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This paper presents a unique design of a single-axis tactile force sensor by a mutual parallel plate and fringing effect of an electric field that is generated between stationary patterned electrodes in the sensor. The proposed sensor can measure the normal and shear forces with high sensitivity and linear response. The capacitive tactile sensor is fabricated by low-cost rapid prototyping techniques using conductive ink for electrode printing that is printed on a polyethylene terephthalate sheet by an inkjet printer. Ecoflex 00-30 and silicone rubber RTV-528 are used as the dielectric medium and dome for force application. A finite element method analysis is performed for deciding the dimensions of the sensor's stationary electrodes. The force measurement ranges of the sensor for the normal and shear axis are 4 N and 2 N, respectively. The proposed tactile sensor shows a highly linear response, which makes it a suitable match for force feedback in robotic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Castleman disease affects lymph nodes with abnormal cell growth. It has unicentric (single node) Castleman disease (UCD) and multicentric (multiple nodes) Castleman disease (MCD) forms. MCD is systemic, with diverse symptoms, necessitating systemic treatment. Idiopathic MCD (iMCD) clinical subtypes are divided into iMCD- not otherwise specified (NOS) and iMCD-TAFRO (thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticular fibrosis, organomegaly). UCD, iMCD-NOS, and iMCD-TAFRO mainly exhibit histopathology of hyaline vascular type, plasma cell type, and hyper vascular type, respectively. Case presentation: A 21-year-old female with no comorbidities presented to the outpatient department (OPD) with left inguinal swelling, gradually growing over four years, accompanied by fever and weight loss. Her past medical history included pulmonary TB 5 years prior and miscarriages. Vitals are within normal limits. Examination revealed a tender, nonreducible inguinal lump and a smaller neck swelling. Serological tests for infections were negative. Imaging revealed enlarged lymph nodes. Biopsy confirmed Castleman disease of the hyper vascular type. We performed surgical removal of the enlarged lymph nodes followed by close regular follow-up along with potential chemotherapy for relapse. Conclusion: Hyper vascular type of the lymph node histology in Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease without TAFRO syndrome must be considered a differential diagnosis in lymphoproliferative disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice, a staple food crop for over half of the global population, is facing a serious threat of rising temperature due to climate change, especially in the areas producing Basmati rice. The main objectives of the study were to compare the promising cultivars of Basmati rice for heat stress tolerance and to assess how elevated temperature affects leaf physiological and morphological parameters of fine rice at seedling stage. A 2‐year‐controlled pot experiment was carried out to evaluate how different Basmati rice varieties respond to heat stress. The experiment was carried out at the Agronomic research area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, during 2022 and 2023. The design of experiment was completely randomised design (CRD) with split treatment structure and four replications. Plant morphology, leaf temperature, chlorophyll contents, relative cell injury and relative water contents were evaluated for both experimental years. Heat stress significantly affected all morphological and physiological attributes such as chlorophyll contents, relative water contents and relative cell injury across different varieties. There was variation in the behaviour of different varieties under stress conditions as compared to no heat, but from the results it was very clear that Kisan Basmati and PK‐1121 Aromatic constantly showed poor performance under both conditions for all the recorded parameters. However, in almost each parameter evaluated, Basmati‐515, Super Basmati and NIAB‐16 exhibited Superior thermo tolerance and better performance. On the basis of observed morphological and physiological attributes, Kisan and PK‐1121 Aromatic Basmati were graded as sensitive varieties, while Basmati‐515, Super Basmati and NIAB‐16 showed tolerance to heat stress as compared to other varieties. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and genetic factors contributing to the sensitivity or tolerance observed in these varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Accurate forecasts of renewable and nonrenewable energy output are essential for meeting global energy needs and resolving environmental issues. Energy sources like the sun and wind are variable, making forecasting difficult. Changes in weather, demand, and energy policy exacerbate this unpredictability. These challenges will be addressed by the bidirectional gated recurrent unit (Bi‐GRU) model, which forecasts power‐generating outcomes more efficiently. The investigation is done over a health data set from 2000 to 2023, including the energy states of the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, and Switzerland. The comparison of our model (Bi‐GRU) performance with other popular models, including bidirectional long short‐term memory (Bi‐LSTM), ensemble techniques combining convolutional neural networks (CNN) and Bi‐LSTM, and CNNs, make the study more interesting. The performance remains better with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 2.75%, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0414, mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0017, and authentify that Bi‐GRU performs much better than others. This model's superior prediction accuracy significantly enhances our ability to forecast renewable and nonrenewable energy outputs in European states, contributing to more effective energy management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐resolution infrared (IR) imaging technology holds substantial significance across diverse fields including biomedical imaging, environmental surveillance, and IR digital cameras. Current IR detectors used in commercial applications are based on ultra‐high vacuum‐processed traditional inorganic semiconductors like silicon or III‐V compounds (e.g., Si, Ge, and InGaAs). However, the rapid advancements in applications such as autonomous vehicles, virtual reality, and point‐of‐care healthcare are driving an escalating need for innovative imaging technologies. This review aims to bridge the gap by exploring solution‐processed semiconductor photodetectors (PDs), which offer distinct advantages including cost‐effectiveness, tunable spectral response, and potential for multiple‐exciton generation. These characteristics make them particularly suitable for optical communication, IR imaging, and biological monitoring applications. This review provides comprehensive insights into the research trends pertaining to solution‐processed IR detectors and imagers based on colloidal quantum dots, perovskites, organic compounds, and 2D materials. The review commences with the current market worth of image sensors, the fundamental principles of single‐pixel and multipixel array IR imagers, and key parameters used to assess IR detector performance. In essence, the review concludes with a summary of recent advancements and future prospects for next‐generation IR PD devices and their potential application as an IR imager. