Zero-valent iron is a moderately reducing reagent that is both non-toxic and affordable. In the present work, iron nanoparticles were synthesized using bitter guard leaf extract (Momordica charantia L.) (BGL-Fe NP). Using leaf samples from bitter protectant extract, iron nanoparticles were synthesized with secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and polyphenols acting as capping and reducing agents. Polyphenols reduce Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ to nanovalent iron or iron nanoparticles. Iron nanoparticles were synthesized by reducing iron chloride as a precursor with bitter protective leaf extract in an alkaline environment. The obtained BGL-Fe NPs were calcined for 4 h at various temperatures of 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C. The obtained samples were coded as BGL-Fe NPs-4, BGL-Fe NPs-5, and BGL-Fe NPs-6, respectively. The synthesized BGL-Fe NPs were systematically characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV-Vis and TG-DTA analysis. The obtained BGL-Fe NPs were then used as an adsorbent to remove the aqueous solution of basic methylene blue (MB) dye. MB concentration was monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy.

The rise of online gambling in Indonesia has emerged as a significant public health concern, driven by various psychological, social, and regulatory factors. Despite stringent laws prohibiting gambling, the accessibility and appeal of online platforms have led to increased participation, particularly among young adults. This phenomenon is characterized by a paradoxical sense of control that users feel while gambling online, which can lead to compulsive behaviors and addiction. The structural characteristics of online gambling platforms, including fast-paced games and easy accessibility, further exacerbate this issue. Social influences, particularly through social media and peer interactions, normalize gambling behaviors, making them more appealing to adolescents. Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are closely linked to online gambling addiction, as individuals may use gambling as a coping mechanism. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these challenges, with many individuals turning to online gambling for entertainment during lockdowns. To address the growing prevalence of online gambling addiction, comprehensive regulatory frameworks are needed, alongside responsible gambling initiatives and public awareness campaigns. Collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and gambling operators, is crucial for effective intervention. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of online gambling trends will inform future policies and help identify emerging risks. By adopting a multifaceted approach, Indonesian policymakers and stakeholders can work towards minimizing the risks associated with online gambling and fostering a healthier environment for its citizens.

This work presents the evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticles obtained from the aqueous extract of Eucalyptus grandis. Twenty-three experiments were carried out where the synthesis of nanoparticles was performed by using the aqueous extract together with salts of iron (II) chloride tetrahydrate and iron (III) chloride hexahydrate. A characterization was carried out by IR, TEM and BET, where bands were presented at 3,440.77, 1,559.26 and 445.31 cm⁻¹, indicating the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles. A relatively high monodispersity was evidenced with particles around 9 nm. By means of BET analysis it was found to present a surface area of 131.897 m²/g. Obtaining nanoparticles by this green method presents yield values of 98%, with application in nanotechnology, biomedicine, environmental treatment, among others, making them highly versatile and their production cost is relatively low.

This study investigates how financial cognitive abilities influence individual investors’ intentions to engage in the stock market, particularly considering the mediating role of financial capability. It seeks to address the gaps in understanding the factors that drive investors’ participation in emerging markets like Pakistan, highlighting the importance of financial knowledge, financial planning, and financial satisfaction and financial capability. Data were collected from 377 individual investors through a self-administered questionnaire using a cross-sectional design and non-probability convenience sampling approach. Results reveal that financial knowledge affects investors’ intentions both directly and indirectly, with financial capability serving as a partial mediator. Financial planning influences intentions indirectly through complete mediation, while financial satisfaction affects intentions in both direct and indirect ways, with partial mediation. The study provides valuable insights for the researchers, individual investors, governmental officials, policymakers, and stock market regulators in context of emerging economies like Pakistan, highlighting key determinants of stock market participation.

Continuous usage is crucial for ensuring the longevity of technological advancements. The success of e-government is contingent upon its ongoing use, rather than its initial acceptance. Nevertheless, there has been a dearth of scholarly research on the ongoing use of e-government services. The objective of this study was to identify the primary factors that influences the continued use of e-government services in Indonesia. The research model was created by integrating both Expectation Confirmation Model and Technology Acceptance Model, two theories that are frequently employed in the adoption of technology. The data was obtained by administering an online survey to 217 Indonesian citizens who had previously utilized the Online Citizen Aspiration and Complaints Service (LAPOR) e-Government services. The results indicate that perceived ease of use had a substantial impact on citizen satisfaction and perceived usefulness. In contrast to previous research conducted in the context of e-Government, it was found that perceived usefulness did not have a significant correlation with the intention to continue using the system. The most significant predictor of continued intention to use was citizen satisfaction. Surprisingly, satisfaction was more significantly influenced by perceived ease of use than perceived usefulness. The implications of these findings are elaborated upon.

Open pitaya (Stenocereus thurberi) flowers were marked at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after floration (DAF). When fruit were formed, they were collected from each of the dates with the objective of evaluating physical, physiological and quality changes before and after harvest. In fruits with different DAF, the analyses of fruit size (diameter and length), weight, density, firmness, color in pulp and peel (L*, a* and b*), respiration rate (CO₂) and ethylene production were carried out. In the case of ripe and overripe fruit, in addition to the variables mentioned above, pH, percentage of total soluble solids TSS and total acidity (% citric acid equivalents) were evaluated. Fruit with 40 DAF were stored for up to 14 days at 25 ℃ and 80% RH to evaluate daily changes in respiration rate and ethylene production. It was found that during development the fruit tended to grow more in length than in diameter. In color, the best indicators of changes during fruit development were the parameters L* and b* for peel and for flesh L* and a*. For firmness in pitaya fruits, no significant differences were found with the methodology used. Changes in ethylene production and respiration rate during storage and development showed the usual behavior of climacteric fruits. Pitaya fruits with 40 FDD presented quality characteristics similar to those accepted by the consumer for this type of fruit. It is concluded that it is possible to evaluate the different stages of development in DDF of pitaya fruit based on the changes of the color space variables L*, a* and b*, in addition to the fact that the fruit follows the classical climacteric behavior.