In this study, the uptake of hydrophobic bromide-based ionic liquids (ILs) (imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, and pyridinium) from aqueous solutions onto granulated and fabric-based microporous activated carbons (ACs). Surface characterization study shows that both ACs have basic pHpzc, like 8.7 for granulated AC and 8.0 for fabric AC. Granulated AC have ten times higher phenolic groups 0.2 meq g-1 compared to fabric AC which is 0.03 meq g-1. The kinetics of adsorption was remarkably slower for ILs on granulated/fabric AC than milled one. We also studied the effect of AC size on the rate of adsorption in the operating conditions. In order to improve the adsorption kinetics of ILs with ACs, different phenomenological and empirical kinetic models like as pseudo-first order, Boyd model, pseudo-second-order diffusion model and Elovich were applied on the kinetic experimental data. The analysis of kinetic specified that the adsorption mechanism of ILs onto ACs is controlled mainly by the mass transfer through the pores of ACs. So, the selection of appropriate adsorbent particle size of AC plays a main role for the development of viable IL adsorption. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Hypertriglyceridemic Pancreatitis: Is Insulin Monotherapy A Feasible Therapeutic Option?

Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP) is an uncommon but well-established clinical entity. Although the initial clinical features are similar to pancreatitis due to other etiologies, the severity of the disease and the risk of complications are higher in these patients. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in patients with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis to avoid life-threatening complications. The initial conservative treatment is applied followed by additional specific therapies tailored to decrease serum triglyceride levels. This includes plasmapheresis, insulin, heparin infusion, and hemofiltration. After the acute episode, lifestyle modifications along with hypolipidemic medications should be initiated to prevent further events. Currently, there is paucity of the medical literature directly comparing different treatment modalities. This article illustrates the use of insulin therapy for HTGP as a feasible therapeutic choice. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to outline a generalized and efficient treatment for this serious disorder.