Prevalence of White Spot Disease in Penaeus Monodon In Relation To Environmental Changes and the Occurrence of Apoptosis

White s pot disease (WSD) is an important viral disease of cultured penaeid shrimp. Despite the amount of research that has been carried out on this disease, much still remains to be done. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of different environmental parameters on the occurrence and severity of outbreaks of WSD. The study also undertook to investigate the occurrence of apoptosis and presence or activation of related genes that might result from virus infection. Black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon and pond water samples were collected from four shrimp farms located along the coast of Peninsular Malaysia, to investigate the relationship between environmental changes and the occurrence of WSD. In the study, it was found that occurrence of WSD was more widespread during the wet season, in association with sudden drops in water temperature and salinity. Laboratory experiments were also conducted to investigate the relationship between salinity, temperature and the occurrence of WSD. All the shrimp exposed to sudden increases in temperature and then returned to normal temperature in association with changed salinity were dead within four days of exposure. However, shrimp maintained at low salinity were less susceptible to disease. To study the development of white spot lesions during infection, shrimp were exposed to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) via the water borne route. At one-hour post exposure, electron microscopy revealed the appearance of white spots, which were oval or ovate in shape. White spots were visible by the naked eye three days post infection. The study also showed that there were two types of white spots, one related to viral infection, and the other related to bacterial infection. An epicommensal Zoolhamnium sp. was able to penetrate the shrimp cuticle at these bacterial white spots. High numbers of apoptotic cell s were identified in moribund P. monodon infected with WSSV. Apoptotic cells showed DNA fragmentation by TUNEL fluorescence assay and gel electrophoresis of DNA extracts, while H&E stained sections revealed nuclear enlargement and chromatin condensation and margination in degenerated cells. The numbers of such cells present in tissues of WSSV infected shrimp increased with increasing severity of infection as determined by gross signs of white spots on the cuticle, number of inclusion bodies in histopathological sections and by single and double-step (nested) peR assay. The results suggested that apoptosis might be implicated in shrimp death caused by this virus

Dentin wettability enhancement for three irrigating solutions and their effect on push out bond strength of gutta percha / AH Plus

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of wettability enhancement for 17% EDTA, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 7% maleic acid solutions on push out bond strength of gutta percha /AH Plus to root dentin. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eight extracted single rooted human lower premolars were instrumented up to Protaper Universal F5 then irrigated with 3ml of 2.5% NaOCl after each file. Irrigants were prepared and a pilot study for determination of Tween 80 concentration yielding the lowest surface tension value in every solution was conducted. Samples were randomly divided into a control group and two experimental groups (17% EDTA and 7% Maleate), further split into eight subgroups (n=12), according to Tween 80 implementation sequence. Roots were obturated using gutta percha and AH plus by lateral condensation. Bond strength was measured by push out test. Mode of failure was then evaluated quantitatively by stereomicroscopy. Data were statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer for multiple comparisons. Results: Control group showed the lowest values. Maleic acid subgroups showed significantly higher overall values than EDTA subgroups ( P <0.05). Protocols implementing surfactant containing NaOCl showed significantly lower values than plain counterparts. Failure pattern was predominantly cohesive for plain regimens and the ones implementing Tween 80 in maleic acid solutions with plain NaOCl. Conclusions: Tween 80 addition to demineralizing irrigants increased the bond strength values. Surfactant containing NaOCl solutions yielded lower bond strength than plain one

Study of Embedded Collar Head as Shear Reinforcement of High Strength Concrete of Flat Plate With Opening

This study displays an experimental investigation on one form of embedded shearhead called( collar head reinforcement) as shear reinforcement and it displays also theefficient uses of different forms of reinforced concrete . Also it displays the  efficient  of existence of opening on punching shear strength of reinforced concrete flat plate. In the present research, ten specimens are tested with dimensions (1000x1000x75 mm) which are divided into two groups; the first group is a normal strength concrete with a compressive strength 30MPa; the second group is  high strength concrete with a compressive strength 60MPa. Each group consists of five specimens, the first specimen is reference specimen R , and second specimen  with opening adjacent to the column but without collar head No 1, and third specimen] with presence of openings adjacent to the column and with collar head reinforcement on both sides of the column towards the  opening (horizontal) No 2, and fourth specimen with presence of openings adjacent to the column and with collar shear head reinforcement on both sides of the column away from the  opening (vertical) No3,  fifth specimen with presence of opening and with collar headreinforcement  in all sides the column  and extend to the opening No 4. The percentage of cracking load to ultimate load capacity was between (40 –48.5)%. By using collar shearhead around the column sides and extended to the opening, the cracking load can be increased to 100%  . In flat plate with opening, the deflection and crack width can be decrease by using collar head around the column and extend to the opening  and by increasing the compressive strength of concrete  of  the section.. The slabs which had openings adjacent to the column but strengthened with collar head, the percentage of the critical section perimeter was between (107.5 – 128.3) % that was reflected to the capability of this type of shear reinforcement(collar head) in compensation the shortfall in the critical section due to the existence of openings.. Keywords: key words, flat plate , high strength , opening DOI: 10.7176/CER/11-8-05 Publication date:September 30th 201

