Religiosity for Promotion of Behavior: Role of Islamic Worships in Moral Development of Muslim Youth

The question of moral rectitude and upbringing of youth in the current social arena is the contemporary discovery attributed to social and family norms that also undergo change due to social and economic reasons. Consequently, deferring levels of piety become more or less acceptable according to an individual’s surroundings and age. The study was done to determine the association between religiosity and behaviors likely to improve the moral, social and psychological habits of young Muslims. The discussion of the article contextualizes the effects of observing practices of Islam on a larger scale. A sample study of this research can be used as evidence to counter the contemporary environment which inevitably generates contradictions for young people. The contradictions result in uncertainty and materialistic atmosphere which does not cater to their spiritual needs and the requirements to develop as the youth of Ummah. Yet, we cannot stop or avoid the negative channels and their effects prevailing on the internet. We can; however, extend the positive spiritual energy in youth that is only possible through careful observance of religious practices comprising regular prayers, fasting, charity and pilgrimage (Hajj). The current apathy of our youth towards the religious injunctions may be attributed to social and family norms that are in some cases relative to the economic conditions and social backup. This will evaluate and assess the way and means of effective inlaying of moral fields where our young people can improve their moral aptitude and rectitude. The impasse of current moral turpitude can be shattered with the bounding relation of human activity and Islamic ritual.

Effect of Site-Directed Mutagenesis on the Efficiency of the Amylase Gene of B. Licheniformis

Bacillus α-amylases are widely used in industrial processes. Nevertheless, there is a need to improve the temperature tolerance of α-amylases as high temperature conditions are used in many industrial processes. In this study, various isolates of Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) were recovered from soil using potatoes (Solanum tumberosum) and sweet potatoes (Ipoema batatas) for baiting. Isolates were identified using common morphological techniques and biochemical tests with an API kit. B. licheniformis isolates for further study were selected on the basis of high α-amylase production. The α-amylase gene was cloned in plasmid pTBSG1 and characterized. Mutations to be introduced for enhancing α-amylase stability were predicted by in-silico design using various computational tools: Rosetta, the disulfide design server and the RosettaVIP tool. The disulfide design server identified five double mutants for mutagenesis to cysteine residues as follows: L64C/K80C, E119C/S130C, G433C/G474C, T139C/W157C and Y396C/D416C. A sixth mutant, V283I, was predicted with the RosettaVIP tool. The various mutants were prepared with the Phusion site-directed mutagenesis kit with the help of modified primers. Wild-type and mutants were then recombinantly expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and characterized and compared to wild-type enzyme. Wild-type and mutant enzymes were pre-incubated at 45 ºC to 85 ºC and residual activities were found to not vary significantly till 55 ºC (P-value > 0.05). On the other hand, at 65 ºC, 75 ºC and 85 ºC, mutant V283I showed significantly improved thermostability (P-value < 0.05). Among the double mutants, G433C/G474C was found to have highest thermostability in terms of thermal inactivation (P < 0.05). This study shows that the rational design and introduction of substitution mutations leading to the formation of disulfide bonds and increased hydrophobic interactions has high potential for improving the thermal stability of α-amylases.