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The Effect of Environmental Taxes on Environmental Accounting Disclosure of Nigerian Oil and Gas Companies
Full text linkThere is currently a lack of information about the contemporary and potential effects of environmental taxes on environmental accounting disclosure. This study, therefore, explores environmental taxes' impact on Nigerian oil and gas companies' disclosure of environmental accounting information. The study used auxiliary data by generating information on the outcome variable and the explanatory variable from the “Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development” (OECD) and annual reports and accounts of the oil and gas corporations in Nigeria. The analysis included thirteen (13) companies as of December 31, 2021. Fixed-effects regression using Estimation using Driscoll and Kraay standard errors (DKSE) has been used in this study. The study revealed that an increase in total green taxes or transportation taxes will stimulate the disclosure of environmental accounting information by the oil and gas corporations in Nigeria. It is also documented that oil and gas companies that have high C2 intensity are less likely to disclose environmental accounting information. The study findings will be useful to the regulators and policymakers in Nigeria. This is because if the government enhances environmental taxes, it may inspire companies to enhance their environmental accounting procedures
Enhanced asphaltene degradation using piezocatalytic technology: A novel approach for sustainable oilfield operations
Full text linkAsphalt or oil spills containing asphaltene can contaminate soil, water bodies, and ecosystems. Natural balances are disrupted by this contamination. Asphaltene contaminates water sources such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers, making them unfit for human consumption. Aquatic habitats are damaged, and aquatic organisms cannot reproduce, grow, or maintain health. Air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter, are released when asphaltene-containing materials are burned. Here, we have developed a new method for the degradation of asphaltene that is fast, clean, and cost-effective. The asphaltene was degraded using NixMnyO piezo catalyst in this study. By using NixMnyO under mechanical force, the result showed that asphaltene was degraded to the extent of 94.7 %. Piezo based on NixMnyO has shown promising reusability when compared to conventional catalysts. Despite being used for 11 runs, it maintained 94% of its activity for 11 consecutive cycles. As well as analyzing the kinetics and thermodynamics of piezo asphaltene degradation, a mechanism pathway was developed for piezo degradation of asphaltene. Radical scavenger experiments showed that superoxide radicals, holes, and hydroxyl radicals are involved in the degradation of asphaltene by NixMnyO piezo catalysts. However, hydroxyl radicals and holes are responsible for the majority of asphaltene degradation
Optimizing Fast-Dissolving Tablets of Ketotifen: Impact of Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid in Formulation and Evaluation
Full text linkThe research aimed to develop and assess fast-dissolving tablets (FDT) of ketotifen, a second-generation noncompetitive H1-receptor blocker, due to its poor oral bioavailability resulting from rapid first-pass effect (~50%) and poor solubility despite excellent permeability within the II-class of the biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS). The methodology involved formulating ketotifen with various excipients, including sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, menthol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), aspartame, magnesium stearate, saccharin sodium, and dextrose. The combination of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid served as a fast-disintegrating agent by evolving carbon dioxide. Employing 23 factorial designs, the study assessed the impact of sodium bicarbonate (X1), citric acid (X2), and menthol (X3) on FDT performance. Batch A, exhibiting desirable characteristics, demonstrated weight variation (200±0.53), thickness (3.52±0.12 mm), hardness (2.87±0.23), friability (0.55±0.12), disintegration time (16±3 s), drug content uniformity (99.45±0.23), wetting time (3±1 s), and water absorption ratio (19.23±0.43). The primary contributor to fast tablet disintegration was identified as the high concentration of sodium bicarbonate rather than citric acid. All batches adhered to the Peppas Korsmeyer model, signifying Fickian Diffusion (Higuchi Matrix) as the drug release mechanism. In conclusion, the study underscored the pivotal role of sodium bicarbonate concentration in facilitating rapid tablet disintegration, emphasizing its significance over citric acid concentration
Natural Colorants Induce the Drug Release from Fast Dissolving Tablets
Full text linkBackground: The use of fast-dissolving tablets (FDTs) presents a promising solution to the challenges faced by certain patient populations, such as children and geriatric patients. FDTs offer rapid disintegration and dissolution in the oral cavity, facilitating drug absorption without the need for water, thus improving dosing accuracy and therapeutic outcomes. This study investigated the impact of hydrophilic and hydrophobic colorants on drug release from FDTs, utilizing Fluorouracil (5-FU) as a model drug and various natural pigments as colorants. Method: The research methodology involved the extraction and characterization of pigments from Opuntia ficus-indica fruits and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flowers, followed by pre-formulation studies of 5-FU and formulation of FDTs using a direct compression method. Various evaluation parameters were employed to assess the physicochemical properties and performance of the FDTs. Results: The results indicated that the yield of pigments extracted from the fruits and flowers met acceptable standards, with FTIR analysis confirming their chemical composition. Pre-formulation studies of 5-FU revealed its physical and chemical characteristics, ensuring compatibility with excipients. The FDTs exhibited desirable properties such as uniform thickness, drug content uniformity, and acceptable weight variation, hardness, and friability. Moreover, the FDTs demonstrated rapid disintegration, dissolution, and water absorption, along with satisfactory wetting time and in-vitro drug release profiles. Conclusion: FTIR and DSC studies confirmed the absence of drug-excipient interactions, ensuring the stability and integrity of the formulations. Overall, the incorporation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic colorants did not significantly affect the performance of the FDTs, indicating their suitability for use in pharmaceutical formulations
