Copper, silver, and gold-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (Cu-rGO, Ag-rGO, and Au-rGO) were fabricated via the hydrothermal method, which shows unique physiochemical properties. Environment friendly electromagnetic radiation was employed to synthesize rGO from GO. The nonlinear optical phenomenon of noble metal decorated rGO is predominantly due to excited state absorption, which arises from surface plasmon resonance and increases in defects at the surface due to Cu, Ag, and Au incorporation. It is found that the third-order nonlinear absorption coefficient was in the order of 10− 10 m/W, with notable enhancements in the third-order properties of Au-rGO compared to other nanocomposites and their respective counterparts. Functionalizing rGO induces defect states ( sp3), increasing NLO response. Cu, Ag, and Au exhibit higher Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) activity due to rGO-induced structural modifications. SERS signals are influenced by dominant signals from Au nanorods. The electronic structures for pure and doped rGO were investigated through Density Functional Theory (DFT). The computed partial density of states (PDOS) confirms the enhancement of the state in Au-doped rGO is due to the charge transference from Au to C 2p orbital. The optical absorption spectra and PDOS reveal the possibility of free carrier absorption enhancement in Au which validates experimentally observed higher two-photon absorption (β) value of Au-doped rGO. The tuning of nonlinear optical and SERS behaviour with variation in the noble metal upon rGO provides an easy way to attain tuneable properties which are exceedingly required in both optoelectronics and photonics applications.

Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a serious pest of stored products. We assessed the efficacy of combined application of Beauveria bassiana AAD16 and azadirachtin against P. interpunctella under laboratory conditions by using filter paper dipping method. P. interpunctella larvae showed lowest LT50 in combined application of AAD16 and azadirachtin compared to the application of only azadirachtin. The mycosis rate of P. interpunctella larvae was 100% after 14 days of the combined application while AAD16 only application showed 93%. These findings suggest that B. bassiana AAD16 and azadirachtin combined solution can be an effective controlling technique against P. interpunctella larvae.

Major pests of greenhouse strawberry include Tetranychus kanzawai (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) causing significant damage in both yield and quality. We compared control efficacy of two entomopathogenic fungus strains of Beauveria bassiana, AAD16 and GHA, against T. kanzawai and B. tabaci. Both fungus were applied as a foliar spray targeting the undersides of leaves. In preliminary studies in the laboratory, adult T. kanzawai and B. tabaci showed lower LT50 values when treated with AAD16 strain compared to GHA. In the greenhouse, the densities of the both mites (adult and nymph) and whiteflies (adult) were significantly reduced with the application of the two fungus strains compared to the control. The mycosis rate was 88-94% in T. kanzawai and 48-59% in B. tabaci on collected leaves. These findings suggest that Beauveria bassiana AAD16 can be an effective mycoinsecticide against both T. kanzawai and B. tabaci.

Activated carbon (AC) is a versatile and extensively employed adsorbent in environmental remediation. It possesses distinct properties that can be enhanced to selectively target specific pollutants through modifications, including chemical impregnation or incorporation into composite materials. In this study, porous calcium alginate beads (PCAB) were synthesized by incorporating AC and natural alginate through ion gelation in a Ca(II) ion-containing solution, with the addition of sodium lauryl sulfate as a surfactant. The prepared PCAB was tested for Cu(II) removal. PCAB exhibited a spherical shape with higher porosity and surface area (160.19 m2. g−1) compared to calcium alginate beads (CAB) (0.04 m2. g−1). The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-first-order model for PCAB and the pseudo-second-order model for CAB. The Langmuir isotherm model provided the best fit for adsorption on PCAB, while the Freundlich model was suitable for CAB. Notably, PCAB demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 75.54 mg.g−1, significantly higher than CAB's capacity of 9.16 mg. g−1. Desorption studies demonstrated that 0.1 M CaCl2 exhibited the highest efficiency (90%) in desorbing Cu(II) ions from PCAB, followed by 0.1 M HCl and 0.1 M NaCl. PCAB showed efficient reusability for up to four consecutive adsorption– desorption cycles. The fixed-bed column experiment confirmed the match with the Thomas model to the breakthrough curves with qTH of 120.12 mg.g−1 and 68.03 mg.g−1 at a flow rate of 1 mL.min−1 and 2 mL.min−1, respectively. This study indicated that PCAB could be an effective adsorbent for Cu(II) removal, offering insights for further application and design considerations.

