An Analysis of Third-Party Logistics Market in the United Arab Emirates

The Arab Region is an emerging market in the logistics sector. The UAE's logistics industry is expanding its wings as new entrepreneurs are entering the field, contributing new technology-based solutions and services. The blending of conventional logistics players and startups can be seen in the UAE. The challenge in the logistics market is how the existing companies face the positive competition from newcomers which are well versed in using new trends such as artificial intelligence, and the business is transparent by the Internet growth whereas traditional logistics company uses networking. The revolution of the Internet has supported the logistic companies to assemble the buyers and sellers in a single platform with better process giving simple solution unlike the old lengthy method of finding vehicles, fleet and tracking delivery points. Due to rapid expeditious, enlarging trade volume, revival of the worldwide economy, extraordinary development of construction and large-scale projects, development of transportation infrastructure and geographical location of the UAE which is an added advantage connecting the trading pathways of the West, Europe, Africa and Asia, have made the UAE as an international transit hub. Due to the improvement of growth of business dynamics all over the world, outsourcing is a huge market in the United Arab Emirates. Previously various studies were undertaken to find the third-party logistics status in different countries. To the author’s understanding, there was no survey conducted before in the United Arab Emirates from provider perspective and based on the capital city of Abu Dhabi. The aim of this research is to conduct a survey in order to examine the 3PL status in different areas. This paper reveals the maximum percentages of 3PL customers are satisfied with their present 3PL service provider and it has led the positive impact on the customer gratification and reduction of the logistics cost. As a result, the 3PL services are growing fast in Abu Dhabi

LARVICIDAL ACTIVITY OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ISOLATED FROM Bt COTTON RHIZOSPHERE SOIL AGAINST ANOPHELES MOSQUITO LARVAE (CULICIDAE)

Objective: The objective of the study was to isolate and identify Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) from Bt cotton rhizosphere soil and analyze its larvicidal activity against Anopheles mosquito larvae.Methods: Soil samples were collected from Bt cotton field, and B. thuringiensis was isolated and characterized by biochemical and microscopical characterization. Crystal (Cry) proteins were extracted and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and its larvicidal activity was checked by mortality analysis. Effective Bt isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing.Results: A total of 24 isolates were characterized as Bacillus sp. by biochemical characterization. Further, parasporal inclusion and Cry proteins were extracted, and it was quantified by Bradford assay. The precipitated Cry proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and the results have indicates Cry I protein at 100kDa, Cry3 protein at 44kDa, and cytolytic protein (Cyt) at 29kDa in most of the isolates. Larvicidal activity was checked by the 4th instar Anopheles mosquito larvae. Among the tested isolates, RBL10 and RBL20 have shown the highest percentage of larvicidal activity at 96 and 83%, respectively. Further, the two isolates RBL10 and RBL20 were identified as Bt by 16S rRNA sequencing.Conclusion: B. thuringiensis producing Cry and Cyt proteins posses potential larvicidal activity against Anopheles mosquito larvae which has biological and economic importance in mosquito control

Dermatological manifestations in PLHIV visiting link ART centre at rural medical college hospital in Western Tamilnadu, India

