Comparative Review on Information and Communication Technology Issues in Education Sector of Developed and Developing Countries: A Case Study About Pakistan

The use of information and communication technology is very beneficial in the education sector because it can enhance the quality of education. However, the implementation of ICT in the education sector of developed and developing countries is a challenging task. This paper explains the comparative study of ICT issues in the education sector of developed and developing countries. In particular, we compare issues between Pakistan and high-tech countries. Our study reveals the fact that the education sector is facing numerous ICT problems that are based on culture, finance, management, infrastructure, lack of training, lack of equipment, teacher’s refusal, and ethical issues. At the end of this paper, various issues faced by the implementation of ICT in the education sector of Pakistan have been categorized into various types, namely, infrastructure, lack of IT professionals, lack of high-speed internet and equipment. Our research is based on five key research questions related to ICT issues. We used a mixed approach where the results of this study can be used as a set of guidelines to help make the learning environment technology-oriented, fast, planned, and productive. Future directions are also given at the end of this paper

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

How to Improve Solubility and Dissolution of Irbesartan by Fabricating Ternary Solid Dispersions: Optimization and In-Vitro Characterization

The purpose of this study is to improve the solubility and dissolution of a poorly soluble drug, Irbesartan, using solid dispersion techniques. For that purpose, different polymers such as Soluplus®, Kollidon® VA 64, Kolliphor® P 407, and Polyinylpyrrolidone (PVP-K30) were used as carriers at different concentrations to prepare solid dispersion formulations through the solvent evaporation method. In order to prepare binary dispersion formulations, Soluplus® and Kollidon® VA 64 were used at drug: polymer ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 (w/w). Saturation solubility of the drug in the presence of used carriers was performed to investigate the quantitative increase in solubility. Dissolution studies were performed to explore the drug release behavior from the prepared dispersions. Additionally, the characterization of the prepared formulations was carried out by performing DSC, SEM, XRD, and FTIR studies. The results revealed that among binary systems, K4 formulation (Drug: Kollidon® VA 64 at ratio of 1:4 w/w) exhibited optimal performance in terms of increased solubility, drug release, and other investigated parameters. Furthermore, ternary dispersion formulations of the optimized binary formulation were prepared with two more polymers, Kolliphor® P 407 and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-K30), at (Drug: Kollidon® VA 64:ternary polymer) ratios of 1:4:1, 1:4:2, and 1:4:3 (w/w). The results showed that KPVP (TD3) exhibited the highest increase in solubility, as well as dissolution rate, among ternary solid dispersion formulations. Results of solubility enhancement by ternary solid dispersion formulations were also supported by FTIR, DSC, XRD, and SEM analysis. Conclusively, it was found that the ternary solid dispersion-based systems were more effective compared to the binary combinations in improving solubility as well as dissolution of a poorly soluble drug (Irbesartan)

Effect of Natural Phytohormones on Growth, Nutritional Status, and Yield of Mung Bean (<i>Vigna radiata</i> L.) and N Availability in Sandy-Loam Soil of Sub-Tropics

Climate changes and poor soil nutrient profiles in sub-tropics are determinant factors to estimate crop productivity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of phytohormones, e.g., indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3), on mung bean yield, seed nutritional profile, and soil N availability in the sub-tropical region of Pakistan. The mung bean plants were treated with three levels (0, 30, and 60 mg L−1) of IAA and GA3 individually and/or in combination using a hydraulic sprayer. The amendments were applied in the flowering stage (approximately 25 days after germination) in a randomized complete block design. The results revealed that the 60 mg L−1 concentration of IAA and GA3 led to significant changes in the growth and yield traits compared to non-treated plants. For example, GA3 positively influenced the biological yield (35.0%), total carbohydrate (7.0%), protein (16.0%), and nitrogen (14.0%) contents in mung bean seeds, compared to the control (CK). Additionally, the combined foliar treatment of IAA and GA3 (IAA2 + GA2) displayed a much stronger influence on yield attributes, such as the number of pods by 66.0%, pods’ weights by 142.0%, and seed yield by 106.5%, compared with the CK. Mung bean plants showed a significant improvement in leaf photosynthetic pigments under a higher level (60 mg L−1) of sole and combined treatments of IAA and GA3. Moreover, except abscisic acid, the endogenous concentration of IAA, GA3, and zeatin was enhanced by 193.0%, 67.0%, and 175.0% after the combined application of IAA and GA3 (IAA2 + GA2) compared to the CK treatment. In addition, soil N availability was increased by 72.8% under the IAA2 treatment and 61.5% under IAA2 + GA2, respectively, compared with the control plot. It was concluded that the combined treatment of IAA and GA3 (IAA2 + GA2) followed by the sole application of GA3 and IAA at a 60 mg L−1 concentration were most effective treatments to improve the morpho-physiology and nutrient profile of mung beans; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms need to be explored further