Bangladeshi medicinal plants (BMP) have a history of traditional use in treating chronic inflammatory diseases, but a BMP bark’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects remain largely unexplored. This study assessed methanolic extracts’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties from the bark of 15 medicinal plant species native to Bangladesh. The methanol extracts of BMP bark were evaluated for their total antioxidant activity and ability to counteract inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among the 15 bark extracts from BMP, Albizia odoratissima (A. odoratissima), Engelhardia spicata (E. spicata), and Shorea robusta (S. robusta) showed the highest total phenolic contents and total antioxidant capacity by effectively scavenging free radicals. In particular, these three bark extracts significantly reduced the mRNA expression of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and enzymes inducible by inflammation in macrophages. Also, the mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase 2 was significantly suppressed by the three bark extracts in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that out of the 15 bark extracts obtained from medicinal plants in Bangladesh, the extracts from A. odoratissima, E. spicata, and S. robusta exhibit substantial total antioxidant capacity by efficiently scavenging free radicals and also inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages.

A semi-natural composite of κ-carrageenan and bentonite, two natural biopolymers, was synthesized through free radical polymerization. This synthesis aimed to obtain a biodegradable, biocompatible, and swellable composite that is environmentally friendly. The components used in this synthesis are readily available, making it economically feasible and promising for potential biomedical applications. The composite is pH-responsive and intended for oral delivery of metformin hydrochloride and aminophylline, which have low bioavailability and undesirable side effects, respectively. The organic composite exhibits the advantage of reducing drug release in the acidic gastric medium. This composite is a stimuli-responsive polymeric material that has garnered significant attention in recent years for its application in oral drug delivery systems. These materials enable site-specific and controlled drug release while minimizing toxicity. The carrageenan-g-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid)/bentonite composite was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), which confirmed the successful synthesis of the composite. The swelling behaviour and point of zero charge of the composite were studied at different pH values, which showed a strong influence on the swelling properties of the composite. The drug loading capacity of the composite was measured at pH 5.3, and it was 70.60 mg/g for metformin and 95.66 mg/g for aminophylline at pH(3). The in vitro release profile of both drugs from the composite was also affected by the ionic strength, and it exhibited a lower release rate with higher salt concentration. The maximum release percentage of the drugs from carrageenan-g-poly(acrylic acid-acrylamide)/bentonite in simulated gastric, intestinal, and colon fluids was achieved within 40 h. The maximum release was 80% for metformin in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and 75% for aminophylline after 40 h.

Background: Reproductive management practices play crucial roles to maximize the reproductive performance of cows, and thus contribute to farm profitability. We aimed to assess the reproductive management of cows currently practiced in the dairy farms in an urban farming system. Methods: A total of 62 dairy farms were randomly selected considering all size of farms such as small (1-5 cattle), medium (6-20 cattle) and large farms (> 20 cattle) from selected areas of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. The reproductive managementrelated parameters viz. estrus detection, breeding method, pregnancy diagnosis, dry cow and parturition management, vaccination and treatment of reproductive problems etc. were obtained in a pre-defined questionnaire during the farm visit. Results: The visual observation method was only used (100.0%; 62/62) for estrus detection irrespective of size of the farms; while farmers observed cows for estrus 4-5 times a day, but only for 20-60 seconds each time. Regardless of farm size, 89.0% (55/62) farms used artificial insemination (AI) for breeding the cows. Intriguingly, all farms (100.0%) routinely checked the cows for pregnancy at 35-40 days post-breeding using rectal palpation technique by registered veterinarian. However, only 6.5% (4/62) farms practiced dry cow management. Notably, all farms (100.0%) provided nutritional supplements (Vit D, Ca and P) during late gestation. However, proper hygiene and cleanliness during parturition was not practiced in 77.4% (48/62) farms; even though 96.7% (60/62) farms treated cows by registered veterinarian for parturition-related problems. Conclusions: While farmers used AI service for breeding and timely check their cows for pregnancy; however, they need to increase observation time (30 minutes/ observation, twice in a day: early morning and early night) for estrus detection, consider dry cow management and ensure hygienic parturition for maximizing production.

Since Russia-Ukraine war, India and the United States has enhanced their cooperation as evidenced by the recent engagements. Multiple meetings by officials and leaders including two Quad and 2+2 dialogue summits, have provided a clear stance on each country’s perspective on the recent conflict. The US-India dispute regarding Russia-Ukraine war demonstrates that it is a stress test for the US-India ties, as well as a test of the US leadership in the global politics. The balancing act required to settle the differences between the two countries will have implications for the Indo-Pacific region as well as global security, even though the disagreements are not yet mutually incompatible. Strengthening ties with the US is now a tightrope walk for India. While there are differences between the two countries in Ukraine, the real challenge is turning these differences into opportunities. The paper deals with the different issues arising from the Russia and Ukraine conflict in the context of US-India interface.

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura has been identified as a pest of soybean in Korea, Japan, and China. The use of synthetic chemical insecticides is a major option to manage this pest, but the demand for environmental-friendly insecticide is increasing. Entomopathogenic fungus is one of the alternatives which is safe for the environment. In this bioassay, leaf dipping method was used to evaluate Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin ARP14 and GHA. The mortality of both adults and nymphs was not significantly different between the two fungus strains. However, faster mortality rate in both life stages of aphid was found in ARP14 compared to GHA strain. Also, the mycosis rates of both adults and nymphs were higher in ARP14 than in GHA strain. Our results suggest that B. bassiana ARP14 can be an effective and an environmental-friendly control agent for A. glycines.