Background: Ever since the early reports of human immuno deficiency infection, it presented as wide range of infectious and non-infectious dermatoses which correlate with the degree of immunodeficiency. Skin assessment remains a vital tool in the diagnosis and management of HIV infection due to relative easiness of examination. Most of skin diseases are amenable to diagnosis by inspection and biopsy. In this descriptive study, we have enumerated in detail the dermatological manifestations of Link ART centre clients.Methods: To analyze the dermatological manifestations in people living with HIV, we undertook a prospective observational study of all PLHIV on ART visiting IRT Perundurai Medical College Hospital link anti- retroviral therapy centre (LAC) during July 2015 to August 2016 with focus to skin manifestations.Results: Among the 140 clients, 22 in 2010, 12 in 2011, 6 in 2012, 51 in 2013, 36 in 2014, and 9 in 2015, 3 up to June 2016 enrolled for follow up. 31 were transferred to nearby ART, Link ART centres during this period as per their request, 4 lost for follow up and 6 deceased after enrolment, finally ninety-nine (39 male; 60 female) were utilizing our centre during the study period. Majority of participants were on ZLN (zidovudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine) regimen, hailing from rural zones, belonged to low or low middle income group, were undertaking farming, cattle rearing. CD4 counts of the asymptomatic clients in the ZLN group noted increase and decrease in the ZLE (zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz), TLN (tenofovir, lamivudine, and nevirapine) group.  In the symptomatic clients, decline in the individual and the mean counts except in female ZLN subset. 70% were clinically asymptomatic and 30 % were having some dermatological manifestations. Multiple manifestations were seen in 5 clients during the study period. Dermatological manifestations observed commonly were fungal and viral infections, xerosis/ichthyoses, adverse drug reactions like lipodystrophy, and discoloration of nails.Conclusions: Skin manifestations observed in this study were due to aging and long term cosmetic side effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy  (HAART). Lipodystrophy posed significant aesthetic distress in HAART clients. Hence, early management would decrease the most offending cosmetolgical side effects of the disease and drugs. Therapy yields the declining trend in the inflammatory, infectious dermatoses

Isolation and Characterization of Bacterial Endophytes from Lycopersicon esculentum Plant and their Plant Growth Promoting Characteristics

The study was designed to isolate and characterize bacterial endophytes from root and stem of Lycopersicon esculentum plant which was collected form different region of Gujarat. Total 18 isolates of endophytic bacteria were selected in which, all the endophytic bacteria produced one or the other different characteristics involved in plant growth promotion. They either produced phytohormones like indole acetic acid, siderophore, protease, pectinase, organic acid showed antifungal activity, chromium tolerance and solubilized phosphate. Four of the strains among the 18 showed maximum positive results of plant growth promoting regulators (PGPR) test and among them best probable isolate was selected and thus its 16SrDNA was amplified and sequenced. Only HR7 endophyte of tomato turned out to be Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It’s a gram negative coccobacili, sporeforming motile bacilli and show maximum PGPR activity. The results of our present studies indicated that above strains might be endophytic and therefore, were associated with the plant growth. Keywords: Lycopersicon esculentum; endophytic bacteria; PGPR; IAA; 16SrDNA DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njb.v2i1.5679   Nepal Journal of Biotechnology Jan.2012, Vol.2(1): 37-5

Snakebite and its socio-economic impact on the rural population of Tamil Nadu, India

BACKGROUND: Snakebite represents a significant health issue worldwide, affecting several million people each year with as many as 95,000 deaths. India is considered to be the country most affected, but much remains unknown about snakebite incidence in this country, its socio-economic impact and how snakebite management could be improved. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We conducted a study within rural villages in Tamil Nadu, India, which combines a household survey (28,494 people) of snakebite incidence with a more detailed survey of victims in order to understand the health and socio-economic effects of the bite, the treatments obtained and their views about future improvements. Our survey suggests that snakebite incidence is higher than previously reported. 3.9% of those surveyed had suffered from snakebite and the number of deaths corresponds to 0.45% of the population. The socio-economic impact of this is very considerable in terms of the treatment costs and the long-term effects on the health and ability of survivors to work. To reduce this, the victims recommended improvements to the accessibility and affordability of antivenom treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Snakebite has a considerable and disproportionate impact on rural populations, particularly in South Asia. This study provides an incentive for researchers and the public to work together to reduce the incidence and improve the outcomes for snake bite victims and their families

Implementation of a delayed prescribing model to reduce antibiotic prescribing for suspected upper respiratory tract infections in a hospital outpatient department, Ghana