Supplementation of chickpea flour and spinach leaves powder in Nutri bars to overcome iron deficiency in young females

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the iron-rich Nutri bar’s effect on iron-deficient females. Iron-rich Nutri-bars made with spinach powder and chickpea flour. The physicochemical profile of the bars was measured. Socioeconomic status and anthropometric data were taken for the effectiveness of the research. This effectiveness trial included 20 girls ages 20 to 25. After that, biochemical tests, including hemoglobin, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were conducted. Results showed that the iron-rich Nutri-bars (T3, 6.60) had more moisture than other treatments. T3 protein and fiber composition was 16.90% and 4.30%. In T3, crude fat and ash content were the lowest. All the proximate analyses of incorporated spinach powder and chickpea flour indicated a significant correlation (P > .005). A jury gave treatment T3 the highest score in overall acceptability. Iron and zinc concentrations were 13.2 and 5.9 mg/100 g in T3. Post-assessment height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) indicated a very significant (P > .005) connection compared to pre-assessment (P > .005). Selected young females' hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity were tested biochemically. After the intervention, the experimental group’s mean hemoglobin (HB) was 12.21 ± 1.14 g/dl (P > .005). Increasing patterns support the current study’s iron improvement. Serum ferritin exhibited similarly substantial outcomes. TIBC dropped when iron status increased. Conclusively, iron-rich nutri-bars supplemented with spinach leaf powder and chickpea flour increased iron status in young females

Bio valorization and industrial applications of ginger waste: a review

ABSTRACTThe rapid increase in agricultural waste is rising across the globe and is a big environmental challenge. The utilization of ginger waste as a valuable product is very limited. The up-cycling of ginger waste is an effective approach for valorization. Ginger waste contains many bio-active compounds. These bioactive compounds possess various functional and bio-active properties. The literature has indicated that ginger and its waste is a rich source of shogaol zingerone and gingerols, these bioactive components contribute to pungency and aroma characteristics These compounds have a wide range of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, these have a key role in skin health and the digestive system. The current review consolidates the compositional, functional, medicinal, bioactive, and health-endorsing attributes of ginger waste. The use of ginger wastes for the development of various functional and nutraceutical products is also in the limelight of this paper

Survivability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus under stressed conditions as affected by taro starch (Colocasia esculenta) encapsulation

ABSTRACTIn the current study, taro starch was extracted and used for the encapsulation of probiotics to prolong their viability under stressed conditions. Taro starch and sodium alginate were used as wall materials for the encapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Probiotic bacteria were encapsulated by the extrusion method, and obtained microbeads were subjected to various morphological, molecular, and structural characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ;(FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Furthermore, the viability of free and encapsulated probiotics was also accessed under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and in the food model (cheddar cheese). Average size microcapsules ranged from 6.16 ± 0.05 mm to 5.28 ± 0.03 mm. The encapsulation efficiency for taro and sodium alginate was recorded as 86.27% log CFU/g and 81.78% log CFU/g respectively. SEM micrographs exhibited entrapment of probiotics in wall materials. The surface of capsules was-irregular spherical structure FTIR spectra revealed broad characteristic peaks at 815 cm1, 1320 cm1, 1130 cm1, and ~ 1610 cm1. XRD images showed loss of crystalline structure following encapsulation. Higher probiotic viability was recorded under simulated gastrointestinal conditions for encapsulated probiotics compared to free probiotics. Likewise, a high probiotic count was observed in cheese fortified with encapsulated probiotics. Conclusively, taro starch wall material showed overall best results regarding the viability of probiotics under stressed conditions

Development and characterization of symbiotic microcapsules to enhance the viability of probiotic under stressed conditions

