The use of non-toxic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) by an aqueous plant extract has proven to be a viable and environmentally friendly method. Therefore, the present investigation is based on the FeO NPs synthesis by means of FeCl3·6H2O as a precursor, and the plant extract of Nephrolepis exaltata (N. exaltata) serves as a capping and reducing agent. Various techniques were used to examine the synthesized FeO NPs, such as UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The FT-IR studies were used to identify different photoactive biomolecules at 3285, 2928, 1415, 1170, and 600 cm−1 in the wavenumber range from 4000 to 400 cm−1, indicating the -OH, C-H, C-O, C-C, and M-O groups, respectively. The XRD examination exhibited crystallinity, and the average diameter of the particle was 16 nm. The spherical nature of synthesized FeO NPs was recognized by SEM images, while the elemental composition of nanoparticles was identified by an EDX spectrophotometer. The antiplasmodial activity of synthesized FeO NPs was investigated against Plasmodium parasites. The antiplasmodial property of FeO NPs was evaluated by means of parasite inhibitory concentration, which showed higher efficiency (62 ± 1.3 at 25 μg/mL) against Plasmodium parasite if compared to plant extracts and precursor. The cytotoxicity of FeO NPs was also assessed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) under in vitro conditions. The lack of toxic effects through FeO NPs keeps them more effective for use in pharmaceutical and medical applications.
While assessing the legality of the US drone strikes in Pakistan, this article takes into account the nature of armed conflict which has potential to be converted into an international armed conflict (IAC) from a non-international armed conflict (NIAC). The growing trust-defidt between Pakistan and the US is catalyst for determination of nature of armed conflict. The arguments based on tacit consent of Pakistan no longer stands valid after a clear protest by Pakistani officials at national, bilateral and international level. It also examines the observance of the rules of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in comparison with official US statements. Continued drone strikes are now being considered as counter-productive and resulting in increased suicide bombing in various cities of Pakistan. The author suggests a collaborative effort by considering other social, political and economic factors to minimize the violation of IHL for desired results.Keywords non-international armed conflict; international humanitarian law; drone strikes; necessity; distinction; proportionality © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, aoiH IIOI l().n6:i/l.'í718128-()i:í()4()08
Decision making is an essentially social process adopted by individuals or groups to identify and choose the best choice among several alternatives. Decision-making choices are influenced by the preferences, values, and beliefs of the individuals or groups involved in the decision-making process. This study was conducted to analyze the social inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the context of their participation in decision making. The study area consisted of 8028 PWDs registered with the government of Pakistan, from which a sample of 488 PWDs was selected through a multistage stratified random sampling technique. These PWDs included physically disabled, blind, crippled, and deaf persons; however, the data were collected from those who were able to be interviewed. Chi-square and Kendall’s Tau-b tests were used to determine the strength, level, and direction of association among variables. At the multivariate level, the study found a spurious relation between social inclusion and participation in decision making when controlling for gender, monthly family income, and level of disability of the PWDs. The results highlighted that participation in decision making improved the social inclusion of male and moderately disabled PWDs more positively. However, participation in decision making was a universal feature explaining the social inclusion of PWDs irrespective of their monthly family income. The logistic regression model explained that the social inclusion of PWDs was more likely to occur when PWDs were married, had high monthly family income (PKR 16,500 and above), belonged to a joint family, and actively participated in decision making. The study recommends that ensuring the participation of PWDs in decision making in family, community, school, and other relevant institutions ultimately enhances their social inclusion.
The goal of the research was to explore a new green method used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from an aqueous extract of Trigonella incise, which serves as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The obtained results showed an 85% yield of nanoparticles by using 2:5 (v/v) of 5% plant extract with a 0.5 M solution of AgNO3. Different techniques were used to characterize the synthesized Ag NPs, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–visible spectroscopy. The UV–visible spectra of green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed maximum absorption at a wavelength of 440 nm. The FT-IR studies revealed the stretching oscillation frequency of synthesized silver nanoparticles in the absorption band near 860 cm−1. Similarly, the bending and stretching oscillation frequencies of the NH function group were assigned to the band in the 3226 cm−1 and 1647 cm−1 regions. The bending vibration of C-O at 1159 cm−1 confirmed the carbonyl functional group that was also assigned to the small intensity band in the range of 2361 cm−1. The X-ray diffraction analysis of Ag NPs revealed four distinct diffraction peaks at 2θ of 38°, 45°, 65° and 78°, corresponds to (111), (200), (220) and (311) of the face-centered cubic shape. The round shape morphology of Ag NPs with a mean diameter in the range 20–80 nm was analyzed via SEM images. Furthermore, the nanoparticles showed more significant antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with an inhibition zone of 21.5 mm and 20.5 mm at 6 μg/mL concentrations, respectively, once compared to the standard reference. At concentrations of 2 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL, all of the bacterial strains showed moderate activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 11 mm to 18.5 mm. Even at high concentrations of AgNPs, S. typhi showed maximum resistance. The best antifungal activity was observed by synthesized Ag NPs against Candida albicans (C. albicans) with 21 mm zone of inhibition, as compared to a standard drug which gives 22 mm of inhibition. Therefore, we conclude that the antibacterial and antifungal activities showed satisfactory results from the synthesized Ag NPs.
To enhance their strategic position, some spacefaring States are engaged in exploiting legal lacunae of international space treaties. Consequently, there is an increase of militarization of outer space. As an instance of such activities, an anti-satellite (asat) test by India represents a strategic move to enhance its deterrence capability rather than earnestly adhering to international space law. Such actions can potentially increase the element of uncertainty in international law, particularly the international space law. The pursuit of military strategic interests in space has increased the possibility of an arms race in space. This article argues that asat tests not only violate certain principles of international law but also undermine the efforts for arms control and disarmament in the outer space. In this regard, an effective role of the international community is required to curb the arms race imperative for a safe and sustainable outer space environment.
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