Background: High levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ghana require the exploration of new approaches to optimise antimicrobial prescribing. This study aims to establish the feasibility of implementation of different delayed/back-up prescribing models on antimicrobial prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Methods: This study was part of a quality improvement project at LEKMA Hospital, Ghana, (Dec 2019–Feb 2020). Patients meeting inclusion criteria were assigned to one of four groups (Group 0: No prescription given; Group 1; Patient received post-dated antibiotic prescription; Group 2: Offer of a rapid reassessment of patient by a nurse practitioner after 3 days; and Group 3: Post-dated prescription forwarded to hospital pharmacy). Patients were contacted 10 days afterwards to ascertain wellbeing and actions taken, and patients were asked rate the service on a Likert scale. Post-study informal discussions were conducted with hospital staff. Results: In total, 142 patients met inclusion criteria. Groups 0, 1, 2 and 3 had 61, 16, 44 and 21 patients, respectively. Common diagnosis was sore throat (73%). Only one patient took antibiotics after 3 days. Nearly all (141/142) patients were successfully contacted on day 10, and of these, 102 (72%) rated their experiences as good or very good. Informal discussions with staff revealed improved knowledge of AMR. Conclusions: Delayed/back-up prescribing can reduce antibiotic consumption amongst outpatient department patients with suspected URTIs. Delayed/back-up prescribing can be implemented safely in low and middle-income countries (LMICs)

Bioconversion of waste cooking oil for the production of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate using Bacillus cereus MPTDC

557-562Used cooking oil is generated as a byproduct during frying process. It cannot be reused for cooking process due to health issues such as cancer and other digestive disorders. Alternative strategy is utilization of this waste cooking oil for production of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) a biopolymer which can be used as a substitute for petroleum derived plastics or other value added products. In the present investigation, we used waste cooking oil as carbon source for PHB production by Bacillus cereus MPTDC. The optimum conditions of PHB production by Bacillus cereus MPTDC were waste cooking oil concentration of 2% (v/v), incubation time of 96 h, ammonium sulphate concentration of 7.5% and yeast extract concentration of 0.2%. Under optimized conditions the strain produced 3.777 g/L of PHB. The results indicate the potential of used cooking oil as carbon source for PHB production by Bacillus cereus MPTDC

Bioconversion of waste cooking oil for the production of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate using Bacillus cereus MPTDC

Used cooking oil is generated as a byproduct during frying process. It cannot be reused for cooking process due to health issues such as cancer and other digestive disorders. Alternative strategy is utilization of this waste cooking oil for production of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) a biopolymer which can be used as a substitute for petroleum derived plastics [ABG1] or other value added products. In the present investigation, we used waste cooking oil as carbon source for PHB production by Bacillus cereus MPTDC. The optimum conditions of PHB production by Bacillus cereus MPTDC were waste cooking oil concentration of 2% (v/v), incubation time of 96 h, ammonium sulphate concentration of 7.5% and yeast extract concentration of 0.2%. Under optimized conditions the strain produced 3.777 g/L of PHB. The results indicate the potential of used cooking oil as carbon source for PHB production by Bacillus cereus MPTDC

Utilization of fungal and bacterial bioremediation techniques for the treatment of toxic waste and biowaste

The escalating accumulation of toxic wastes and biowastes constitutes a critical environmental crisis that demands immediate and effective solutions. Traditional waste treatment methods, predominantly chemical and physical, are increasingly viewed as unsustainable, burdened by high operational costs and the risk of generating secondary pollutants. Against this backdrop, bioremediation emerges as a crucial and sustainable alternative, utilizing the natural detoxifying capabilities of microorganisms. This review article focuses on the use of fungal and bacterial strategies in bioremediation, emphasizing their vital role in the degradation, stabilization, or detoxification of pollutants. We provide an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms by which fungi and bacteria break down various contaminants, presenting a current snapshot of the field’s state of knowledge. The article highlights recent innovative advancements that improve the effectiveness and expand the applicability of bioremediation technologies. Moreover, it discusses the practical challenges of scaling these solutions to meet global environmental needs and suggests directions for future research and implementation. This synthesis not only underscores the significance of microbial bioremediation in addressing pressing environmental problems but also acts as a call to action for continued innovation in the sustainable management of hazardous wastes

Potential Role of Plant Growth Regulators in Administering Crucial Processes Against Abiotic Stresses

