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A COMPARISON OF APPROXIMATE OPTIMAL STRATIFICATION WITH OTHER METHODS OF STRATIFICATION USING PROPORTIONAL ALLOCATION
Full text linkOne of the main reasons in stratification is to get more accurate estimates by producing gain in the precision of these estimates. To achieve this, we can determine the optimum stratum boundaries. Many procedures were developed to obtain this optimum boundary, and several approximate rules proposed as a result of the complicated calculation involved in solving the theoretical equations to obtain the optimum points of stratification. In this article, we present a comparison between the cumulative f6/7 suggested by the authors with other given approximate methods suggested previously. Uniform, right triangular, exponential, normal and chi-square distributions are compared. For certain values of the parameters of these distributions, the cumulative f6/7 method is favorable compared with these approximate optimal stratification methods
Synthesis, characterisation, and anticancer and antioxidant activities of novel complexes of palladium and an organic Schiff-base ligand
Full text linkTreatment of the Schiff base 2-N-(salicylidene) benzothiazole (SabtH) with palladium chloride afforded the neutral 2-N-(salicylidene) benzothiazole palladium(II) complex. This was then treated with one molar equivalent of either ethylenediamine or 1,10-phenanthroline, yielding the neutral mixed ligand complexes 1 and 2, respectively. The prepared organic ligand and its mixed ligand complexes were characterised via UV-Vis, FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The antiproliferative activities of 1 and 2 were tested against MCF-7 (breast) and HT-29 (colon) cancer cells using an MTT assay. 1 showed strong antiproliferative activity against both MCF-7 and HT-29 cancer cells, with IC50 values of 74.6 ± 8.35 and 174 ± 20.28 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, 2 exhibited the maximum antioxidant activity, with an EC50 value of 1029 ± 196.76 µg/mL
The effects of input flood and input enhancement techniques in teaching collocations to EFL learners
Full text linkInput flood and input enhancement are two prominent techniques to develop learners’ writing competence. While the former refers to offering multiple sources to increase students’ gains, the latter implies highlighting certain linguistic items to attract attention. A plethora of studies have been conducted to measure the effectiveness of both techniques. However, a gap in the literature has been noticed in comparing input flood with input enhancement technique in terms of writing improvement in Iraq. Thus, the present study was conducted to measure the impacts of the input flood technique to teach collocations on 48 EFL learners who joined an intensive language learning program at the Language Preparatory School of Tishk International University in Erbil, Iraq. Participants, chosen by convenience sampling method, were exposed to input flood or input enhancement techniques to expand their colloquial expression knowledge within six weeks in the 2022–2023 academic year spring semester. Data were collected via writing exams and interviews as a part of the explanatory sequential research design. The findings, analyzed by SPSS 27 and MAXQDA, revealed that experimental group students who received the instruction via input flood increased their writing marks more significantly than control group students whose instruction was via input enhancement. Likewise, students who received the instruction with input flood had more positive views than students receiving input enhancement. The findings of the study may have several implications for educators who think about teaching collocations via input flood and input enhancement techniques professionally
No Evidence Was Found for the Presence of Terreolides, Terreumols or Saponaceolides H-S in the Fruiting Bodies of Tricholoma terreum (Basidiomycota, Agaricales)
Full text linkTwo different collections of the gilled wild fungus Tricholoma terreum, collected in Italy, were subjected to phytochemical analysis. The fungal material was confidently identified by analysis of the ITS genomic sequences. Using both HR-LC-MS and NMR techniques, no evidence was found for the presence in the fruiting bodies of terreolides, terreumols or saponaceolides H-S, in striking contrast with the isolation of these terpenoids by Chinese authors from a mushroom collected in France and identified as T. terreum. The main cytotoxic terpenoid identified and isolated from the extracts of the specimens investigated in this work was the C30 derivative saponaceolide B, which had been previously isolated from T. saponaceum and other T. terreum collections. Although saponaceolide B is a rather labile molecule, easily degradable by heat or in acidic conditions, our study indicated that none of the extraction protocols used produced saponaceolide H-S or terreolide/terreumol derivatives, thus excluding the possibility that the latter compounds could be extraction artifacts. Considered together, these findings point to the need for the unambiguous identification of mushroom species belonging to the complex genus Tricholoma, characterized by high variability in the composition of metabolites. Moreover, based on our data, T. terreum must be considered an edible mushroom