The choice of suitable companion plants is crucial for enhancing pest management strategies in agricultural fields. Riptortus pedestris, an important agricultural pest, has drawn attention for its serious damage on soybean. To identify an ideal companion plant for soybean, we investigated the pest’s behavioral patterns when exposed to corn seedlings in laboratory. Series of choice experiments were conducted for 4th instar nymphs and unmated female adults of R. pedestris when presented with corn and/or soybean pot against soybean or blank pot. In 4th instar nymphs, 56% preferred the treatment of corn pot plus soybean pot over soybean alone pot while 69% of unmated female adults preferred the same combination. These findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of this insect pest, which could be beneficial for establishing polycultures in agricultural fields.

Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a major pest on strawberry, reducing both the quality and quantity of fruit production. We compared the virulence of an entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin ARP14 with a commercial GHA strain against T. kanzawai. In the laboratory, leaf dipping method was conducted while a one-time spray was carried out on selected planting units in strawberry greenhouse with each fungus strain and Triton X-100 as control. Adult T. kanzawai showed lower LT50 when treated with ARP14 strain compared to GHA in the laboratory. The densities of both adult and nymph mites in the greenhouse were significantly reduced in the treatment of two fungus strains compared to the control. The mycosis rate of T. kanzawai in greenhouse was 97.9% at 14 days when treated with ARP14 strain while it was 85.5% when treated with GHA strain. The results suggest that B. bassiana ARP14 can be an effective mycoinsecticide against T. kanzawai.

The ladybird beetles have been used as biological control agents against several pest species. The aim of this study is to evaluate the compatibility between ladybird beetles and an entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin AAD16. The virulence of AAD16 strain was compared with that of commercial GHA strain on three developmental stages of two coccinellids; Harmonia axyridis Pallas and Chilocorus stigma Say. The topical application method was used for both adult and larval stage while dipping method was used for egg stage. The LT50 and mycosis rate for all life stages of two ladybird beetles tested were not significant between AAD16 and GHA strain. In larval stage, the mycosis rates of H. axyridis and C. stigma were 36 and 40% and 63 and 60% in AAD16 and GHA strain. In adult stage, the mycosis rates of H. axyridis (male and female) and C. stigma (unsexed) were 20, 23, and 23% and 26, 30, and 30% in AAD16 and GHA strain, respectively. Therefore, the two predatory coccinellids could be compatible with these two fungus strains due to their relatively lower mycosis rate.

In recent years, various steps have been taken to build strong and effective intra-BRICS economic cooperation. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa have been meeting since 2009 and gained a lot of weightages on different areas of economic relevance. In this course, the contribution of India is very significant. The paper therefore aims to elucidate the bilateral relations of India with its BRICS counterparts. The study begins by stressing the importance of BRICS as a group and its importance in the context of India. The authors hold a descriptive methodology by adopting secondary data from various sources. The paper gives an overview of the individual bilateral relationship of India in terms of trade. Further, the study suggested how a change of policy and infrastructural development can make the relationship of India with BRICS counterparts much stronger and sustainable.

Green consumption behavior (GCB) is desirable for a better world. The trend of GCB is expected to rise in the coming years. As such, it is imperative to understand the enablers of GCB. A significant majority of the investigated drivers of GCB are consumer-level factors. Studies focusing on the consumer-level showed that factors such as values, intentions, and personal norms could influence GCB. However, it is argued that compared to values or intentions, self-determined motivation can better predict GCB. The effect of self-determined motivation types (i.e., autonomous and controlled motivation) on GCB remains unclear due to prevailing gaps and contradictory findings. Furthermore, it is posited that people exhibit more self-determined behavior if they have strong self-awareness. Higher self-awareness can be achieved through mindfulness; therefore, differences in mindfulness level could affect the motivation-behavior relationship.

The application of mindfulness is increasing significantly in different areas of business studies. However, identifying how mindfulness research has evolved and the major research themes, specifically within the business studies domain, remains lacking. This study unveils the intellectual structure of mindfulness research in business studies. Using citation and co-citation analysis, the study identifies the most influential articles, annual growth, and three key research clusters constituting the intellectual foundation.

While companies and brands have always collected and used customer data for multiple purposes, the advent of smart devices, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data has made it much easier to access and utilize consumers’ personal information. For consumers, however, such ease of access to their personal data and frequent cases of data breach have increased their concerns about data privacy (Harris & Associates, 1996; Milne et al., 2004). Nevertheless, consumers continue to share their personal information with companies and brands in the digital environment (Turow et al., 2015).