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design of a multi-axis capacitive tactile force sensor with a fully decoupled output response for input normal and shear forces. A patterned elastomer is used as a dielectric layer between capacitive electrodes of the sensor that allows to achieve relatively higher sensitivity. The sensor is fabricated utilizing a low-cost rapid prototyping technique and is characterized for normal and shear forces in the range of 0 ~ 10 N and 0 ~ 3.1 N respectively. The achieved force sensitivity for the normal axis is 2.03%/N and for shear axes is 1.67%/N. The difference between the estimated force from the sensor and actual force applied is negligible, which demonstrates the accuracy of the sensor. The reliability of the sensor is analysed by performing hysteresis and repeatability tests. The hysteresis error is found to be 4.94% and 4.69% for normal and shear forces respectively. The repeatability error of the sensor is less than 5%, which shows the stability of the sensor. The high sensitivity, linear output response, high force measurement range, reliability and low cost make the proposed tactile sensor suitable for the force feedback in the robotic surgical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the outcome of DHS versus PFNA for treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFFs) among elderly patients. Study Design: Randomized Clinical Trial. Setting: Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. Period: 2-03-2022 to 2-09-2022. Methods: In total 90 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were registered after approval from the ethical review committee of the hospital. Every patient provided written informed consent. Patients were allotted to each group (Group A = PFNA, Group B = DHS) using lottery method. Patients were operated upon by a single surgical team. Data was obtained VIA questionnaires designed for pre- operative period, immediate post-operative period, 1 and 3 months follow up. Patients were interviewed and evaluated by blind researchers at each stage. Harris hip score was used to assess the functional outcomes. Results: In 90 patients (45 in each), 36.2% (n=17) were male in PFNA group and 63.8% (n=30) in DHS group and 65.1% (n=28) were female in PFNA and 34.9% (n=15) in DHS group, p=0.011. Mean age of PFNA group was calculated as 66.00± 3.41 years and mean age of DHS group was 66.80±3.71 years (p=0.714). Distribution of BMI was 28.14+6.20kg/m2 in PFNA group and 27.47+6.24kg/m2 in DHS group, p=0.612. Distribution of Harris hip score at 1 month was 31.11+4.08 in PFNA group and 30.11+4.18 in DHS group, p=0.254 and Harris hip score at 3 months was 88.68+1.23 in PFNA group and 81.68+0.95 in DHS group, p=0.000. Conclusion: We concluded that PFN is superior to DHS in treating Boyd and Griffin type II intertrochanteric fractures of femur. It's only a matter of time that PFN becomes the new gold standard for these fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inkjet printing offers significant benefits for additive manufacturing (AM) and printed electronics, such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, non-contact printing, and the flexibility for ad-hoc customization. However, some challenges such as stable jetting states and defined printing zone still needs attention. Data driven modeling such as machine/deep learning (ML/DL) as a predictive methodology has proven to reduce the experimental cost and workload in AM for low-viscosity inks. However, there is an oversight in ML extension to high-viscosity inks due to some inherit challenges such as irregular shape formation, and adhesiveness. Therefore, this study is focused on the prediction of jetting states and defining the printing zone for three-dimensional (3D) inkjet printing of high-viscosity ink. The experimental data is comprised of equipment parameter settings, material properties, and camera-captured features. The jetting behavior is recorded with a high-speed camera and carefully categorized into five classes: no jetting, orifice adhesion, droplet jetting, orifice tail , and beads hanging. A robust and efficient high-viscosity 3D printing U-Net (HV3DP-UNet) model is proposed, that achieved the jetting state and printing zone prediction accuracy of 97.98% and 100% respectively. For the fair comparison, three traditional ML and two more DL models are tested and analyzed in detail. The robustness and efficacy of the proposed model is supplemented with four performance metrics, i.e., accuracy, precision, recall and f1-score. The models' efficacy has been proved by achieving improved results on the public dataset, the proposed model has achieved overall prediction accuracy of 92.95%. The presented data-driven approach serves as a systematic framework for enhancing quality of inkjet-based 3D printing utilizing high-viscosity ink. • Extensive experimentation conducted on 3D printing of high-viscosity ink. • Data-driven framework HV3DP-UNet for inkjet-based 3D printing. • Method to accurately predict jetting states and printability zone for high-viscosity inks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we delve into the exploration of the Kuralay-IIA equation by employing two power full approaches, namely extended hyperbolic function method (EHFM) and the improved modified Sardar-subequation method (IMSSEM). Applications of the Kuralay-IIA equation can be observed in a variety of physical phenomena, particularly in optical fibers, magnetic materials, and nonlinear optics. This equation performs an essential part in understanding gas behavior. Specifically, it offers an image of the relationship between volume, temperature and pressure in a gas system. We proceed through the matter in detail through the use of space curves which demonstrate integrable motion. Using the proposed techniques, our investigation provides an extensive variety of soliton solutions, such as periodic, dark–bright, bright, dark, solitary, and some other solutions. These solutions are in good alignment with previous study findings in this area. Analytical wave solutions are vital as they provide a basic comprehension of the physics or mathematics at play and establish a framework for further studies. The findings obtained from this study may help design models to come. The techniques used in this study are very effective, straightforward, and capable of handling more nonlinear models with high reliability. We use the Mathematica software to validate the accuracy and reliability of our results. Using carefully constructed 2D and 3D graphs generated, the resulting solutions are visually shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing and developing small organic molecules for use as urease inhibitors is challenging due to the need for ecosystem sustainability and the requirement to prevent health risks related to the human stomach and urinary tract. Moreover, imaging analysis is widely utilized for tracking infections in intracellular and in vivo systems, which requires drug molecules with emissive potential, specifically in the low-energy region. This study comprises the synthesis of a Schiff base ligand and its selected transition metals to evaluate their UV/fluorescence properties, inhibitory activity against urease, and molecular docking. Screening of the symmetrical cage-like ligand and its metal complexes with various eco-friendly transition metals revealed significant urease inhibition potential. The IC50 value of the ligand for urease inhibition was 21.80 ± 1.88 µM, comparable to that of thiourea. Notably, upon coordination with transition metals, the ligand–nickel and ligand–copper complexes exhibited even greater potency than the reference compound, with IC50 values of 11.8 ± 1.14 and 9.31 ± 1.31 µM, respectively. The ligand–cobalt complex exhibited an enzyme inhibitory potential comparable with thiourea, while the zinc and iron complexes demonstrated the least activity, which might be due to weaker interactions with the investigated protein. Meanwhile, all the metal complexes demonstrated a pronounced optical response, which could be utilized for fluorescence-guided targeted drug delivery applications in the future. Molecular docking analysis and IC50 values from in vitro urease inhibition screening showed a trend of increasing activity from compounds 7d to 7c to 7b. Enzyme kinetics studies using the Lineweaver–Burk plot indicated mixed-type inhibition against 7c and non-competitive inhibition against 7d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke has a negative impact on people's lives and is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Early detection of symptoms can significantly help predict stroke and promote a healthy lifestyle. Researchers have developed several methods to predict strokes using machine learning (ML) techniques. However, the proposed systems have suffered from the following two main problems. The first problem is that the machine learning models are biased due to the uneven distribution