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Topic Review
Islamic Funeral
Funerals in Islam (called Janazah in Arabic) follow fairly specific rites, though they are subject to regional interpretation and variation in custom. In all cases, however, sharia (Islamic religious law) calls for burial of the body as soon as possible, preceded by a simple ritual involving bathing and shrouding the body, followed by salah (prayer). Burial is usual within 24 hours of death to protect the living from any sanitary issues, except in the case of a person killed in battle or when foul play is suspected; in those cases it is important to determine cause of death before burial. Cremation of the body is forbidden.
  • 3.2K
  • 09 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Biomolecular Targeted Covalent Inhibitors
Introduction of artificial structure(s) into a middle-sized therapeutic biomolecule, which would often add a superior function to the drug molecule, is easier than that into an antibody. In this direction, introducing a reactive warhead structure into such therapeutic biomolecules to create BIOmolecular Targeted Covalent Inhibitors (abbreviated as bioTCIs). It would create precise and safe covalent drugs that semi-permanently inhibit the target protein activity upon binding and the duration of the drug effect is only limited by the target protein turnover. Regardless of the modalities, all bioTCIs reduce the skepticism of small-molecule TCIs’ safety concerns because bioTCIs can stringently recognize and conjugate only to the target proteins. Among them, oligonucleotide-type bioTCIs possess unique features, such as nuclease resistance and on-demand-reversal of the drug action with the complementary-strand antidote, which circumvents another major limitation to clinical translation of the aptamer drugs.
  • 3.2K
  • 17 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizers on Rhizobium
Nitrogen fixation has the potential to address the global protein shortage by increasing nitrogen supply in agriculture. However, the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers has led to environmental consequences and high energy consumption. To promote sustainable agriculture, alternative approaches such as biofertilizers that utilize biological nitrogen fixation have been introduced to minimize ecological impact. Understanding the process of biological nitrogen fixation, where certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This knowledge helps reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and maintain soil fertility. The symbiotic relationship between Rhizobium bacteria and leguminous plants plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture by facilitating access to atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil fertility, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
  • 3.2K
  • 19 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Field
In physics, a field is a physical quantity, represented by a scalar, vector, or tensor, that has a value for each point in space and time. For example, on a weather map, the surface temperature is described by assigning a number to each point on the map; the temperature can be considered at a certain point in time or over some interval of time, to study the dynamics of temperature change. A surface wind map, assigning an arrow to each point on a map that describes the wind speed and direction at that point, is an example of a vector field, i.e. a 1-dimensional (rank-1) tensor field. Field theories, mathematical descriptions of how field values change in space and time, are ubiquitous in physics. For instance, the electric field is another rank-1 tensor field, while electrodynamics can be formulated in terms of two interacting vector fields at each point in spacetime, or as a single-rank 2-tensor field. In the modern framework of the quantum theory of fields, even without referring to a test particle, a field occupies space, contains energy, and its presence precludes a classical "true vacuum". This has led physicists to consider electromagnetic fields to be a physical entity, making the field concept a supporting paradigm of the edifice of modern physics. "The fact that the electromagnetic field can possess momentum and energy makes it very real ... a particle makes a field, and a field acts on another particle, and the field has such familiar properties as energy content and momentum, just as particles can have." In practice, the strength of most fields diminishes with distance, eventually becoming undetectable. For instance the strength of many relevant classical fields, such as the gravitational field in Newton's theory of gravity or the electrostatic field in classical electromagnetism, is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source (i.e., they follow Gauss's law). A field can be classified as a scalar field, a vector field, a spinor field or a tensor field according to whether the represented physical quantity is a scalar, a vector, a spinor, or a tensor, respectively. A field has a consistent tensorial character wherever it is defined: i.e. a field cannot be a scalar field somewhere and a vector field somewhere else. For example, the Newtonian gravitational field is a vector field: specifying its value at a point in spacetime requires three numbers, the components of the gravitational field vector at that point. Moreover, within each category (scalar, vector, tensor), a field can be either a classical field or a quantum field, depending on whether it is characterized by numbers or quantum operators respectively. In this theory an equivalent representation of field is a field particle, for instance a boson.
  • 3.2K
  • 11 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Lories and Lorikeets
Lories and lorikeets (tribe Loriini) are small to medium-sized arboreal parrots characterized by their specialized brush-tipped tongues for feeding on nectar of various blossoms and soft fruits, preferably berries. The species form a monophyletic group within the parrot family Psittacidae. Traditionally, they were considered a separate subfamily (Loriinae) from the other subfamily (Psittacinae) based on the specialized characteristics, but recent molecular and morphological studies show that the group is positioned in the middle of various other groups. They are widely distributed throughout the Australasian region, including south-eastern Asia, Polynesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Australia , and the majority have very brightly coloured plumage.
