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Understanding the Rise of Right-Wing Crimes, and Intergroup Threat Theory: Global Perspective & Case Studies
Full text linkThe rise in right-wing extremist offenses has become a significant global concern, particularly in the United States. These offenses are usually fuelled by radical ideologies such as nationalism and white supremacy, and have quadrupled over the past decade. Our analysis reveals that far-right extremist offenses in the U.S. have surpassed violence previously linked with jihadist-groups, with right-wing factions responsible for over 60% of extremist-related casualties since 2014. Moreover, the increase in these offenses is strongly corelated with a rise in immigration influx and demographic changes. This study employs a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework and synthesizes relevant works to explore the relationship between rising immigration rates and the increase in right-wing extremist offenses. While the study mainly draws on intergroup threat theory, other sociological and psychological frameworks are also presented to shed light on how economic downturns and demographic transitions can provoke hostile right-wing sentiments toward immigrants and minorities, often culminating in violent crimes. Our findings and analysis emphasize the need for comprehensive policy interventions which not only address the rise in extremist discourse but also curb those societal factors that contribute to their growth. Additionally, we examine the role of social media in disseminating extremist ideologies and suggest that immigration policy reforms can help mitigate xenophobic attitudes. Moreover, we also recommend that efforts to combat right-wing extremism should focus on promoting social inclusion, economic justice, and close monitoring of extremist organizations, both online and offline
Prevalence and Impact of Cattle Infections in Ghana: Challenges in Livestock Health and Disease Management
Full text linkThis article examines the critical issues surrounding cattle diseases in Ghana and their detrimental effects on animal farming, food supply, and public health. It offers a comprehensive analysis of common infections affecting cattle in Ghana's farming industry, along with proposing potential strategies to manage these health challenges. A literature search was conducted across four databases, retrieving 117 records, of which 12 were included for analysis. The most widespread disease found was trypanosomiasis, along with other infections such as bovine tuberculosis, bovine coronaviruses, heartwater, and parasitic worm infestations. Farmers often rely on antibiotics, antiprotozoal, anthelmintics, and vaccines to address these health concerns. The findings reveal that these diseases have a profound effect on cattle productivity, resulting in notable economic setbacks, and a decline in the availability of cattle-based products. Although various diagnostic techniques are employed, it is evident that there is a need for simpler and more effective diagnostic tools to identify and treat these infections early. The study highlights the need for continuous research on cattle diseases to develop more effective treatments and suggest the development of improved diagnostic methods. Additionally, it stresses the importance of implementing early detection technologies and control systems to reduce the economic and agricultural consequences of cattle diseases in Ghana
Exploring Extracellular Vesicles Nanocapsules in Hydrogel Delivery for Canine Atopic Dermatitis: An Anti-Inflammatory Approach
Full text linkThis study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of nanoencapsulated extracellular vesicles (EV) derived from canine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating atopic dermatitis. It seeks to determine the efficacy of these EV in modulating cytokine responses, specifically targeting IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL13, and IL-31, which are crucial in the pathophysiology of cutaneous inflammatory disorders. Materials and Methods: MSCs were cultured from adipose tissue and induced to produce EVs. They were then isolated through ultracentrifugation, characterized for particle size and morphology, and encapsulated within calcium alginate nanogels. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in vitro using human keratinocyte cultures primed with IFN-gamma and treated with both free and nanoencapsulated EV. The expression of inflammatory cytokines was analyzed through RTq-PCR and protein ELISA Multiplex (Luminex®). Results: The study found that both free and nanoencapsulated EV significantly reduced the expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL6, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-31 in IFN-gamma primed keratinocytes. Nanoencapsulation with alginate notably enhanced the delivery efficiency, targeted release, and stability of the EV, leading to a more pronounced reduction in cytokine expression compared to free EV. Conclusion: Nanoencapsulated EV derived from canine MSCs demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory potential, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory conditions. This approach not only preserves the bioactivity of EV but also improves their therapeutic applicability through enhanced delivery and stability. The findings underscore the potential of nanoencapsulation technology in advancing novel therapeutic strategies across human and veterinary medicine, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary research in developing effective healthcare solutions