ABSTRACTIn the present research, the survival and sustainability of a Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic has been investigated with regard to the prebiotic impact of introducing two different kinds of onion (Allium cepa L.) peel extract to probiotic microcapsules. Effective inclusion of red and white onion peel extract featuring good prebiotic action into the microcapsules enhanced probiotic survival. The structure, distribution of size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficacy of probiotics and substances in the extract were evaluated along with the probiotics capability to persist under simulated gastrointestinal circumstances. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to investigate the molecular structure and internal framework. The wall and core components possess adhesive relationships, as demonstrated by FTIR spectra. Probiotics that were free and those that were in capsules were evaluated as well in vitro in undesirable persistence performance (>90%). Probiotics with encapsulation exhibited substantially (p > .05) greater vitality compared free cells, in accordance with an in-vitro experiment. Under simulated gastrointestinal situations, free cells continued diminishing their vitality, but encapsulated cells maintained their viability count beyond the suggested level (107 cfu/g). SEM photographs indicated that probiotics have been effectively encapsulated inblends. The microcapsules were around 191 ± 2 and 176 ± 2 μm in size. These outcomes reveal that these kinds of microcapsules may encourage the probiotic L. rhamnosus prolonged viability and consistency under multiple conditions

Effect of starch-based nanoparticles on the viability and stability of probiotics under adverse conditions

ABSTRACTStarch nanoparticles resist digestion in the upper intestine but not in the colon. They are proven to exert prebiotic effects on the human body. Starch-based nanoparticles have generated a great interest in the food and agriculture sector due to their biocompatibility, wide array of natural sources and ease of modification. In the current study, two starch sources (rice and water chestnut) were used to synthesize nanoparticles for the encapsulation of probiotic bacteria. Obtained nanoparticles were characterized for their morphological, molecular, and structural attributes using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta sizer. Furthermore, free and nano-encapsulated probiotics were subject to simulated gastrointestinal digestion conditions. The average size of rice and water chestnut starch-based nano-capsules ranged from 309 to 427 nm. The encapsulation efficiency was recorded for rice and water chestnut starch as 89% and 95%, respectively. SEM micrographs exhibited entrapment of probiotics in wall materials. The surface of the capsules showed tiny, smooth surface polygonal granules. XRD images showed loss of crystallinity structure following encapsulation. Higher probiotic viability was recorded under simulated gastrointestinal conditions for nano-encapsulated probiotics compared to free probiotics. Conclusively, water chestnut and rice-based starch nanoparticles showed overall the best results regarding the viability of probiotics under stressed conditions

Nutritional profiling and sensory attributes of sesame seed-enriched bars

ABSTRACTSesame belongs to the family Pedaliaceae and scientifically named as Sesamum indicum L. It has been considered as one of the most ancient oil crop. To explore the nutraceutical and therapeutic potential of sesame seeds, the present study was planned to develop protein-enriched sesame bars with the addition of barley flour at the rate of 10%, 20%, and 30% among treatments T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Sesame barley-supplemental protein (SBSP) bars were analyzed for compositional, phytochemical, and sensory attributes including color, texture, taste, holding ability, and overall acceptability. The proximate analysis of all treatments showed varied range of results moisture (4.68  ±  0.45%), ash (3.66  ±  0.09%), crude fat (11.48  ±  0.12%), crude protein (42.37  ±  0.66), crude fiber (4.63  ±  0.23%), and nitrogen-free extract (26.29  ±  0.26%), respectively. Results of mineral analysis of all treatments were recorded as calcium (51.88–86.92 mg), iron (3.48–8.48 mg), potassium (359.35–639.20 mg), magnesium (28.23–47.54 mg), and phosphorus (151.03–378.81 mg). The results of total phenolic content ranged from 37.58 to 99.43 mg GAE/100 g, while the results for the total flavonoid content fall in range from 110.85 to 196.50 mg CE/100 g. The DPPH results illustrated that the highest content of DPPH was present in T2 (8.81  ±  0.13), while the lowest DPPH value was noticed in T0 (5.62  ±  0.08). On the basis of sensory evaluation, the T3 SBSP bar was preferred containing 25% barley flour and 75% sesame flour for its attractive color, texture, and overall acceptability