of classes in the dataset. Recent research has not adequately addressed this problem, and no preventive measures have been taken. Synthetic Minority Oversampling (SMOTE) has been used to remove bias and balance the training of the proposed ML model. The second problem is to solve the problem of lower classification accuracy of machine learning models. We proposed a learning system that combines an autoencoder with a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model to increase the accuracy of the proposed ML model for stroke prediction. Relevant features are extracted from the feature space using the autoencoder, and the extracted subset is then fed into the LDA model for stroke classification. The hyperparameters of the LDA model are found using a grid search strategy. However, the conventional accuracy metric does not truly reflect the performance of ML models. Therefore, we employed several evaluation metrics to validate the efficiency of the proposed model. Consequently, we evaluated the proposed model's accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), and receiver operator characteristic (ROC). The experimental results show that the proposed model achieves a sensitivity and specificity of 98.51% and 97.56%, respectively, with an accuracy of 99.24% and a balanced accuracy of 98.00%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inguinal hernias that turn out to be complicated with irreducibility and obstruction can cause danger to the life of the child and add to morbidity. This study aims to investigate the outcomes of the infra-umbilical transverse laparotomy incision approach compared to the conventional inguinal approach in the management of irreducible inguinal hernias in children, with a focus on postoperative complications, recurrence rates, length of hospital stay, and cosmetic results. Materials & Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in department of pediatric surgery, children hospital Lahore from Jan 2022 to Jul 2023 after IRB approval. Eighty four patients with irreducible inguinal hernia were selected and enrolled in this study. Patients were divided randomly into two groups; Group-A (operated via conventional inguinal approach) and Group-B (via infra umbilical laparotomy approach), 42 in each group. Post-operative complications, ease of procedure, and outcomes were compared between these two groups. All the Data were entered in SPSS 24. An independent simple t-test was used for comparison of variables. Results: Forty two patients presenting with irreducible inguinal hernias to the emergency department in each group were compared, With over all 94% being male and 6% female. Mean age of patients was 12.09 ± 11.35 months. Mean duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 29.07 ±6.53 hours. Following surgery through conventional inguinal approach, 9.5 % experienced scrotal swelling, 5.3% experienced recurrence, 4.2 % had bowel injury during dissection, 2.50% had injury to vas deferens 1.5% had iatrogenic undescended testis and 2.5% mortality rate. While patients operated via infra umbilical laparotomy approach has only complication of wound infections 3.4% with no other complications encountered as compared to conventional inguinal approach. Post-operative complications were significantly less in infra umbilical laparotomy approach. Conclusion: The current study concluded that post-operative complications were less with infra umbilical laparotomy approach as compared to conventional inguinal approach. Infra umbilical approach should be adopted in cases of irreducible, obstructed and strangulated inguinal hernia for better outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we explored the ability of Cordyceps militaris (CM) mushroom powder to prevent hyperlipidemia in albino rats fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD). Twenty-five male Albino Wister rats were divided into 5 groups, each consisting of five rats. PC (positive control group) was kept on a high-cholesterol diet, while rats in the negative control group (NC) were fed a standard basal diet and distilled water. The standard group (STD) (treatment group) received a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight of Simvastatin. The low dose (LD) and high dose (HD) groups were administered CM powder, at 12g/kg b.wt. and 24 g/kg b.wt./day, respectively, along with the basal diet, given orally daily for eight weeks. Our results clearly showed that CM significantly reduced the levels of TC, TG, and LDL levels by 55.65, 56.32, and 38.49%, in LD respectively, and by 63.40, 64.08 and 66.39% respectively in HD. CM consumption significantly increased the value of HDL by 52.81 and 57.45% in LD and HD respectively. There was a significant decrease in serum MDA (Malondialdehyde) and serum TOS (Total Oxidative Stress) levels in the treatment groups of LD and HD, however, the level of serum catalase (CAT) and serum TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity) followed an increasing trend in these groups. Moreover, CM at high doses triggered a significant drop in the amounts of aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) enzymes as compared to the NC by 27.2 and 34.82 % respectively. Furthermore, the normal histological structure was restored in the HD as compared to the PC group. Our results revealed that a high dose of CM could prevent HCD-induced hyperlipidemia and have the potential to be used as a functional food ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a low‐scattering 1 × 2 patch array antenna combining resistive and coding metasurfaces (MSs) for the reduction of wideband‐backscatter. An artificial magnetic conductor technology is used to validate the proposed technique, which is fundamentally based on scattering, phase cancellation, and absorptive property of the MS. By integration of coding MS elements and an absorbent unit cell, three different array blocks are utilized to significantly reduce the monostatic and bistatic backscattered energy level from 6.5 to 16.5 GHz, as well as overall reduction from 5 to 22 GHz. Under the incidence of plane waves, various reflection phases have been observed. The diffusion of the scattering energy from the surface can be achieved by carefully choosing the phase distributions for the reflected waves. Additionally, the bistatic backscattered energy level of the prototype is realized at various frequency points. This technique is validated using artificial magnetic conductors, which uniquely combine the effects of scattering, phase cancellation, and absorption in the MS's hybrid unit cells. Further, antenna array parameters are optimized for frequency, polarization, and angular diversity, S‐parameters, radiating efficiency, reducing radar cross section (RCS) in the wideband range and ensuring robust performance. The experimental results were substantiated by simulations of the reference and proposed prototypes suggesting that the proposed prototype can be a good candidate for applications that require a low monostatic and bistatic RCS platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and development of fluorescent materials for detecting cancer-related enzymes are crucial for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we present a substituted rhodamine derivative for the chromogenic and fluorogenic detection of the cancer-relevant enzyme γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT). Initially, the probe is non-chromic and non-emissive due to its spirolactam form, which hinders extensive electronic delocalization over broader pathway. However, selective enzymatic cleavage of the side-coupled group triggers spirolactam ring opening, resulting in electronic flow across the rhodamine skeleton, and reduces the band gap for low-energy electronic transitions. This transformation turns the reaction mixture from colorless to intense pink, with prominent UV and fluorescence bands. The sensor's selectivity was tested against various human enzymes, including urease, alkaline phosphatase, acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, and cyclooxygenase, and showed no response. Absorption and fluorescence titration analyses of the probe upon incremental addition of GGT into the probe solution revealed a consistent increase