Surface Plasmon Resonance in the Development of TGF-β Activators for Cosmeceutical Use
Full text linkResearch on new compounds that can improve the skin's condition is no longer focused exclusively on drugs, but is also adequate for cosmeceuticals – cosmetic products with thoroughly tested and scientifically proven biological activity. One of the most important stimulators of collagen biosynthesis is the so-called Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β). Measuring the activation of latent TGF-β and quantification of its efficacy using the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technique is a great alternative to the currently used Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. In this article, the complex process of TGF-β activation and the methods of its quantification are described. SPR was investigated as a relevant method for the TGF-β activity detection. Optimization of measurement conditions is presented, comparing results of antibody immobilization efficacy in different buffers. Two types of antibodies were immobilized onto the SPR chip, and after choosing one of them the selectivity of capturing between active and inactive TGF-β was confirmed. SPR is discussed as a technique with great potential in cosmeceutical design, in comparison to currently applied quantification methods
Recent Development on the Extraction Process of Plants Essential Oil and its Effect on Chemical Composition: A Review
Full text linkThis study presents a thorough review on different innovative extraction techniques of different plant essential oil derived from its peel, leaves, seeds and shrubs. The review also entails the different pre-treatment processes that affects the quality and recovery of the plant essential oil. Also, discussed the recently developed green extraction method such as Microwave Assisted Hydrodistillation (MAHD), Solvent Free Microwave Extraction (SFME), Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE), Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Ohmic Heated Assisted Hydrodistillation (OHAD). The impact of these extraction process on the important chemical composition of essential oil is further analyzed in this review. The important parameters in extraction is also studied such as the water to material ratio, extraction temperature, power input and extraction time. Based on the different articles reviewed, it signifies that the innovative extraction method improves the quality and quantity of the essential oil yield. It also improved the number of component that can be extracted in the plant essential oil and its biological activities such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Thus this review aims to emphasize the potential of the newly developed essential oil extraction techniques that would help to boon the pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture industry
Variable Conceptualisation and Measurement in Environmental Research
Full text linkThis paper discusses the importance of variable conceptualisation and measurement in environmental research. The paper explains how wrong application of concepts can mislead the researcher when conducting research, and the resultant effects on each stage of the environmental research process. The paper is motivated by the problems behind many research students pursuing their masters or doctoral degree programmes face, especially with change in dissertations or theses titles and methods to match the contents of their reports. In this paper, the authors demystify the challenges encountered by unskilful researchers and students when trying to make their readers have a clear understanding of their research reports (dissertations or theses). Therefore, the paper may serve as a guide in planning and conducting environmental research by university degree students and early career researchers
Effect of Gamma-Irradiated Ceramic Wastewater Sludge on Photosynthetic Pigments of Phaseolus Vulgaris L. (Cv. Valentino and Cv. Nebraska) Plants
Full text linkThe common bean plant is a highly polymorphic species, annual herb, erect and bushy, 20–60 cm tall, or twining with stems 2–3 m long, with a taproot and nitrogen nodules which the bacteria could convert nitrogen gas and stores it in the common bean plant roots. Leaves are alternate, green, or purple, trifoliolate, stipulate, petiolate, markedly pulvinus at base; leaflets ovate, entire; acuminate, 6–15 cm long, 3–11 cm wide. Many soils have been contaminated with several pollutants, mostly arising from wastes of human activities such as the use of pesticides, sewer sludge, mining and smelting sources, radioactive substances, and industrial dischargers. These different contaminants can degrade the soil and cause a negative impact on the plant due to disturbing nutrient cycling within ecosystems and subsequently human health. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which the plant may cope with heavy metals stress represented in this study in the form of industrial ceramic wastewater sludge. And, evaluating the role of gamma radiation on ceramic wastewater sludge, could reduce the percentage of the endogenous levels of heavy metals in ceramic sludge. This study investigates the influence of Photosynthetic pigments of the two common bean cultivars Valentino and Nebraska which are grown in light soil clay/sand (1:1) incorporated with ceramic-wastewater sludge (CWWS) non-irradiated (1% and 2%) and gamma-irradiated (2.5 kGy and 10 kGy) for 30 days. The application of non-irradiated CWWS induced an elevation in the contents of chlorophylls a, b, and carotenoids in the two cultivars while a reverse trend was observed in the leaves of both cultivars treated with gamma irradiated CWWS