Plant growth regulators are naturally biosynthesized chemicals in plants that influence physiological processes. Their synthetic analogous trigger numerous biochemical and physiological processes involved in the growth and development of plants. Nowadays, due to changing climatic scenario, numerous biotic and abiotic stresses hamper seed germination, seedling growth, and plant development leading to a decline in biological and economic yields. However, plant growth regulators (PGRs) can potentially play a fundamental role in regulating plant responses to various abiotic stresses and hence, contribute to plant adaptation under adverse environments. The major effects of abiotic stresses are growth and yield disturbance, and both these effects are directly overseen by the PGRs. Different types of PGRs such as abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), ethylene (ET), and jasmonates (JAs) are connected to boosting the response of plants to multiple stresses. In contrast, PGRs including cytokinins (CKs), gibberellins (GAs), auxin, and relatively novel PGRs such as strigolactones (SLs), and brassinosteroids (BRs) are involved in plant growth and development under normal and stressful environmental conditions. Besides, polyamines and nitric oxide (NO), although not considered as phytohormones, have been included in the current review due to their involvement in the regulation of several plant processes and stress responses. These PGRs are crucial for regulating stress adaptation through the modulates physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes and activation of the defense system, upregulating of transcript levels, transcription factors, metabolism genes, and stress proteins at cellular levels. The current review presents an acumen of the recent progress made on different PGRs to improve plant tolerance to abiotic stress such as heat, drought, salinity, and flood. Moreover, it highlights the research gaps on underlying mechanisms of PGRs biosynthesis under stressed conditions and their potential roles in imparting tolerance against adverse effects of suboptimal growth conditions.Fil: Sabagh, Ayman EL. Kafrelsheikh University; EgiptoFil: Mbarki, Sonia. National Institute Of Research In Rural Engineering; TúnezFil: Hossain, Akbar. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute; BangladeshFil: Iqbal, Muhammad Aamir. University Of Poonch Rawalakot; PakistánFil: Islam, Mohammad Sohidul. Hajee Mohammad Danesh And Technology University; BangladeshFil: Raza, Ali. Fujian Agriculture And Forestry University; ChinaFil: Llanes, Analia Susana. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnologicas. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnologicas.; ArgentinaFil: Reginato, Mariana Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnologicas. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnologicas.; ArgentinaFil: Rahman, Md Atikur. Grassland And Forage Division National Institute; Corea del SurFil: Mahboob, Wajid. Nuclear Institute Of Agriculture,; PakistánFil: Singhal, Rajesh Kumar. Indian Council Of Agricultural Research; IndiaFil: Kumari, Arpna. Guru Nanak Dev University; IndiaFil: Rajendran, Arvind. Vellore Institute Of Technology; IndiaFil: Wasaya, Allah. Bahauddin Zakariya University; PakistánFil: Javed, Talha. Fujian Agriculture And Forestry University; JapónFil: Shabbir, Rubab. University Of Poonch Rawalakot; PakistánFil: Rahim, Junaid. University Of Çukurova; PakistánFil: Barutçular, Celaleddin. Institute Of Crop Science And Resource Conservation; AlemaniaFil: Habib Ur Rahman, Muhammad. Sichuan Agricultural University; ChinaFil: Raza, Muhammad Ali. Sichuan Agricultural University; ChinaFil: Ratnasekera, Disna. University Of Ruhuna; Sri LankaFil: Konuskan l, Ömer. Mustafa Kemal University; TurquíaFil: Hossain, Mohammad Anwar. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute; BangladeshFil: Meena, Vijay Singh. Indian Council Of Agricultural Research; IndiaFil: Ahmed, Sharif. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute; BangladeshFil: Ahmad, Zahoor. Bangladesh Wheat And Maize Research Institute; BangladeshFil: Mubeen, Muhammad. Sichuan Agricultural University; ChinaFil: Singh, Kulvir. Punjab Agricultural University; IndiaFil: Skalicky, Milan. Czech University Of Life Sciences Prague; República ChecaFil: Brestic, Marian. Slovak University Of Agriculture; EslovaquiaFil: Sytar, Oksana. Slovak University Of Agriculture; EsloveniaFil: Karademir, Emine. Siirt University; TurquíaFil: Karademir, Cetin. Siirt University; TurquíaFil: Erman, Murat. Siirt University; TurquíaFil: Farooq, Muhammad. College Of Agricultural And Marine Sciences Sultan; Omá