From bane to boon:how Global Fortune 500 companies disclose about using Servitisation and Industry 4.0 as circular economy strategy

This study investigates the interplay between Circular Economy (CE) practices, Servitisation, and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) within the context of global Fortune 500 companies' disclosure practices examining how the sample reports on the use of Servitisation and I4.0 technologies as CE strategy across three phases: resource reduction, product lifecycle extension, and material recovery. Using content analysis and quantitative methods over a five-year period (2018-2022). Findings indicate that while Servitisation and I4.0 positively influence early CE phases, I4.0's impact on recycling and recovery (CE-Phase 3) is limited when control variables are considered. This suggests challenges in fully integrating I4.0 with advanced CE activities. The study contributes to the theoretical frameworks of Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT) by illustrating how firms leverage their internal resources and capabilities to enhance their CE-related disclosure practices through the adoption of Servitisation and I4.0 technologies. The findings suggest that companies must develop dynamic capabilities to adapt and integrate these technologies into their business models, particularly when transitioning to more advanced CE activities. The findings highlight the need for companies to develop dynamic capabilities to integrate I4.0 into advanced CE strategies to enhance transparency in their disclosure practices. Additionally, this study provides insights for regulatory bodies to refine CE disclosure guidelines and support businesses in overcoming implementation challenges. Future research should explore specific I4.0 technologies, the accountability challenges in CE transitions, and their impact on sustainability reporting frameworks

Strategic integration of servitisation and I4.0 as circular economy strategy:a comprehensive disclosure analysis

The circular economy (CE) has become crucial for sustainability reporting. Prior research indicates that companies use servitisation and I4.0 (I4.0) technologies as CE economy strategies but do not report their commitments systematically. Therefore, this paper explores how servitisation and adopting I4.0 technologies are emerging as circular economy strategies through translational research. The study develops a CE disclosure index to investigate whether manufacturing firms align their strategies with evolving conditions. This index is based on ideas and concepts presented by prior studies and translated into practical applications to provide standards to ensure that CE implementation is properly addressed. Before delivering the findings, a pilot project1 was conducted to evaluate the credibility of the presented CE-disclosure index. The findings suggest that CE and servitisation may create more CE by extending a product's life and keeping it in use for an extended period. Moreover, leveraging circularity through I4.0 technologies leads to tremendous innovation in circular product development, smooth information/product flow, and transparency in reporting for stakeholder engagement in the implementation of CE. Practitioners, government, and society can use the CE disclosure index to assess the extent of CE-driven change and advance the adoption of CE principles

Evaluating the blockchain-based e-procurement system:a systematic literature review and future research directions

Purpose: Blockchain technology can be used by businesses to maintain a sustainable supply chain by providing transparency, traceability, and accountability throughout the supply chain. Therefore, the main purpose of the current review is to evaluate how blockchain facilitates collaboration between supply chain partners to achieve sustainability goals. Research Approach: The following study has conducted a systematic literature review to reach a comprehensive and unbiased overview of the blockchain-based e-procurement system.Findings: The findings suggest that businesses can use blockchain-based e-procurement systems to share data and collaborate on initiatives to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and promote sustainable practices throughout the supply chain network. It aids in improving transparency and security by providing a decentralised data-driven platform that helps reduce labour costs and helps in risk detection.Research impact: The research impact of the current study has led to new insights and development regarding the use of the blockchain-based system for e-procurement, along with providing a few future research directions for future scholars.Practical impact: The current review can be used as a baseline by strategic management and other supply chain partners to grasp a holistic overview of the use of blockchain in e-procurement. It will help them in making informed, data-driven decisions<br/

The effect of institutional environment on entrepreneurship in emerging economies:female entrepreneurs in Bangladesh

Purpose – Female entrepreneurs have made increasing contributions to entrepreneurial activity and economic development worldwide, especially in emerging economies. It is well acknowledged that Bangladesh is one such South Asian emerging economy with many institutional and socio-cultural challenges. This study aims to examine the effect of the institutional environment (formal and informal institutional factors) that influences female entrepreneurs in an emerging country, namely, Bangladesh.Design/methodology –The authors employed a quantitative research method using a questionnaire. We established the conceptual framework reflecting a model so that we could test our assumptions among female entrepreneurs from an institutional perspective. The conceptual framework was empirically tested and validated. Consequently, this study comprised 324 usable survey responses. To analyse the quantitative data, Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilised.Findings –The findings highlight that Social networks (SN), Access to finance (AF), and Non-economic support (NES) have negative and insignificant effects on Informal female entrepreneurs (IFE). Conversely, Entrepreneurial attitudes (EA), Cultural context (CC), Institutional policy (IP), Family roles (FR), and Education (ED) were positive and significant and found to be more important for female entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.Originality/value – The results of this study offer empirical evidence of institutional factors as well as focus on three dimensions, women's experiences from an institutional perspective, Asian culture, and the operation of female entrepreneurial activity in an emerging economy (contextual perspective)