in both absorption and emission spectra, along with intensified pink coloration. The cellular toxicity of the receptor was evaluated using the MTT assay, and bioimaging analysis was performed on BHK-21 cells, which produced bright red fluorescence, demonstrating the probe's excellent cell penetration and digestion capabilities for intracellular analytical detection. Molecular docking results supported the fact that probe-4 made stable interactions with the GGT active site residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has been drastically affecting cotton not only in Pakistan but also all over the world. Normally cotton is known as heat tolerant when compared with other crops, but if the high temperature occurs during flowering period the yield decreases significantly. Marker assisted gene pyramiding provides a sustainable solution to improve heat tolerance. A total of seven genotypes were developed by a series of crossing seven tolerant genotypes over the period of three years. Tolerant genotypes were selected by screening for important transcription factors (GHSP26, HSP3, HSFA2, DREB1A, HSP101, DREB2A, GhNAC2, HSPCB, GhWRKY41, TPS, GbMYB5, ANNAT8, GhMPK17, GhMKK1, GhMKK3, GhMPK2, HSC70, APX1 and GhPP2A1). The seven genotypes were evaluated under normal and heat stress in a multi-year trial. The traits related to heat tolerance, such as cell membrane stability, relative water content, excised leaf water loss, plant height, number of nodes, internodal length, number of buds, number of bolls and leaf area was observed under normal and heat stress conditions. The developed genotypes showed improvement in cell membrane stability and relative water content under heat stress. The genotypes [(VH-305×MNH-886)×MNH-1035)×NIAB-78)], [(MNH-1035×MNH-886)×MNH-886)×SM-431] and [(MNH-1035×MNH-886)×MNH-886)×SS-32] depicted heat tolerance and could be used as heat tolerant material for variety development in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, optical characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) suspension has been performed by using Fluorescence spectroscopy. Optical density (OD) and plate count methods have been employed as a reference for the analysis of emission spectra of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water suspension. Emission spectra of PA suspension has been acquired by using excitation wavelengths from 270 to 420 nm with step of 10 nm to explore its spectral behavior. It has been found that emission spectra of tryptophan, tyrosine, NADH and FAD, the intracellular biomolecules of bacteria, can be used as finger prints for the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the effect of water matrix on the spectral emission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been investigated that might be one of the limitation of Fluorescence spectroscopy for complex water matrices. Moreover, a calibration curve has been produced between ODs600 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa suspensions of different bacterial load and integrated intensities of the emission spectra of same samples. These ODs600 and integrating intensities have been further vetted through plate count method by determining their corresponding colony forming units per ml (CFU/ml). This calibration curve may be used to determine CFU/ml of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water sample by determining integrating intensity of its emission spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of wheat straw biomass (WS), woody sawdust biomass (WB), and their blends during catalytic co-pyrolysis are analyzed in the presence of CaO catalyst, which is obtained from the calcination of mussel shells. Synergy analysis of blends and pure materials is measured by studying the difference between theoretical and experimental values of wt.%/min, (RL%), and (WL%), which correspond to maximum weight loss rate, residue left, and weight loss, respectively. The Coats–Redfern method is utilized for evaluating the thermo-kinetic properties. The chemical reaction order model F1 is the best model that describes the Ea of 60.05 kJ/mol and ∆H, ∆G, and ∆S values of 55.03 kJ/mol, 162.26 kJ/mol, and −0.18 kJ/mol.K, respectively, for the optimum blend 80WS−20WB, reducing the thermo-kinetic properties. Model D3 showed better results for the Ea, ∆H, ∆G, and ∆S for the 5% CaO blend, which certified the viability of co-pyrolysis of WS and WB, while DTG indicated that exothermic and endothermic reactions occur together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on the improvement of electrical discharge machining (EDM) performance while employing a previously less investigated but environment-friendly, biodegradable, and economically viable Tween series dielectric additive. It is validated through experimentation and process optimization that the Tween series surfactant-based dielectric improves material removal rate (MRR), reduces surface roughness (SR), and reduces relative electrode wear rate (REWR), which directly relate to aspects of productivity, quality, and cost. The work employed a full factorial design of experiment (DOE), followed by parametric analysis and optimization via analysis of variance (ANOVA) and composite desirability function. The effects of four process variables, namely additive type, additive concentration, pulse-off time, and electrode material, were considered for machining AISI D2 tool steel under positive polarity conditions. An improvement of ~ 106% in MRR, ~ 42% in REWR, and 40% in SR (Ra) is reported herein by the use of this green additive-based approach in comparison to the performance of baseline dielectric with no such additives. Additionally, the SEM analyses done for topographical aspects reveal machined surfaces with no pores and free of cracks when the surfactant-based approach is used. As revealed by EDS analysis, this approach results in more carbides and oxides present on the machined surface, which are preferred for better surface and sub-surface properties. The composite desirability of ~ 77.30% has been obtained by establishing a compromise between the maximum MRR, minimum REWR, and minimum SR taken as output measures for this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we developed an epidemic model with a combination of Atangana-Baleanu Caputo derivative and classical operators for the hybrid operator's memory effects, allowing us to observe the dynamics and treatment effects at different time phases of syphilis infection caused by sex. The developed model properties, which take into account linear growth and Lipschitz requirements relating the rate of effects within its many sub-compartments according to the equilibrium points, include positivity, unique solution, exitance, and boundedness in the feasible domain. After conducting sensitivity analysis with various parameters influencing the model for the piecewise fractional operator, the reproductive number R0 for the biological viability of the model is determined. Generalized Ulam-Hyers stability results are employed to preserve global stability. The investigated model thus has a unique solution in the specified subinterval in light of the Banach conclusion, and contraction as a consequence holds for the Atangana-Baleanu Caputo derivative with classical operators. The piecewise model that has been suggested has a maximum of one solution. For numerical solutions, piecewise fractional hybrid operators at various fractional order values are solved using the Newton polynomial interpolation method. A comparison is also made between Caputo operator and the piecewise derivative proposed operator. This work improves our knowledge of the dynamics of syphilis and offers a solid framework for assessing the effectiveness of interventions for planning and making decisions to manage the illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to produce a highly stable, effective, economical, and novel electro-active catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction, a significant advancement in green energy. The potential impact of this research is inspiring, as it could pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective green energy solutions. In this study, a CoFe 2 O 4 /g-CN composite catalyst was synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The samples were studied using several analytical techniques to evaluate shape and structure. This study used g-CN ultra-thin nanosheets as carriers for CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles to increase their active area and thus enhance their electrocatalytic performance. CoFe 2 O 4 /g-CN exhibited an improved ECSA (electrochemical active surface area) of 1337.5 cm2 and a higher Cdl value of 53.5 mF/cm2, significantly superior to the pristine CoFe 2 O 4. In comparison with pristine CoFe 2 O 4 , CoFe 2 O 4 /g-CN composite required a considerably reduced overpotential (ղ) of 200 mV to accomplish a current density (j) (10 mA/cm2). CoFe 2 O 4 /g-CN composite exhibited high stability of 35 h and a comparatively low Tafel plot (39 mV/dec). Considering all of these characteristics, it is clear that the CoFe 2 O 4 /g-CN composite could be an excellent electrocatalyst for the OER process. [Display omitted] • CoFe 2 O 4 /g-CN composite was fabricated via hydrothermal techniques for OER. • CoFe 2 O 4 /g-CN composite has a greater electrocatalytic efficiency for OER. • The small overpotential (200 mV) is required to attain 10 mA/cm2 having a Tafel plot (39 mV/dec). • CoFe 2 O 4 /g-CN demonstrated remarkable stability of 35 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage detection in structurally reinforced concrete elements is a vital topic for structural health monitoring and for assessing the capacity of reinforced concrete members. In this regard, many destructive tests exist that allow technical experts to evaluate the damage to a structural member. Such techniques are often employed for damage assessment after a natural disaster or a man-made event to assess the structural integrity and prioritize the locations that require urgent repair work. The researcher was successful in developing a testing methodology using nondestructive testing to identify internal damage in reinforced concrete elements by linking the delay in ultrasonic wave propagation to the initiation, development, and progression of cracks in the concrete surrounding the steel reinforcement. It was observed during experimentation that using the proposed methodology of gradual loading and comparing the speed of travel of the ultrasonic pulse velocity to the undamaged elements, the researcher was successful in identifying and localizing the internal cracked portions in the structural concrete member. Twelve reinforced concrete elements with full-size tension, compression, and shear reinforcements were tested to validate the proposed nondestructive test methodology. Direct and indirect methods of investigation were employed for testing purposes. From the performed experiments on reinforced concrete members, it was concluded that the proposed nondestructive testing methodology can be successfully applied in structural capacity assessment. The data collected from on-site investigations can be used for minimizing repair and strengthening work. In-addition an in-depth sensitivity analysis was conducted using the Latin hypercube sampling method to understand the influence of each variable on the ultrasonic pulse velocity test results. A purely random combination of parameters was adopted for the sensitivity analysis. Through the analysis, it was concluded that concrete strength played the most influential role in the ultrasonic pulse velocity testing followed by concrete cover, bar diameter and wave path length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare intra-operative blood loss, operative time and postoperative pain scores with cold steel dissection technique versus bipolar diathermy technique in tonsillectomy at our institution. Method: Seventy-four patients aged 5-35 years of either gender planned for elective tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia were included. Patients were divided into two groups. In group C, the cold steel dissection technique was used while in group D bipolar diathermy technique was used for tonsillectomy. All patients were evaluated for intra-operative blood loss, operative time and post-operative pain. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 20.0. P-A value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean operating time was 28.16 ± 0.27 minutes in Group C and 21.4 ± 2.34 minutes in Group D. Intra-operative blood loss was 90.76 ± 2.02 ml in Group C and 17.38 ± 3.1 57 ml group-D. The post-operative pain score was 6.89 ± 0.32 in group C and 6.92 ± 0.27 in group D. Conclusion: The bipolar diathermy technique is superior to the cold steel dissection technique in terms of intra-operative bleeding and operative time but at the expense of a higher post-operative pain score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The silicon wafer with golden illuminating nanoporous thin film was obtained by anodizing boron doped silicon wafers by provided appropriate electric input of 20 mA/cm2 through Keithley source meter. An increase in anodization time shifts the photoluminescence (PL) spectra to a higher PL emission energy as well as a higher PL emission intensity. The dynamic properties of the photoluminating porous silicon thin film were analyzed for the sample obtained at different etching times. Upon excitation at 410 nm, the photoluminescence exhibited a single-exponential decay signal and the decay time doesn't depend on the etching time. Small differences in decay time at each spot on the etched surface of the same sample show the distribution dependence of nanocrystallite size. Images of the sample fluorescence also show a distribution in brightness. This complex behavior provides evidence that the quantum confinement effect could be playing an important role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is some debate about whether oral propranolol or topical timolol are more effective for treating infantile hemangioma, and only a few studies are available in the literature. The project aimed to compare efficacy and safety of topical timolol vs. oral propranolol in the management of superficial infantile hemangiomas in outpatients in terms of size reduction, color change and duration of treatment. Materials & Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar after IRB approval. Sixty patients with superficial infantile hemangioma were selected and were randomized into two groups, 30 in each group using the balloting method; Group-A (taking propranolol) and Group-B (taking topical timolol). The propranolol was split into two doses and taken within half an hour after each meal. Applying timolol maleate 0.5% hydro gel topically three times a day was the standard course of action. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, color shifts, and treatment duration were used to assess the success of the therapy. Cosmetic improvement was used to assign a value on the VAS (from -100 to 100). Therapy responses were ranked as outstanding (90-100), good (51-90), fair (1-50), or poor (100-0). All the data were entered in SPSS version 24 and analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference for therapeutic response (Excellent therapeutic response: Propranolol: 42.5% vs. Topical Timolol: 45%, p-value=0.624) and adverse effects (p-value=0.112) in treatment groups. Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrate that topical timolol and oral propranolol are equally effective for treating superficial infantile hemangiomas in terms of size reduction, color change, duration of treatment, efficacy and adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the proportion and patient profile of conditionally discharged patients supervised by general adult community mental health teams (CMHTs). In this study, the authors evaluate the number of patients and their demographic, clinical and risk profile, and current practice in terms of supervision and structures. Supervision in the community is time‐ and resource‐intensive. There is a need for NHS Trusts to ensure adequate support and structures, supervision, training and joint working opportunity with forensic services to ensure safe quality care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensors play a critical role in the detection and monitoring of various substances present in our environment, providing us with valuable information about the world around us. Within the field of sensor development, one area that holds particular importance is the detection of small molecules. Small molecules encompass a wide range of organic or inorganic compounds with low molecular weight, typically below 900 Daltons including gases, volatile organic compounds, solvents, pesticides, drugs, biomarkers, toxins, and pollutants. The accurate and efficient detection of these small molecules has attracted significant interest from the scientific community due to its relevance in diverse fields such as environmental pollutants monitoring, medical diagnostics, industrial optimization, healthcare remedies, food safety, ecosystems, and aquatic and terrestrial life preservation. To meet the demand for precise and efficient monitoring of small molecules, this summary aims to provide an overview of recent advancements in sensing and quantification strategies for various organic small molecules including Hydrazine, Glucose, Morpholine, Ethanol amine, Nitrosamine, Oxygen, Nitro-aromatics, Phospholipids, Carbohydrates, Antibiotics, Pesticides, Drugs, Adenosine Triphosphate, Aromatic Amine, Glutathione, Hydrogen Peroxide, Acetone, Methyl Parathion, and Thiophenol. The focus is on understanding the receptor sensing mechanism, along with the electrical, optical, and electrochemical response. Additionally, the variations in UV–visible spectral properties of the ligands upon treatment with the receptor, fluorescence and absorption titration analysis for limit of detection (LOD) determination, and bioimaging analysis are discussed wherever applicable. It is anticipated that the information gathered from this literature survey will be helpful for the perusal of innovation regarding sensing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising population levels exert significant pressure on available freshwater resources. Scientists and researchers from various countries are diligently seeking a long-lasting solution using solar-powered desalination. This research paper investigates the current advancements in solar desalination research by utilizing the method of "scientometrics". Scientometrics employs traditional methodologies, including bibliometrics, which entails quantifying the number of research papers published, and citation analysis, which involves examining the frequency with which other researchers cite these papers. By integrating these two approaches, scientometrics provides invaluable information about the most influential countries, institutions, and individual researchers in the field. Utilizing the software program VOSviewer, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on 1855 research papers published between 2010 and 2024. These papers were selected based on a predetermined set of ten key search terms. The results of the analysis indicate that China is the leading country in this field, as it boasts the highest number of published papers and the most citations received overall. Notably, Egyptian research institutions have been identified as the most influential in this area. Moreover, a single author has notably amassed 3419 citations for their 54 published works on solar desalination. This analysis unveiled past and contemporary advancements in the field and identified current trends through keyword analysis. It also offers recommendations based on bibliometric findings, including suggestions for addressing the challenges faced by solar-derived systems and addressing research area saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and energy crises are twin challenges that require collective wisdom and polygeneration energy systems for sustainable development. Hydrogen is an abundant element in the universe that can shape the future of energy transmission and storage from electrons to molecules. This paper presents utilization of a solar PV assisted hydrogen and electricity production and storage system for a university transportation fleet of 43 student transit buses to reduce annual 9842 liter fuel consumption and 26.52 Mt CO 2 emissions. The system is designed, modeled, and simulated using TRNSYS® energy simulation software and optimized in TrnOpt linked to GenOpt for dynamic weather conditions of Gujrat (Pakistan), Fargo (USA), London (UK). As a model, the results of a 27kW p PV system are presented that assists an alkaline electrolyzer generating 12696 m3 hydrogen, 6348 m3 oxygen, 16848 KWh electricity exported to national grid and 11.56 GJ thermal energy annually. The proposed system generates energy vectors including hydrogen, electricity, heat, and oxygen with optimal performance during intermittent weathers. In this paper, a business model canvas is developed for solar PV assisted hydrogen production and storage system. These outputs can be accredited to the hydrogen as an energy alternative for green and sustainable future for transportation sector. [Display omitted] • A paradigm energy shift from electron to molecules for a sustainable future. • A Solar assisted polygeneration system is dynamically simulated and optimized in TRNSYS for various climate conditions. • Proposed 27kWp system effectively produces 12696 m³ hydrogen, 6348 m³ oxygen, and exports 16848 kWh electricity to grid. • The system cuts annual fuel consumption by 9842 liters for university fleet, reducing CO 2 emissions by 26.52 Mt annually. • Developed a business model for the sustainable application of solar PV-assisted hydrogen production in transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of materials science, a fascinating class of substances known as topological nodal line semimetals have garnered significant attention. These materials possess distinctive quantum states, characterized by topologically nontrivial conduction and valence bands that intricately intersect with the Fermi level. Such unique band structures give these materials a plethora of surprising properties, including the emergence of flat Landau levels and the appearance of long‐range Coulomb interactions. Notably, certain bulk materials, namely PbTaSe2, ZrSiS, PtSn4, and Cu2Si, exhibit these intriguing topological nodal lines. However, the theoretical investigation pertaining to CuSe and its Dirac nodal line properties remains relatively limited. In this work, we have employed simulations on CuSe to elucidate its distinctive physical properties such as a Dirac matter. There exist Dirac bands and band inversion in the vicinity of Fermi levels, and Fermi surface holds a Horn‐like structure. We pointed out the occurrence of mirror reflection symmetry‐protected Dirac nodal line fermions in copper selenide (CuSe) that make CuSe a candidate for Dirac nodal line fermion started by the Se 4p and Cu 3d orbitals. The nontrivial topological edge states further verify our proposal of the mirror reflection symmetry is broken by spin‐orbit coupling. These findings provide a new perspective that advances our comprehension of the remarkable properties exhibited by these materials, thereby paving the way for the development of high‐speed and low‐dissipation devices in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution caused by heavy metal(oid)s has generated great concern worldwide due to their toxicity, persistence, and bio-accumulation properties. To assess the baseline data, the heavy metal(oid)s, including manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd), were evaluated in surface soil samples collected from the farmlands of Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Samples were digested via acid mixture and analyzed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) analysis to assess the levels, ecological risks, and possible sources. The heavy metal(oid) median levels exhibited the following decreasing trend: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Cd > Hg. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) suggested the main lithogenic source for the studied metal(oid)s. Metal(oid) levels in the current investigation, except Mn, are lower than most of the guideline values set by international agencies. The contamination factor (Cf), geo accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF) showed considerable contamination, moderate contamination, and significant enrichment, respectively, for As and Cd on median value basis. Ecological risk factor (Er) results exhibited low ecological risk for all studied metal(oid)s except Cd, which showed considerable ecological risk. