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To discover new photochromic molecules suitable for various applications.

The synthesis of the new photochromic pyrazole derivatives was accomplished by reaction of tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and pyrazoles in polar solvents such as dimethylformamide (DMF).

A new photochromic system had been developed and the synthesis and photochromic properties of three pyrazole derivatives upon irradiation with ultraviolet light were studies in different solvents. The photochromic and thermochromic properties were affected markedly upon changing the solvent polarity. The new materials gave colourless to deep yellow coloration upon irradiation with ultraviolet, rendering them suitable candidates for optical storage media using the region of 400 nm.

A new photochromic system had been developed via a simple method. The new compounds showed photochromic, thermochromic, and solvatochromic properties making them potential candidates for many applications such as sensors, optical data storage, sensors and heat sensitive materials.

The photochromic system was novel and hence the photochromic molecules were novel.

To discover new photochromic molecules suitable for various applications.

The synthesis of the new photochromic Aniline derivatives was accomplished by reaction of tetracyanoquinodimethane and anilines in polar solvents such as dimethylformamide.

A novel photochromic system had been designed and developed. The synthesis and photochromic properties of three aniline derivatives upon irradiation with ultraviolet light were studies in different solvents. The photochromic and thermochromic properties were affected markedly upon changing the solvent polarity. The new materials gave colourless to deep yellow coloration upon irradiation with ultraviolet, rendering them suitable candidates for optical storage media using the region of 700 nm.

A new photochromic system had been developed via a simple method. The new compounds showed photochromic, thermochromic, and solvatochromic properties making them potential candidates for many applications such as photo sensors, optical data storage, thermochromic sensors and heat sensitive materials.

The photochromic system was novel and hence the photochromic molecules were novel.

Muslim engagement with cryptocurrencies (CC) raises fundamental questions rooted in religious faith: How should Muslims integrate Islamic Accounting principles like zakat into this new and rapidly evolving financial paradigm? Thus, it is essential to understand CC holders’ perceptions thoroughly and whether they are willing to pay zakat using crypto assets. This research aims to explore factors influencing Muslim CC holders’ intention to pay zakat on CC, emphasizing financial risk, theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs and Shariah compliance’s moderating role.

This attempt uses a quantitative approach through a cross-sectional research design, using purposive sampling to gather data from Muslim CC holders. An extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB) model is applied to comprehensively analyze the key factors influencing intentions to pay zakat on CC. SmartPLS software is used to generate meaningful findings.

The study finds that financial risk associated with CC exerted a negative influence on TPB constructs, attitude (ATT), social norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control regarding zakat on CC (PBC). However, ATT and PBC positively shaped holders’ intention to pay zakat on CC. Interestingly, Shariah compliance-moderated interactions of TPB constructs on payment intentions were statistically significant.

With the rise of CC, a profound transformation is underway in the financial landscape. As this evolution unfolds, it becomes increasingly essential for stakeholders to understand how zakat could fit into such a new and rapidly evolving paradigm. A pioneering effort was made in this study by exploring Muslim CC holders’ intentions to fulfill zakat obligations, bridging a significant gap in the literature.

Despite the significant growth in Islamic economies and the increasing number of Muslim youths inclining digital services, empirical-based research addressing the adoption of digital Islamic services is still limited. ZakaTech is a new phrase that has recently emerged as a modern term describing novel technologies adopted by zakat institutions; yet, it has been largely neglected in the literature. Therefore, this study aims to provide an integrated model that scrutinizes the determinants of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) of ZakaTech, combined with social cognitive theory (SCT), in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis where social distancing is the norm in conducting economic activities.

Based on cross-national evidence from two Muslim-majority countries, a total of 1,006 valid responses were collected from zakat payer users in Saudi Arabia and Egypt using a Web-based survey. To validate the research model and draw significant insights, SmartPLS structural equation modeling was used.

By analyzing both Saudi and Egyptian samples, the authors found that all UTAUT constructs are statistically significant, except for effort expectancy in Egypt. The effects of self-efficacy and social isolation on ZakaTech adoption are supported across both countries. Trust in technology reduces users’ inherent risks and increases their likelihood of adopting ZakaTech services in Saudi Arabia, while this is not the case in Egypt. However, the study revealed that trust in electronic-zakat systems (EZSs) is a vital predictor for mitigating perceived risk among Egyptian users of ZakaTech, but it is not the case in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, significant gender differences were found between males and females in the adoption of such digital services in both countries, particularly regarding self-efficacy, trust in EZSs, social isolation and social influence.

The results provide meaningful insights for policymakers to find ways to develop strategies to escalate the adoption of technology in zakat administration and also to create awareness among the users of ZakaTech in a gender-balanced manner that will include zakat payers and recipients as well in the hope that the digital gender divide will be bridged. Bridging the digital gender divide in this regard is imperative for sustainable inclusive development of zakat. Further, strategies need to be developed to provide incentives to zakat authorities and zakat organizations that adopt technology in managing zakat. This is important to escalate the process of fusing technology with zakat, which is an important social finance tool to eradicate poverty in the world.

This research serves as a building block for literature by empirically testing an integrated model of UTAUT-SCT within a modern and unique related context like ZakaTech. Also, it adds value by testing gender disparities in ZakaTech adoption among Muslims.

The risks of botulism associated with low acid canned foods have been reduced to a minimum by ensuring that well‐designed heat processes are established. However, the development of pasteurized products which are given only a mild heat treatment requires the consideration of several other factors which may be involved in the preservation procedures. Discusses the characteristics of growth and toxin production by Clostridium botulinum to illustrate the types of food products that may cause a risk of botulism if incorrectly preserved and to indicate the combinations of treatment that may be used to control this food‐borne hazard.