  • 3.2K
  • 21 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Degua Tembien
Dogu'a Tembien (Template:Lang-ti, "Upper Tembien", sometimes transliterated as Degua Tembien) is one of the woredas in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. It is named in part after the former province of Tembien. Nowadays, the mountainous district is part of the Southeastern Tigray Zone. The administrative centre of this woreda is Hagere Selam.
  • 3.2K
  • 01 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Ganoderma lucidum
Ganoderma lucidum has a long history of medicinal uses in the Far East countries of more than 2000 years due to its healing properties. Recently, G. lucidum has come under scientific scrutiny to evaluate its content of bioactive components that affect human physiology and has been exploited for potent components in the pharmacology, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics industries. For instance, evidence is accumulating on the potential of this mushroom species as a promising antiviral medicine for treating many viral diseases, such as dengue virus, enterovirus 71, and recently coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Still, more research studies on the biotherapeutic components of G. lucidum are needed to ensure the safety and efficiency of G. lucidum and promote the development of commercial functional foods.
  • 3.2K
  • 11 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Picrolite Raw Material on Cyprus
Picrolite is a soft, green massive, banded or crudely fibrous metamorphic rock with a hardness of 3.5, a waxy feel and a conchoidal to subconchoidal fracture (massive), whilst crudely fibrous varieties splinter easily. Picrolite artefacts comprise some of the most distinctive material remains in the prehistory of the island of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean. Picrolite exploitation dates from at least 12,000 years ago for the manufacture of personal ornaments and items with a symbolic function.
  • 3.2K
  • 21 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Pollution of Polyethylene Terephthalate Water Bottles
According to studies on global plastic manufacturing and the resulting pollution, plastic wastes have been identified as a serious environmental concern. The impact of plastic garbage on marine species, humans, and the environment is a source of public concern, necessitating the need to save ecosystems and the lives that depend on them. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles have a significant carbon footprint and represent tremendous waste. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), PET water bottles are widely utilized, with yearly consumption reaching 450 water bottles per person. 
  • 3.2K
  • 27 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Behavioral Strategy
Behavioral strategy strategy refers to the application of insights from psychology and behavioral economics to the research and practice of strategic management. In one definition of the field, “Behavioral strategy merges cognitive and social psychology with strategic management theory and practice. Behavioral strategy aims to bring realistic assumptions about human cognition, emotions, and social behavior to the strategic management of organizations and, thereby, to enrich strategy theory, empirical research, and real-world practice” (Powell, Lovallo & Fox, 2011: 1371).
  • 3.2K
  • 14 Oct 2022
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Fungal Metabolites in Human Health and Diseases—An Overview
Fungi produce a wide range of secondary metabolites. Some of these metabolites are toxic to humans and cause various health disorders, ranging from acute poisoning to chronic diseases. Contrary to this, some fungal metabolites are valuable sources in therapeutics, such as penicillin. Herein, researchers briefly highlight the role played by different fungal metabolites in human health and diseases and give an overview of the most common fungal genera.
  • 3.2K
  • 24 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Lemniscatic Elliptic Function
In mathematics, a lemniscatic elliptic function is an elliptic function related to the arc length of a lemniscate of Bernoulli studied by Giulio Carlo de' Toschi di Fagnano in 1718. It has a square period lattice and is closely related to the Weierstrass elliptic function when the Weierstrass invariants satisfy g2 = 1 and g3 = 0. In the lemniscatic case, the minimal half period ω1 is real and equal to where Γ is the gamma function. The second smallest half period is pure imaginary and equal to iω1. In more algebraic terms, the period lattice is a real multiple of the Gaussian integers. The constants e1, e2, and e3 are given by The case g2 = a, g3 = 0 may be handled by a scaling transformation. However, this may involve complex numbers. If it is desired to remain within real numbers, there are two cases to consider: a > 0 and a < 0. The period parallelogram is either a square or a rhombus.
  • 3.2K
  • 24 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Public Opinion on Global Warming
Public opinion on global warming is the aggregate of attitudes or beliefs held by the adult population concerning the science, economics, and politics of global warming. It is affected by media coverage of climate change.
  • 3.2K
  • 11 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Conjunction
In astronomy, a conjunction occurs when two astronomical objects or spacecraft have either the same right ascension or the same ecliptic longitude, usually as observed from Earth. When two objects always appear close to the ecliptic—such as two planets, the Moon and a planet, or the Sun and a planet—this fact implies an apparent close approach between the objects as seen in the sky. A related word, appulse, is the minimum apparent separation in the sky of two astronomical objects. Conjunctions involve either two objects in the Solar System or one object in the Solar System and a more distant object, such as a star. A conjunction is an apparent phenomenon caused by the observer's perspective: the two objects involved are not actually close to one another in space. Conjunctions between two bright objects close to the ecliptic, such as two bright planets, can be seen with the naked eye. The astronomical symbol for conjunction is (Unicode U+260C ☌). The conjunction symbol is not used in modern astronomy. It continues to be used in astrology.