A Comprehensive Review of Recent Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Impact of Openings in Steel Plate Shear Walls (SPSWs)
Full text linkStructural buildings such as steel and reinforced concrete frames usually include doors and windows on the front or back facades, interior to the open areas. This; should be arranged to have an excellent correspondence for the location of shear walls, which are counted as essential elements for lateral stability. As a result, these architectural elements across the building assist in creating areas that are relatively less resistant to lateral loads. This review investigates the behavior of steel plate-framed shear walls with openings when subjected to lateral force exposure by thoroughly evaluating the composition of previous studies. To assess the impact of opening size, type, and layout on the overall performance of the lateral force-resisting system. There are studies explore on Steel Plate Shear Walls (SPSWs), both with and without openings. This study emphasizes the effect of openings on shear capacity. It investigates the effect of adding openings to steel plate shear walls on stiffness, ductility, damping ratio, and strength of the system. Key findings from the studies show that openings in SPSWs invariably reduce their lateral stiffness and strength. The amount of deduction in the strength of a structure depends on various factors such as the size, shape, and location of the opening. Additionally, the corners of the opening may experience stress concentrations which can cause tearing and reduced ductility. As a result, it disrupts the tension field action, which is the primary mechanism for SPSW energy dissipation. Most studies reviewed only the relatively thin infill plates and particular boundary conditions, which are highly important but have a gap in thick plates. Caution should be exercised when extrapolating due to thicker infill plates or different frame configurations. Considering a broader range of parameters, further research is necessary to establish comprehensive design guidelines for SPSWs with various opening configurations
Water Quality Effects on Growth Performance and physiological indices of Common Carp Fingerling Fed on Moringa oleifera leaf
Full text linkThe current study was carried out to investigate water quality effects on common Carp Fingerling Fed on dietary supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf on growth performance, approximate carcass compositions and haematological and biochemical parameters in common carp, Cyprinus carpio fingerlings (average weight 27.31 ± 0.04 g) for 12 weeks. Four experimental diets were prepared with supplemented with MOLP at levels of 0 (control diet), T1 (1%MOLP/Kg), (2%MOLP/Kg) and (4%MOLP/Kg). The results showed that all supplemented groups had promising growth, in which significantly improved (P˂0.05) in final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion rate (FCR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency rate (PER). Whoever, the dietary treatments had no significant impact (p˂0.05) on ether extract, crude protein, crude ash, moisture, energy, and crude fiber content of the fish. The result of this study had a significant effect on some biochemical blood parameters including CHOL, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL, TP and globulin but there was no significant difference in ALB. Complete blood count of the fish showed a significant (P > 0.05) increase in WBC and RBC, HGB and HCT levels with MOLP varying levels. The MCV of the fish fed 1%MOLP was significantly lower compared to control group, MCHC levels of fish fed 1%MOLP diet were significantly higher than fish fed on the control diet (P > 0.05). The MCH and MPV levels of MOLP diets had no significant difference with the control group (P > 0.05). The PLT levels of fish fed with 2 and 4%MOLP were significantly (P > 0.05) higher than fish fed the control diet. LPCR levels in fish fed with 4% MOLP decreased significantly compared to the control diet (P > 0.05). The study examined the impact of different concentrations of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on water quality parameters. Results showed temperature variations (31.24°C to 33.50°C) and pH changes (8.20 to 10.30). MOLP changed electrical conductivity (550.12 to 566.10 μS/cm) and total dissolved solids (288.20 to 306.30 mg/L). Dissolved oxygen remained stable at around 8.00 mg/L, while turbidity decreased (6.67±0.84 to 2.08±0.85 NTU). Ion concentrations (Cl, Na, K, Ca, Mg, SO4) fluctuated across MOLP levels. Total alkalinity ranged from 138.76 to 144.62 mg/L. Nitrate levels varied (13.32 to 13.80 mg/L), while nitrite and ammonia levels were low (0.00 to 0.02 mg/L and ~0.05 mg/L, respectively). Total hardness increased (155.05 to 173.71 mg/L) with MOLP, notably at 2% concentration. These findings suggest MOLP's potential in water treatment, warranting further investigation for environmental applications
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OF ROBOTIC EXOSKELETONS IN REHABILITATION
Full text linkRobotic exoskeletons have garnered significant attention and continue to be commonly used as a rehabilitative intervention for diverse physical disabilities. These devices offer aid and support in order to enhance the functional capabilities of patients and facilitate their treatment. This article offers a concise overview of the evolutionary trajectory of robotic exoskeletons, tracing their inception in historical contexts to the latest advancements in this domain. The field of robotic exoskeletons has undergone extensive research, resulting in the advancement of three generations of exoskeleton technology. These advancements aim to enhance the efficacy of exoskeletons in the context of rehabilitation, with the ultimate goal of improving the well-being of individuals afflicted by severe or degenerative disabilities, as well as those suffering cognitivemotor difficulties. This review provides a summary of the medical demands, historical development, classification, applications, and treatment modalities of robotic exoskeletons along with the design implementation in a clear and informative manner