The purpose of this paper is to prioritize the vital tools/techniques for the effective implementation of the last planner system (LPS) in the cross-cultural setting of a developing country, i.e. Gaza Strip. Besides, the potential benefits of implementing LPS are prioritized.

The significant techniques and likely benefits of LPS implementations were identified through comprehensive literature, followed by their verification through a pilot study. The quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire survey from 89 companies, operating in the Gaza Strip construction industry. The relative important index was calculated for prioritizing the significant tools/techniques (16) which support the effective LPS implementation, and highlighting the potential benefits (10) achieved through LPS implementation.

The results showed that the “use of visual devices to spread information in the construction site,” “attendance of key actors” and “look ahead plan” are the most important tools/techniques supporting LPS implementation. The top three potential benefits of implementing LPS include: “allows a better understanding of the program control,” “maximizes the co-operation and confidence among team members” and “allows the manager to better visualize the work program.” To prevent any waste in project time and to ensure the material supply and continuity of works, the study recommends advance supply and storage of demand materials, and early availability of the shop-drawings for acceptance by the superintendent.

The study’s findings are expected to guide the key construction stakeholders to prioritize their energies toward effective LPS implementation in the Gaza Strip.

Though this study pertains to Palestine, its methodology can be generalized in other countries and regions, having a similar work environment, after making necessary cultural adjustments.

The objective of this study was to evaluate Brazilian consumers’ perceptions of stingless bee honey and the drivers involved in this product choice.

Three projective techniques were applied to 480 consumers who answered a rating task about liking, health, sustainability, quality taste, and utilization as ingredients, fulfilled completion sentences, and performed a hard laddering task.

The results showed a significant increase in the expected liking and flavor, and consumers perceived stingless bee honey as more sustainable, of higher quality, and more beneficial to health. Health, sustainability, and taste are the main drivers of purchasing this type of honey, and consumers are aware that it costs a premium price. In the value chain involved in choosing stingless bee honey, the appreciation of native bees, flavor, nutritional value, medicinal properties, producer appreciation, and curiosity were strong aspects for choosing the product. These aspects lead consumers to feel good, have peace of mind, feel like protecting nature and planets, and longevity.

Honey is popular worldwide, but stingless bee honey has little information on how consumers perceive it and on the purchasing decision chain. The results of the present study provide important information to enhance the consumption of this product with social and environmental importance and the growing demand for natural products that replace refined sugars.

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and concentrations of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw buffalo milk samples obtained from four different seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn in Sohag City, upper Egypt, and compared the determined findings against the several regulations regarding AFM1 that have been legislated by the European Union, US Food and Drug Administration and Egyptian Regulations.

Simultaneous determination of aflatoxins in raw buffalo milk samples trailed in different seasons, in Sohag City, Egypt. The aflatoxin that has been included in this survey is AFM1. Milk samples were obtained from February to October 2021. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used as a methodology technique.

The results of AFM1 presented the highest frequency of occurrence, with a detected incidence of 85.5% in winter samples, 64.2% in spring samples, 78.5% in summer samples and 78.5% in autumn samples. The positive samples showed concentration range levels of AFM1 between 0.0 and 0.9 µg/kg (12 samples) in winter samples, 0.03 and 1.2 µg/kg in spring milk samples (9 samples), 0.06 and 0.8 µg/kg in summer milk samples (11 samples) and lasted with 0.028 and 0.9 µg/kg in autumn milk samples (11 samples). The percentage of AFM1samples exceeded the maximum residues limit of Egyptian Standard Regulation 2010/7136 last updated, 78%, 57%, 100% and 64% in the four examined seasons, respectively.

The residue levels of AFM1 obtained in the investigated samples represented a serious concern about the health risk of consumers. Milk is introduced to the diet plan all over the people units especially the offspring ones as it is a complete food that contains a lot of important nutrients. So it is worth to set a regular schedule for monitoring and inspection of dairy products for aflatoxin residues.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview that demonstrates the prevention role of dietary fiber in type2 diabetes. Due to the frequent incidences of type2 diabetes and its related complications, a small percentage of reduction in the cases could save thousands of lives and economic loss spending on healthcare and medication.

A literature review has been performed over the electronic databases Medline PubMed and SciELO (The Scientific Electronic Library Online). The reference list of identified articles has also been reviewed. For this search, the following descriptors were considered: diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, diet therapy, dietary fiber and insulin sensitivity.

The updated publications indicated that valuable efforts have been done to clarify the beneficial effect of dietary fiber consumption on type2 diabetes. Dietary fiber plays a role as a promising alternative therapeutic means toward type2 diabetes mellitus prevention.

This review is unique in its comprehensive nature. This paper will reflect the role and mechanism of dietary fiber in the prevention of type2 diabetes.

As is well known, there are several aspects that characterise honey consumption and the reasons for purchasing it. Despite this, little attention has been paid to the drivers that move consumers towards the use of honey for its health benefits and therapeutic properties. The aim of this study is to define which drivers move the consumption of honey for its health benefits.

The study, conducted on 640 Italian honey consumers, applied inferential tests (Chi-square) and an econometric model (logit regression), and showed that about 66% of the respondents stated that they consume honey for its health properties.

The main drivers of honey consumption are both among the intrinsic (Colour) and extrinsic (Origin and Organic certification) attributes of the product. What also emerges is that the propensity to consume honey for health purposes is influenced by the consumer characteristics and habits, such as Age cohort, Gender, BMI and Large retail buyer. Moreover, we observed that consumption is influenced by BMI but not by lifestyle characteristics such as sport and diet.

This study could be a support tool for policymakers who are interested in promoting good nutrition and improving public health, since there is great interest in the functional properties of foods and the need to enhance the value of products, while at the same time ensuring consumer protection.