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Developing a conceptual model is vital for small-scale organic farmer's credit access to sustain the livelihoods. However, smallholders continually face severe problems in getting finance that lead to reduce investment and in turn, challenges the livelihoods. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to establish and empirically test a theoretical model to explore how agility and innovativeness in organic food value chain finance are achieved through ITI, TRST, CG, ICT, and IS, and how these, in turn, can accelerate financial flow in the value chain and enhance competitiveness. The present study used a survey method and collected data from small-scale farmers, traders, and financial institutions. The model and hypothesis are tested using data obtained from 331 respondents through partial least square structure equation modeling techniques. We argue that development of theoretical model show potential to increase creditworthiness of smallholders and overcome uncertainties that impede traditional value chain credit arrangement. Thus, the present study could provide new ways to integrate the value chain partners, through information and communication technology and governance arrangements in the organic food value chain financing. This study demonstrates that the mediations of innovativeness and agility significantly affect the development of new financial products to make agile the financial flow, which in turn positively influences value chain competitiveness. Significant judgments are required for trustworthy relations among the value chain partners to positively harness innovative product development for swifter value chain finance. Therefore, this theoretical model should not be regarded as a quick solution, but a process of testing, error, and learning by doing so.

Members of the 2D group VA semiconductors (phosphorene, arsenene, antimonene, and bismuthine) present a new class of 2D materials, which are recently gaining a lot of research interest. These materials possess layered morphology, tunable direct bandgap, high charge carrier mobility, high stability, unique in‐plane anisotropy, and negative Poisson's ratio. They prepare the ground for novel and multifunctional applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and batteries. The most recent analytical and empirical developments in the fundamental characteristics, fabrication techniques, and potential implementation of 2D group VA materials in this review, along with presenting insights and concerns for the field's future are analyzed. Members of the 2D group VA materials (phosphorene, arsenene, antimonene, and bismuthine) have presented their fascinating structures and intriguing electronic properties. The most recent analytical and empirical developments in the fundamental characteristics, fabrication techniques, and potential implementation of 2D group VA materials in this review, along with presenting insights and concerns for the field's future are analyzed.

The inclusion of solid nano-structures in the liquid changes its rheology and hence its thermal performance. This article considers the impact of nano-solid structure on the ability of the polymer to transport heat. Mathematical models for nano-solid structures and conservation laws are finite element method. The impact of nano-solid structures on transportation of heat is studied via computed solutions. The micro-rotation field increases with an increase in vortex viscosity. The wall shear stress and wall couple stress are increased for vortex viscosity. However, the rate of heat transfer has shown decreasing behavior as a function vortex viscosity.

Cancer screening techniques aim to detect premalignant lesions and enable early intervention to delay the onset of cancer while keeping incidence constant. Technology advancements have led to the development of powerful tools such as microfluidic technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and electrochemical biosensors to aid in early cancer detection. Non-invasive cancer screening methods like virtual colonoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography have also been developed to provide comprehensive pictures of organs and detect cancer early. This review article provides an overview of recent advances in cancer screening in microfluidic technology, artificial intelligence, and biomarkers through a narrative literature search. Microfluidic devices enable easy handling of sub-microliter volumes and have become a promising tool for cancer detection, drug screening, and modeling angiogenesis and metastasis in cancer research. Machine learning and artificial intelligence have shown high accuracy in oncology-related diagnostic imaging, reducing the manual steps in lesion detection and providing standardized and accurate results, with potential for global standardization in areas like colon polyps, breast cancer, and primary and metastatic brain cancer. A biomarker-based cancer diagnosis is promising for early detection and effective therapy, and electrochemical biosensors integrated with nanoparticles offer multiplexing and amplification capabilities. Understanding these advanced technologies' basics, achievements, and challenges is crucial for advancing their use in oncology.