Why is Essential Tremor so Difficult to Treat? A Literature Review
Full text linkEssential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder and affects tens of millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by isolated upper-limb tremors for at least three years without other neurological signs or tremors in other locations. Despite ET being a widespread movement disorder, its etiology and pathophysiology are poorly understood. This lack of understanding poses significant challenges towards the development of treatments and cures. There is no cure for ET, and current treatments for ET are limited and are often insufficient. ET symptoms can differ greatly between patients, and phenotyping is the only method for diagnosis. ET often overlaps with other disorders including dystonia and Parkinson’s disease, which further complicates diagnosis and treatment. Current treatments begin with pharmacotherapy, and progress to surgical options in drug-resistant patients. There is ongoing research into non-invasive electrical stimulation treatments that may prove to be safe and effective; however, further research is needed. The aim of this review is to assess the literature and summarize why ET is so difficult to treat. We evaluate the efficacy of current treatments, and the potential of future treatments. We summarize four reasons why ET remains so difficult to treat: 1) the unknown etiology and pathophysiology, 2) the lack of a suitable animal model, 3) difficulties with diagnosis, and 4) absence of personalized treatments. Despite the current challenges, ET remains an active area of research and novel experimental treatments may produce safe and effective non-invasive therapeutic options for ET
Temperature Dependence on Structural Properties of Liquid Phase Synthesized ZnO
Full text linkTransparent conducting oxide material, ZnO nanoparticles has been synthesized using inexpensive and eco-friendly synthesis procedures with less or environmental pollutants and no liquid waste products. The effect of the temperatures on the structural properties for the synthesized ZnO nanocrystals has been investigated. In this study, we report an easy, low-cost, re-producible method for synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles by means of the liquid phase method. The ZnO nanocrystals were synthesized using the wet chemical route and the effect of temperature variation on the structural properties of investigated synthesized using powder x-ray diffractogram (XRD). The temperatures for the synthesis were varied from 120 °C to 200 °C in steps of 20 °C. The results show that, during the first stage of the synthesis of ZnO (at 120 °C), the XRD diffraction pattern confirms the cubic structure of zinc peroxide and the XRD pattern of the samples obtained at temperatures of 140 °C, 160 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C were confirmed to be hexagonal (wurtzite) crystal structure of ZnO. The XRD diffraction patterns of the 140 °C and 160 °C samples show some impurity phases which were associated with the zinc acetate by-product which is a colloid complex of water and methyl succinate and were removed by evaporation as temperatures were increased to 180 °C and 200 °C respectively. As temperature increases, the peak of the diffractograms of the sample becomes sharper and narrow indicating a decrease in width. A shift in peak positions to higher angles was observed and the positional parameter, bond angle, β, average crystallite size, APF, number of unit cells and density generally increase with temperature. However, the lattice parameters ‘a’ and ‘c’, bond lengths b and b1, bond angle, α, dislocation density, strain and unit cell volume were found to generally decrease with temperature.
Consuming Less as a Rational Choice: A Review of Applied Social Exchange Theory in Topical Research on Sustainable Consumption
Full text linkAlong with a fast expansion in volume, research on sustainable consumption is confounded with inconsistencies in definitions and terminology. For a better categorization and thus utilization of the knowledge already accumulated in the field, a synthetic approach outlining conceptual differences and commonalities within the multitude of research appears useful. Contributing to this conceptual approach, this article pursues the role of the paradigm of rational choice in topical (2019 – 2023) research on sustainable consumption. By way of a theory-based review, the particular areas of sustainable consumption research in which social exchange is applied are scrutinized, highlighting specific structures and inclinations in terms of the history of ideas. The findings point out a preference towards the sociological take on social exchange theory (as opposed to the socio-psychological) and demonstrate that the application of social exchange theory is significant particular in research on sharing economy. On the other hand, no application of social exchange theory in areas of sustainable consumption like minimalism, downshifting or voluntary simplicity could be documented