Catabolism of Wax Esters in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus

1. The rate of wax ester degradation was determined in A. calcoaceticus NCIB 8250 and the following results were obtained: (a) The initial and final rates of wax degradation were 22.5 and 3.3 umol (g dry wt bacteria)-1 h-1 respectively. The initial rate of wax degradation was 85% higher than that of final rate (3-6 h). (b) The rate of endogenous respiration was measured during wax ester degradation. The endogenous consumption of oxygen, 0.13 mmol (g dry wt bacteria)-1 h-1, was reduced by 10% during the fast phase of wax degradation and by 20% after 3 h. (c) The viability of the bacteria having a low or high wax content was determined during carbon and energy starvation condition. 50% of the bacteria with a low content of wax esters were not viable after 84 h but 50% of the bacteria with a high wax content were still viable after 154 h. (d) From literature values for the maintenance energy requirements as oxygen consumption, the initial fast rate of wax esters degradation provides approximately 40% of the energy required for the maintenance of viability, and in the final slower rate would only provide about 7% of the maintenance energy required for the maintenance of viability

Microwave absorption properties of CoGd substituted ZnFe2O4 ferrites synthesized by co-precipitation technique

A series of co-precipitated Zn1−xCoxGdyFe2−yO4 spinel ferrites (x =0.0–0.5, y=0.00–0.10) sintered at 1000 °C were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometery (VSM) and microwave cavity perturbation (MCP). XRD patterns and FTIR spectra reveal formation of the spinel phase along with few traces of GdFeO3 second phase. The lattice constant decreases with an increasing amount of CoGd ions due to the segregation of Gd3+on the grain boundaries and due to replacement of lager Zn2+ ions with smaller Co2+ ions. SEM shows grain size to decrease with the increase of CoGd contents due to grain growth inhibition by the second phase. VSM results show remanence and saturation magnetization to exhibit an increasing trend due to Co substitution on octahedral sites and presence of a second phase. The coercivity increases with the increase of CoGd contents due to anisotropic nature of Co. MCP shows the complex magnetic permeability to increase with CoGd concentration while the complex permittivity decreases

The investigation of sustainable environmental performance of manufacturing companies: mediating role of organizational support and moderating role of CSR

China is transitioning towards green and sustainable manufacturing, considering environmental measures as per external environment demands. This research investigates the impact of green entrepreneurial orientation, social entrepreneurship, and organizational ambidexterity on sustainable environmental performance. Besides, examining the mediating role of organizational support and moderating the role of corporate social responsibilities (CSR) are also included in the aim of this research. The present study has used quantitative data of 510 respondents from China’s manufacturing industry; further structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to analyse the data. The results revealed that organizational ambidexterity, green entrepreneurial orientation, and social entrepreneurship are positively associated with sustainable environmental performance. Organizational support positively mediates among the nexus of green entrepreneurial orientation, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable environmental performance. The findings also showed that CSR significantly moderates the relationship between organizational support and sustainable environmental performance. These outcomes provide various implications for policymakers while making policies regarding CSR and sustainable environmental performance

Relationship between trade enhancement, firm characteristics and CSR: key mediating role of green investment

Organisations are increasingly implementing socially responsible strategies in response to increased rivalry in trade and commercial activities. Organisations are expected to increase their profitability through corporate social responsibility (CSR). Hence, this study investigates the relationship between trade enhancement, firm characteristics, and CSR. Further, this study also explored the critical mediating role of green investment (GI). The data were collected from 456 respondents from manufacturing organisations in China through a questionnaire and analysed by partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). PLS-SEM results revealed that trade enhancement has a significant positive effect on CSR and GI. GI also has a significant effect on CSR. In comparison, firm characteristics do not have a substantial impact on CSR and GI. However, GI significantly mediates the relationship between trade enhancement, firm characteristics, and CSR. This study provides insights to managers and stakeholders regarding GI and CSR in the Chinese manufacturing industry. Lastly, this study proposes theoretical and practical implications andoffers valuable information for practitioners and policymakers

Globalization and Diversification of Interior Decoration Styles and Their Impact on Pakistani Handicrafts

With the gradual advancement of globalization, cultural values and traditional decorative practices as well as people’s lifestyles have changed through digital awareness. This has seriously affected the interior decoration industry and brought challenges to the local handicraft industry. Pakistan’s traditional handicraft is famous in the world, but the flow of imported machine-made products in Pakistan has led to a decline of Pakistan’s handicraft industry. This research investigated which factors are involved in home decoration and to see if these factors are advantageous for the handicraft industry or not. The use of handicraft decoration objects varies among people when they design their houses. Thus, study conducted a survey, which found several factors that Pakistani people emphasize in relation to home decoration. Currently, these factors do not benefit the handicraft industry as people pursue a modern lifestyle and they consider handicraft objects without innovation and design outdated. Interior decoration is seen as a major aspect of traditional Pakistani life and culture, with distinct cultural characteristics. Inspired by the latest way of thinking, an interior design first exists as a concept and is then realized through careful planning. It is meant to evoke a specific mood through the strategic use of color, space, and style. In Pakistan, home accessories are generally and strongly influenced by the current fashion in the end market, with many changes brought about by consumers’ purchasing patterns, designers’ and decorators’ styles, and economic conditions. Keeping up with constantly changing trends is the main challenge faced by the traditional handicraft industry sector. In many cases, craftspeople are disconnected from the end market, which is a challenge for them to be able to profit from their work

Globalization and Diversification of Interior Decoration Styles and Their Impact on Pakistani Handicrafts

With the gradual advancement of globalization, cultural values and traditional decorative practices as well as people’s lifestyles have changed through digital awareness. This has seriously affected the interior decoration industry and brought challenges to the local handicraft industry. Pakistan’s traditional handicraft is famous in the world, but the flow of imported machine-made products in Pakistan has led to a decline of Pakistan’s handicraft industry. This research investigated which factors are involved in home decoration and to see if these factors are advantageous for the handicraft industry or not. The use of handicraft decoration objects varies among people when they design their houses. Thus, study conducted a survey, which found several factors that Pakistani people emphasize in relation to home decoration. Currently, these factors do not benefit the handicraft industry as people pursue a modern lifestyle and they consider handicraft objects without innovation and design outdated. Interior decoration is seen as a major aspect of traditional Pakistani life and culture, with distinct cultural characteristics. Inspired by the latest way of thinking, an interior design first exists as a concept and is then realized through careful planning. It is meant to evoke a specific mood through the strategic use of color, space, and style. In Pakistan, home accessories are generally and strongly influenced by the current fashion in the end market, with many changes brought about by consumers’ purchasing patterns, designers’ and decorators’ styles, and economic conditions. Keeping up with constantly changing trends is the main challenge faced by the traditional handicraft industry sector. In many cases, craftspeople are disconnected from the end market, which is a challenge for them to be able to profit from their work