Cyanobacteria, being a prominent category of phototrophic organism, exhibit substantial potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds and phytonutrients, including liposomes, amino derivatives, proteins, and carotenoids. In this investigation, a polyphasic approach was employed to isolate and characterize a newly discovered cyanobacterial strain from a rice field in the Garh Moor district of Jhang. Desertifilum sp. TN-15, a unique and less explored cyanobacterial strain, holds significant promise as a novel candidate for the synthesis of nanoparticles. This noticeable research gap underscores the novelty and untapped potential of Desertifilum sp. TN-15 in the field of nanomedicine. The characterization of the biogenically synthesized ZnO–NPs involved the application of diverse analytical techniques. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy revealed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 298 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis was utilized to confirm the involvement of biomolecules in the biogenic synthesis and stability. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to probe the surface morphology of the biogenic ZnO–NPs unveiling their size of 94.80 nm and star-shaped. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction analysis substantiated the crystalline nature of ZnO–NPs, with a crystalline size measuring 46 nm. To assess the physical stability of ZnO–NPs, zeta potential and dynamic light scattering measurements were conducted, yielding values of + 31.6 mV, and 94.80 nm, respectively, indicative of favorable stability. The antibacterial capabilities of Desertifilum sp. TN-15 are attributed to its abundance of bioactive components, including proteins, liposomes, amino derivatives, and carotenoids. Through the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO–NPs) with this strain, we have effectively used these chemicals to generate nanoparticles that exhibit noteworthy antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 30.05 ± 0.003 µg/ml). Additionally, the ZnO–NPs displayed potent antifungal activity and antioxidant properties, as well as significant antihemolytic effects on red blood cells (IC50: 4.8 µg/ml). Cytotoxicity assessment using brine shrimps revealed an IC50 value of 3.1 µg/ml. The multifaceted actions of the biogenically synthesized ZnO–NPs underscore their potential applications in pharmacological and therapeutic fields. This study proposes a novel method for ZnO–NPs production utilizing the recently identified cyanobacterial strain Desertifilum sp. TN-15, highlighting the growing significance of biological systems in the environmentally friendly fabrication of metallic oxide nanomaterials.

Background Considering the high maternal mortality rate, the government of Pakistan has deployed Community Midwives (CMWs) in rural areas of Pakistan. This relatively new cadre of community-based skilled birth attendants has previously reported to experience several challenges in providing maternal and child healthcare. However, what barriers they experience in providing basic emergency obstetric and newborn care needs to be further studied. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in twelve districts in Sindh province, Pakistan, with poor maternal and child health indicators. A total of 258 CMWs participated in this study and completed the questionnaire on a pretested, validated tool in their community-based stations. The trained data collectors completed the questionnaires from the respondents. The problems identified were categorized into three major issues: financial, and transport and security related; and were analyzed accordingly. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board (IRB) of Health Services Academy (HSA) Islamabad, Pakistan. Results The majority (90%) of 258 CMWs had formal training in maternal and neonatal care from the recognized institutions. Financial difficulties faced by CMWs were identified as the most frequent barriers and others were transport, security, and other issues. In univariate analysis, 38.1% and 61.9% of the community midwives who faced financial difficulties had completed a graduation or intermediate level of education, respectively (p = 0.006). Round-the-clock availability for emergencies was inversely associated with having financial difficulties, i.e., 71.4%, in contrast to 28.4% who had financial difficulties were available round-the-clock for emergency calls in their community clinics (p = 0.008). Formal training (p = 0.001), work experience (p = 0.015), longer duration of work (p = 0.003), and liaison with health workers and posting district (p = 0.001) had statistically significantly higher transport related issues. Security difficulties faced by CMWs and a set of correlates such as formal training (p = 0.019), working experience (p = 0.001), longer duration of work (p = 0.023), 24 h of availability on call (p = 0.004), liaison with traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in the community (p = 0.002), and district of posting (p = 0.001) were statistically significantly different. Other issues like working experience (p = < 0.001) and Liaison with TBAs in the community (p = < 0.001) were found statistically significant. Conclusion Financial, transportation and security related barriers were commonly reported by community midwives in the delivery of basic emergency obstetric and newborn care in rural Pakistan.

The reduced graphene oxide dopped equaixial geometry TiO 2 (rGO/egTiO 2 ) composite as photocatalyst was synthesized hydrothermally with various mass ratios of tetrabutyl titanate. The photocatalyst is considered to be rGO/equaixial geometry TiO 2 in terms of modifying the combined reduced graphene Oxide and TiO 2 . The rGO plays a vital role in rGO/egTiO 2 composite as photocatalysts were analyzed in methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) photocatalytic degradation under UV and simulated solar light irradiation. This synthesized catalyst was characterized by various analytical techniques such as XPS, XRD, SEM, BET, and TEM. The rGO/egTiO 2 composite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic performance with degradation rates of 97.5 and 97% on RhB and MB for 60 min under UV radiation respectively, while the degradation rate of 94 and 92 % was observed on the same dyes for 6 h under the simulated sunlight radiation. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the rGO/egTiO 2 composite under ultraviolet irradiation source was owing to a high separation efficiency of the photo-induced electron-hole pairs, while the photocatalytic performance under simulated sunlight radiation was due to the photosensitive and charge separator behavior of rGO. This offers us an excellent potential of significant photocatalytic activity for the removal of organic contaminants from wastewater. Graphical abstract