  • 3.2K
  • 01 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Doping (Semiconductor)
In semiconductor production, doping is the intentional introduction of impurities into an intrinsic semiconductor for the purpose of modulating its electrical and optical and structural properties. The doped material is referred to as an extrinsic semiconductor. A semiconductor doped to such high levels that it acts more like a conductor than a semiconductor is referred to as a degenerate semiconductor. In the context of phosphors and scintillators, doping is better known as activation. Doping is also used to control the color in some pigments.
  • 3.2K
  • 08 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Effects of Stress Exposure
Stress could be defined as an organism's entire response to environmental demands or strains. Exposure to highly stressful or traumatic events, depending on the stage of life in which stress exposure occurs, could severely affect limbic structures, including the amygdala, and lead to alterations in social and affective behaviors.
  • 3.2K
  • 31 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Construction and Demolition Waste Marketplace
Rapid population growth and urbanization have led to an increase in Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, prompting government and industry bodies to develop better waste management practices. Waste trading has emerged as a targeted intervention to divert waste from landfill sites and create a second life for waste material. This paper examines key barriers and enablers influencing the creation of a marketplace for waste trading. A systematic literature review was undertaken to examine global efforts in creating a marketplace for C&D waste. A framework on enablers and barriers for developing a marketplace for C&D waste emerged from the review, based on market-based, operational, and governance factors. References demonstrated that markets for materials such as glass and metals have already been established, but there are increasing marketplace opportunities for other recycled materials. Technology-based market applications are emerging as targeted interventions to facilitate online trading, which will provide a more accessible and user-friendly marketplace for sellers and buyers. Further research should test the complex interactions between people and technology associated with online waste trading platforms, as well as help develop the business case for a C&D waste marketplace.
  • 3.2K
  • 10 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Logistic Handling of Deliveries at an LNG Terminal
LNG is a gas mixture of hydrocarbons in the following proportions: methane 87–99 mol%, ethane 0.1–5.5 mol%, propane 0–4 mol%, butane 0–2.5 mol%, nitrogen 0.02–1 mol%, and traces of sulfur (less than four ppmv) and CO2 (50 ppmv). There has been growing interest in fuel supply chains regarding transport safety and LNG reloading. This is due to the increasing consumption of this gas in the economy to create sustainable transport systems. Poland is in the phase of energy transformation, which increases the demand for this type of alternative fuel. For this reason, the number of logistic operations carried out by Polish sea terminals handling LNG deliveries is increasing.
  • 3.2K
  • 07 May 2022
Topic Review
Abandoned Croplands in South Africa
There is no standardised definition of agricultural land abandonment; however, a simple definition is the cessation of agricultural activities on a given surface of land. The term agricultural land abandonment is inclusive of land previously used for crops, vegetables, fruit trees, and cultivated and natural pastures. Other agricultural land abandonment studies specifically focus on crops, hence terms such as cropland abandonment, formerly arable lands, and old arable lands or fields are used. Others specify that for the land to qualify as abandoned, it should not be used for any other activity such as urbanisation or afforestation. Therefore, in the context of the rural areas of Africa wherein the cessation of cropping the land is used for grazing, the definition of cropland abandonment suffices. Baxter and Calvert define cropland abandonment as a process of withdrawing cropland from active agricultural production without a plan for crop cultivation in the immediate future. The cessation is usually due to a decline in economic viability even after changes in farming practices. Cessation results in natural succession wherein grasses, shrubs, and trees colonise former cropping lands; it can also result in land degradation. In the former homeland communal areas of South Africa, where the main agricultural activity involves cropping and livestock production, by default if the land is not used for cropping it turns into a grazing area. The same trend of abandoned cropping lands being used for grazing was also reported in Botswana. Therefore, the definition of abandoned cropping land is land mainly used for grazing. The areas are sometimes also called old fields, fallow, or idle fields. Some have turned to be secondary grasslands.
  • 3.2K
  • 25 May 2022
Topic Review
Adipocyte Hyperplasia
Adipose tissue comprises various cell types, including mature adipocytes, stromal cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, blood cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and APCs. APCs, resembling fibroblasts, can differentiate into different preadipocyte lineages (e.g., beige and white adipocytes) in response to genetic and environmental factors, contributing to adipose tissue hyperplasia expansion.
  • 3.2K
  • 28 Aug 2023
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