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) levels indicated low ecological risk to considerable risk. Overall, the results indicate the accumulation of As and Cd in the study area. The high nutrients of the soils potentially affect their accumulation in crops and impact on consumers' health. This drives the impetus for continued environmental monitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Punjab, Pakistan, wheat production within the rice-wheat cropping system is frequently undermined by soil degradation and nutrient depletion, exacerbated by traditional agricultural practices. Addressing these challenges, this study evaluates the impact of green manuring and tillage practices on wheat productivity in rice-wheat cropping system, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The study examined twelve treatments combining green manuring (no green manuring, Sesbania, or Cluster bean) with rice cultivation methods (direct-seeded or transplanted) and tillage practices (zero or plough tillage). Wheat was sown following rice at a rate of 125 kg ha-1, with fertilizers applied in split applications. The analysis revealed significant differences across treatments. The highest number of fertile tillers (429 m-2 in 2020, 441 m2 in 2021) was recorded in Treatment 5 (Sesbania green manuring, direct-seeded rice, zero tillage wheat), while the lowest (322 m-2 in 2020, 329 m-2 in 2021) was in Treatment 4 (No green manuring, transplanted rice, plough tillage wheat). Similar trends were observed for spikelets per spike, grains per spike, and thousand grain weight, with Treatment 5 consistently performing the best. Biological yield was highest in Treatment 5 (13.12 t ha-1 in 2020, 13.42 t ha-1 in 2021), and grain yield peaked at 4.10 t ha-1 (2020) and 4.50 t ha-1 (2021) in Treatments 5 and 6. These findings underscore the benefits of integrating Sesbania green manuring with zero tillage and direct seeding of rice, significantly enhancing soil moisture retention and structure, which leads to improved wheat yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of deaths occur each year due to the late diagnosis of abnormal cellular growth within the body. However, the devastating impact of this can be significantly reduced if cancer metastasis is detected early through the use of enzymatic biomarkers. Among several biomarkers, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) stands out as a member of the aminopeptidase family. It is primarily found on the surface of cancer cells such as glioma, ovarian, lung, and prostate cancer, without being overexpressed in normal cells or tissues. Recent years have witnessed significant progress in the field of cancer monitoring and imaging. Fluorescence sensing techniques have been employed, utilizing organic small molecular probes with enzyme-specific recognition sites. These probes emit a fluorescent signal upon interacting with GGT, enabling the imaging, identification, and differentiation of normal and cancerous cells, tissues, and organs. This review article presents a concise overview of recent progress in fluorescent probes developed for the selective detection of GGT, focusing on their applications in cancer imaging. It highlights the observed alterations in the fluorescence and absorption spectra of the probes before and after interaction with GGT. Additionally, the study investigates the changes in the probe molecule's structure following enzyme treatment, evaluates the sensor's detection limit, and consolidated imaging studies conducted using confocal fluorescence analysis. This comprehensive survey is expected to contribute to the advancement of sensing techniques for biomarker detection and cancer imaging, providing valuable insights for refining methodologies and inspiring future developments in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of the renewable energy sources (RESs) into the power grid, drives a significant transformation in the conventional power generation landscape. This transition from traditional synchronous generators to inverter based RESs introduces unique challenges in maintaining the grid frequency stability due to the reduced system inertia. The inherent stochastic nature of the RES power generation, load demand, and grid inertia includes further complexity in the assessment of frequency stability. Existing studies have limitations, including neglecting the stochastic nature of RES generation and load demand fluctuations, relying on limited metrics, and lacking a comprehensive day‐to‐day assessment. To address these shortcomings of the existing approaches, this paper introduces a novel methodology for assessing frequency stability in power grids with high RES penetration. It proposes three indices for evaluating grid frequency sensitivity, resiliency, and permissibility amidst varying RES integration. Utilizing a stochastic approach, the study incorporates uncertainties in RES generation and load demand, offering a comprehensive framework for day‐to‐day frequency stability analysis. Additionally, it presents a systematic method to ascertain the necessary inertial support for maintaining desired frequency reliability in RES‐dominated grids. The effectiveness of these methodologies is validated through a case study on a modified IEEE 39‐bus test system, demonstrating their applicability in ensuring reliable grid operation under high RES scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex systems are prevalent in various disciplines encompassing the natural and social sciences, such as physics, biology, economics, and sociology. Leveraging data science techniques, particularly those rooted in artificial intelligence and machine learning, offers a promising avenue for comprehending the intricacies of complex systems without necessitating detailed knowledge of underlying dynamics. In this paper, we demonstrate that multiscale entropy (MSE) is pivotal in describing the steady state of complex systems. Introducing the multiscale entropy dynamics (MED) methodology, we provide a framework for dissecting system dynamics and uncovering the driving forces behind their evolution. Our investigation reveals that the MED methodology facilitates the expression of complex system dynamics through a Generalized Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation (GNSE) that thus demonstrates its potential applicability across diverse complex systems. By elucidating the entropic underpinnings of complexity, our study paves the way for a deeper understanding of dynamic phenomena. It offers insights into the behavior of complex systems across various domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) is a systematic framework applied to recognize and eliminate viable failures within objects, services, structures, or designs at the early stage of the production process. The existing traditional FMEA approaches come with inherent deficiencies, e.g., all risk factors having similar weights, inappropriate and crisp risk priority numbers, and neglecting the existence of uncertainty and vagueness in experts' judgment. Our purpose is to identify the drawbacks of the existing models and then improve the risk assessment of failure modes under uncertain environments. For this purpose, we present a novel FMEA technique based on rough numbers and preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) in multi-criteria decision-making problems. The presented FMEA model integrates the advantages of the PROMETHEE approach and the modified entropy weight method in coping with the roughness of linguistic assessment information. To illustrate its potential applications, the proposed method is tested to examine the risks of the general anesthesia process in the medical field. In the end, a comparison with the existing techniques is given to show the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research is urgently required to understand COVID-19's impact on international students and satisfaction with support interventions. This study investigated these dimensions