The global obesity pandemic has prompted efforts to search for novel intervention options, including maximizing the health benefits of certain gut microbes and their metabolic byproducts. Our increased understanding of gut microbiota can potentially lead to revolutionary advancements in weight management and general well-being. We studied the association between gut microbiota and obesity, as well as the possible benefits of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in the prevention and management of obesity in this review. We observed a relationship between the metabolism of nutrients, energy consumption, and gut flora. Numerous mechanisms, including the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids, hormone stimulation, and persistent low-grade inflammation, have been postulated to explain the role of gut bacteria in the etiology of obesity. It has been discovered that the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiome vary in response to various forms of obesity therapy, which raises concerns about the potential impact of these changes on weight loss. According to research, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics may alter the release of hormones, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory factors, thereby diminishing the stimuli of food consumption that lead to weight gain. More clinical research is required to determine the optimal probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation dosages, formulations, and regimens for long-term weight management and to determine how different gastrointestinal microbiome bacterial species may influence weight gain.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common diseases of the liver globally. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has a complicated pathophysiology which includes lipid buildup, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and lipotoxicity. Recently, there has been tremendous improvement in understanding of NASH pathogenesis due to advancements in the scientific field. It is being investigated how non-invasive circulating and imaging biomarkers can help in NAFLD and NASH diagnosis and monitoring the progress. Multiple medications are now undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of NASH, and lifestyle changes have been acknowledged as one of the main treatment methods. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the incidence of NAFLD globally, management issues with NASH, and its relation to the metabolic syndrome. It explains pathophysiology as well as therapeutic strategies using natural items, dietary changes, and pharmaceutical treatments. While emphasizing the necessity for surrogate endpoints to facilitate medication development for NASH, the study also considers the potential of non-invasive imaging biomarkers including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE).

Introduction Although the cytology of effusion fluids is considered a routine laboratory test, it has recently emerged as an essential tool in determining the primary site of origin of carcinoma of unknown primary. The sensitivity for diagnosing malignancy has enhanced with the inclusion of cytospin, cell block (CB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to effusion fluid cytology due to the improvement in morphological preservation and good cellular yield. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of IHC and CB in effusion cytology. Methodology An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of six months on 150 cases of effusion fluids submitted for diagnostic purposes. After the preparation of cytospin, the residual amount of centrifuged deposit was mixed with CytoLyt solution, thrombin, and plasma, and CBs were prepared. IHC was applied to the CB. Calretinin was used for mesothelial cells, and BerEP4, TTF-1, ER, WT-1, and CD-X2 were used for the confirmation and origin of malignant cells. Results The mean age of the patients was 51.75 ± 16.63 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.24. Out of 150 cases, 78 were pleural effusions, 68 were peritoneal effusions, and four were pericardial effusions. Out of 150 cases, based on cytological examination alone, 66 (44%) were classified as benign, 27 (18%) as malignant, and 57 (38%) were suspicious for malignancy. When cytology was combined with CB and IHC, the diagnostic yield was increased to benign 95 (63.33%), malignant 48 (32%), and suspicious for malignancy 7 (4.67%). The most common cause of malignant pleural effusion was breast carcinoma in females and lung carcinoma in males. The most common primary tumor in malignant peritoneal effusion was ovarian carcinoma in females and colonic adenocarcinoma in males. The sensitivity and specificity of combined cytology with cell block and IHC were 92.31% and 98.95%, respectively. This combination produced significantly better results (p-value = 0.001) for detecting malignancy and reduced suspicious cases from 38% to 4%. Conclusion CB, in combination with IHC, increases the diagnostic yield and aids in detecting malignancy at an unknown primary site in effusion fluids. Both of these techniques can thus enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of effusion cytology. Hence, CB and IHC have advanced utility over cytological smears in effusion fluid cytological diagnosis.