COVID-19 Booster Vaccination in Malaysia
Full text linkAfter battling the extreme acute respiratory syndrome-causing coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) pandemic for more than two years, the vaccines have enabled the transition to
endemicity. Despite vaccine advancement, Mankind will be one step behind viruses like SARSCoV-2 as the latter continuously evolve into variants with higher transmissibility. They
demonstrate immune escape through genetic mutation or viral recombination which occurs
during replication of the genome. Vaccine variants in the form of booster doses are required
following the initial vaccination series to prevent the spread of the more dangerous SARSCoV-2 variants of concern (VoC) such as Omicron. Protection against COVID-19 for those with
chronic comorbid conditions, those who are immunosuppressed, and vulnerable, at-risk
population was postulated to decline rapidly with time from their last vaccination. As the elicited
adaptive immune response declines, older adults and at-risk populations continue to be at the
highest risk of morbidity and mortality from future VoC. Current vaccines are effective at
reducing severe respiratory-related illnesses, hospitalisation, and mortality attributed to
COVID-19, yet cannot fully protect against developing an infection. The article summarises the
evidence and policy recommendations for COVID-19 booster shots. This information is useful
for future planning by policymakers and healthcare providers to make vaccination policies and
decisions, particularly for including the COVID-19 vaccines in national immunization programs
Documentation of Ethnomedicinal Uses of Wild Plants Growing in Kodo Mountain by Kurdish Tribe of Iraq
Full text linkMedicinal plants have a long history of different uses and are still of great importance in the daily life of the Kurds living in the Kurdistan province of Iraq. The present review provides comprehensive phytochemical and pharmacological information about medicinal plants growing in the Kodo Mountain area. In fact, no systematic study of the bioresources from this unique region has yet been reported in the scientific literature, even if local villagers have been consuming several plants as nutrition and ethnomedical food for centuries, until today. The data reported in this paper were obtained through interviews with local herbal healers and people living in villages around the Kodo Mountains. They concern 40 plants belonging to 16 botanical families, which are considered medicinal by the local population. The present study recorded and examined the demographic information given by the study participants, the local names and the parts used of the plants, the preparation and administration techniques, and the treatments for diseases. The most frequently cited families were Asteraceae (32.5 %), Lamiaceae (10 %), Brassicaceae, Malvaceae, and Papaveraceae (7.5 % each). The main parts of the plants used for medicinal purposes were leaves (36 %) and flowers (29.5 %). They were administered as decoctions (42 %), raw (26 %), or powder (14 %). Several important phytochemicals have been isolated from the used plants, including flavonoids (60 %), terpenoids (45 %), phenolic acids (42.5 %), polyphenolic compounds (40 %), and essential oils (30 %). The plant ethnomedicinal and pharmacological uses were supported by their antibacterial (18%, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Papaveraceae), anti-inflammatory (18%, Malvaceae, Asteraceae, Papaveraceae), anti-oxidant (16%, Malvaceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Papaveraceae), anti-cancer (9%, Lamiaceae, Papaveraceae, Asteraceae), anti-parasitic (8%, Asteraceae), hepatoprotective (7%, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Papaveraceae, Fabaceae), anti-diabetic (5%, Asteraceae, Fabaceae), anti-fungal (5%, Amaryllidaceae, Umbelliferae, Asphodelaceae, Orchidaceae), anti-spasmodic (4%, Asteraceae, Papaveraceae), and diuretic (3%, Asteraceae, Amaryllidaceae, Plantaginaceae) activities. This study illustrates the significance of traditional medicinal plants that have been utilized for treatment and healing the wounds and curing the illnesses Kurdish tribe in Kodo mountain, north-east part of Kurdistan Region in Iraq, that can be used as reference for further investigations for the researchers in future
Physical modeling of the effect of shape, blockage, and flow variability on scour in culvert outlets
Full text linkThe widespread use of culverts has prompted researchers to focus on developing precise designs to prevent their failure caused by scouring at the culvert outlet. This study employed physical modelling to investigate alternation in culvert outlets under different conditions, including variations in culvert shape, blockage, and flow discharge during steady and unsteady flow conditions. Box and circular culverts were examined with 0%, 15%, and 30% blockage rates at the culvert inlet. For unsteady flow conditions, two hydrographs were generated, each with nine distinct flow discharges, while for steady flow conditions, flow rates of up to 14 l/s and 22 l/s were used. The sediment and flow conditions were carefully selected to ensure clear water throughout the experiments. According to the study results, the scour profile exhibited more growth in the circular culvert compared to the box culvert across all cases. Furthermore, an increase in flow rate led to an increase in the scour hole dimension, and the scouring increased with a rise in hydrograph stepwise. However, when the degree of blockage was increased, a strictly proportional increase in scour depth was not observed across all cases. The results and data presented in this research can be used by other researchers in addition to being used by hydraulic designers