Advanced approaches of the use of circRNAs as a replacement for cancer therapy
Full text linkCancer is a broad name for a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow out of control and are characterized by their complexity and recurrence. Although there has been progress in cancer therapy with the entry of precision medicine and immunotherapy, cancer incidence rates have increased globally. Non-coding RNAs in the form of circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial roles in the pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, and therapy of different diseases, including cancer. According to recent studies, circRNAs appear to serve as accurate indicators and therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. However, circRNAs are promising candidates for cutting-edge cancer therapy because of their distinctive circular structure, stability, and wide range of capabilities; many challenges persist that decrease the applications of circRNA-based cancer therapeutics. Here, we explore the roles of circRNAs as a replacement for cancer therapy, highlight the main challenges facing circRNA-based cancer therapies, and discuss the key strategies to overcome these challenges to improve advanced innovative therapies based on circRNAs with long-term health effects
Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Performance from Developing Markets: The Role of Audit Committee Expertise
Full text linkThis study investigates the complex relationship between CSR practices, firm financial performance, and the moderating role of audit committee expertise in the UAE, a high-speed developing market. Using a quantitative research design, we examine data from non-financial firms listed on the ADX over the period 2008–2022. We evaluate the effect of CSR on financial performance using a range of regression methods, and we look at the ways in which the experience of audit committee members strengthens or weakens this link. Our findings are consistent with the theory that CSR initiatives have a detrimental impact on UAE firms' financial performance. Moreover, empirical data points to the strengthening of the correlation between financial performance and CSR by audit committee expertise. When it comes to coordinating CSR activities with long-term sustainability objectives, the audit committee is essential. This study employs secondary data and focuses exclusively on the United Arab Emirates, even though it advances knowledge about corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance in developing markets. Future research should consider broader geographical contexts and longer periods to enhance the generalizability of findings. Our findings offer practical insights for firms operating in developing markets, highlighting the impact of CSR on performance and the importance of audit committee expertise in maximising its impact. We encourage companies to improve their level of measurement and reporting, with the goal of effectively communicating and realising the potential benefits of CSR. This research extends the literature on CSR and firm performance by examining a high-speed developing market and providing guidance to firms operating in similar contexts. It emphasises the crucial role of audit committee expertise in realising the financial benefits of CSR practices
Taxonomy, traditional uses and biological activity of Ficus carica L. (Moraceae): A review
Full text linkFicus carica L. (Moraceae), a tree native to the tropics and subtropics that has been used traditionally in folk medicine. The crude extracts have been the focus of many studies due to its wide range of biological effects. Even though the species has been the subject of numerous pharmacologically based studies, very few studies have published on their findings. Attempts to bridge this knowledge gap are being made to enhance the species' utility in modern research. The following review looks at all research articles on anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, drugs, antiviral, traditional medicine, ethnopharmacology, toxicity, and cytotoxic activity. Therapeutically, some of the more fascinating impacts are on cancer prevention, liver diseases, blood sugar and antimicrobial activity. While the leaves, fruits and latex of the F. carica plant have been the primary focus of biological research, the stem and roots have got almost minimal attention. The results of this investigation indicate that extracts from all parts of F. carica are non-toxic. However, further well-planned clinical trials are required to confirm preclinical findings because the safety and effectiveness of F. carica have not been fully evaluated in humans. It is important to investigate the extract's mechanism of action. Establishing the standard dose and safety is necessary
Temperature Impact on the Characteristics of N-Channel GaP Fin Field Effect Transistor (GaP-FinFET)
Full text linkThis study analyzes the effects of temperature on transfer characteristics, threshold voltage, ION/IOFF ratio, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), and sub-threshold swing (SS) in N-Channel Gallium Phosphide (GaP) Fin Fied Effect Transistor (FinFET). GaP-FinFET's temperature properties have been studied using the (MuGFET) simulation tool. Because of the lower ION/IOFF ratio, higher DIBL, and higher SS at higher temperatures, the results show a detrimental impact of increased working temperature on the use of GaP-FinFET in electronic circuits, such as digital circuits and amplifier circuits. Furthermore, the best situation for using a transistor as a temperature nano-sensor is when it is in the ON state
Advancing Therapeutic Efficacy of Star Anise Oil with (Illicium verum) Nano-Emulsion Formulation
Full text linkBackground. The volatile oil present in star anise (Illicium verum) exhibits efficacy against various health issues such as bronchitis, colds, flu, indigestion, facial paralysis, and intestinal cramps. This study aimed to formulate and assess the nano-emulsion of star anise volatile oil. Method. Star anise volatile oil was extracted from its fruits using the Clevenger apparatus and subsequently purified. The extraction process involved dissolving the extracted oil in dichloromethane, and solvent recycling was performed using a rotavapor. Nano-emulsions were developed through homogenization (8 batches) and ultra-sonication methods (8 batches) with varying surfactant (Tween-80) and co-surfactant (PEG-200, PEG-300) ratios. Characterization involved refractive index, pH, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size distribution, zeta potential, drug content, drug release, release kinetics, and stability studies (25°C/60% RH at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks). Results. The smallest droplet sizes were observed in batches NE-HH (646.1±71.54 nm) and NE-HS (694±195.48 nm), with the least zeta potential values of -10.4 mV (NE-FH batch) and -5.2 mV (NE-HS batches). The highest drug release percentages were recorded in NE-EH (31.411±1.26%) and NE-ES (34.004±1.74%) batches. Both NE-EH and NE-ES followed the Peppas Korsmeyer model, and the release mechanism was identified as Fickian Diffusion (Higuchi Matrix). Conclusion. The study concludes that nano-emulsions of star anise volatile oil can be successfully prepared using homogenization and ultrasonication methods, demonstrating good stability and prolonged drug release
Performance of the Mechanical Properties of Concrete Modified with Coarse Glass Aggregate and Incorporation of Polypropylene Fibers
Full text linkMillions of tons of glass are wasted annually. Recycling glass is an important professional function for resource conservation, waste reduction, and environmental impact mitigation. Incorporating polypropylene fibers into concrete has been proven effective in enhancing its compressive, tensile, and flexural resistance while addressing concerns related to brittleness. The main goal of this study is to find out what happens to the mechanical properties of concrete samples when Coarse Glass Aggregate (CGA) is used as a partial replacement for a natural aggregate of the same size, along with polypropylene fibers. The experimental approach involved preparing concrete mixes with incremental glass ratios, ranging up to 50% with 10% increments. Mechanical tests were performed on the specimens. The results revealed an increase in compressive and tensile strength with increasing glass ratios, peaking at an optimum of 40%. Beyond that, the strength declined. Furthermore, the optimal glass ratio exhibited a remarkable improvement of 31.92% in compressive strength and 41.24% in tensile strength compared to samples devoid of glass content. Also, the flexural test conducted with a 40% glass ratio yielded an optimal mixture displaying a strength 44.78% greater than the control experiment. The proposed equations to correlate compressive strength versus splitting tensile strength and splitting tensile strength versus flexural strength are consistent with the existing research. However, the correlation between compressive strength and flexural strength is consistently underestimated. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the utilization of glass waste in concrete production has the potential to serve as a sustainable solution for waste management while simultaneously improving the mechanical properties of concrete