for international business students studying in Australia to inform international HE policy and marketing. Qualitative research identified the main impacts: financial hardship and income loss, social and lifestyle changes, cessation of travel, and mental health concerns. Six COVID-19 intervention dimensions were identified and a survey then captured ratings of importance, as well as the performance of CDU and the government across these dimensions. Intervention improvement priorities varied according to the analytical approach used. For example, importance-performance analysis revealed financial support as the priority for improvement. In contrast, regression analysis revealed social distancing as the key driver of intervention satisfaction. Closing the loop research then revealed ways to improve COVID-19 interventions and provided input for future marketing for attracting and maintaining international students. Implications for measuring student satisfaction are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the study was to measure the efficacy of injection thyroplasty by liquid paraffin in the medialization of vocal cords in permanent post-traumatic or idiopathic hoarseness. Methodology: A total of 37 patients were enrolled in the study after obtaining approval from the ethical review board. The sample size was calculated using the WHO sample size calculator. All the patients in the study presented with hoarseness of voice due to either traumatic injury, idiopathic aetiology, or post-thyroidectomy. Samples were selected by simple random sampling. It was a Quasi-experimental study. All patients underwent an injection thyroplasty procedure using liquid paraffin to medialize the vocal cords. All the procedures were done under local anaesthesia. The patients were kept in follow-up for 1 year at an interval of 3 months. All the data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 24. Paired sample t-test was applied to measure pre-procedure and post-procedure scores. Results: The mean age of the participants was 38 years. Out of 37 patients 23 (62%) patients presented within 6 months of hoarseness of voice. 14 (38%) patients presented after 6 months of hoarseness of voice. 19 out of 23 patients (83%) underwent only a single dose of liquid paraffin via injection thyroplasty to resolve hoarseness of voice. However, out of 14 patients, 7 patients (50%) reportedly had to undergo 2 doses of liquid paraffin via injection thyroplasty. The p-value calculated was <0.005 which was statistically significant. Out of patients presenting after 6 months, 11 patients (79%) underwent transcervical phonation surgery. The p-value calculated was <0.05 which is statistically significant. Conclusion: Our study concludes that liquid paraffin is a safe and cost-effective solution for vocal cord paralysis. Liquid paraffin is not expensive and easily available which can be implied to yield excellent results to improve hoarseness of voice. Patients with late presentation are less likely to get the benefit of this procedure and may have to go for invasive transcervical phonation surgeries. It is recommended that this procedure should be done within 6 months of the development of hoarseness of voice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current industrial scenario, cadmium (Cd) as a metal is of great importance but poses a major threat to the ecosystem. However, the role of micronutrient − amino chelates such as iron − lysine (Fe − lys) in reducing Cr toxicity in crop plants was recently introduced. In the current experiment, the exogenous applications of Fe − lys i.e., 0 and10 mg L − 1, were examined, using an in vivo approach that involved plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant response, sugar and osmolytes under the soil contaminated with varying levels of Cd i.e., 0, 50 and 100 µM using two different varieties of canola i.e., Sarbaz and Pea − 09. Results revealed that the increasing levels of Cd in the soil decreased plant growth and growth-related attributes and photosynthetic apparatus and also the soluble protein and soluble sugar. In contrast, the addition of different levels of Cd in the soil significantly increased the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which induced oxidative damage in both varieties of canola i.e., Sarbaz and Pea − 09. However, canola plants increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and non-enzymatic compounds such as phenolic, flavonoid, proline, and anthocyanin, which scavenge the over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cd toxicity can be overcome by the supplementation of Fe − lys, which significantly increased plant growth and biomass, improved photosynthetic machinery and sugar contents, and increased the activities of different antioxidative enzymes, even in the plants grown under different levels of Cd in the soil. Research findings, therefore, suggested that the Fe − lys application can ameliorate Cd toxicity in canola and result in improved plant growth and composition under metal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water electrolysis is a propitious strategy to overcome the exceeding energy crisis by producing renewable and green hydrogen fuel. However, the practical application of this process is limited due to the inadequacy of earth-rich, economical, and efficient electrocatalysts for carrying out kinetically more sluggish oxygen evolution reactions (OER). In the present research, a simple sol–gel method was employed to produce Co3O4/Pr2O3 nanocomposite material, which provides exceptional electrical conductivity and lesser charge transfer resistance of mixed-valence cations. The fabricated nanomaterials were analyzed using various scientific techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to determine their crystal structure, morphology, elemental composition, and oxidation states. To investigate the water oxidation capability and steadiness of the modified Co3O4/Pr2O3 electrode material in alkaline conditions, cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and constant current chronoamperometry (CA) were utilized. These outcomes revealed that the resultant nanocomposite exhibits a minimal overpotential around 257 mV and a lower Tafel slope around 78 mVdec−1 at a benchmark current density of 10 mAcm−2. In addition, the alkaline solution reliability of the electrocatalysts was examined and confirmed to be steady for 24 h via chronoamperometry. The extraordinary electrocatalytic achievement of Co3O4/Pr2O3 is ascribed to its structural synergistic effect, which encourages the oxygen evolution activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tillering phase of wheat (Triticum aestivum) crops is extremely susceptible to drought. We explored the potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in protecting wheat genotypes from drought injury during this sensitive stage. After treating with AgNPs (60 ppm), the plants were submitted to different water levels; i.e. 100% field capacity (FC), 75% FC (mild drought), 50% FC (moderate drought) and 25% FC (severe drought) from 15 to 41 days after sowing (tillering phase). Leaf physiological data were collected at stress termination, while yield attributes were recorded at crop maturity. We found that increasing drought intensity significantly impaired leaf physiology and grain yield of both studied genotypes. Compared with control, moderately and severely drought-stressed plants produced 25% and 45% lesser grain yield per spike, respectively (averaged across genotypes and years of study). Likewise, moderate and severe drought reduced photosynthesis by 49% and 76%, respectively, compared with control. In contrast, AgNPs significantly restored leaf physiological functioning and grain yield formation at maturity. For example, under moderate and severe drought, AgNPs-treated plants produced 22% and 17% more grains per plant, respectively, than their respective water-treated plants. Our study suggests that exogenous AgNPs can protect wheat crops from drought during early development stages. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) crops suffer significant grain yield losses when water supplies are affected during the early developmental phases. This study shows varying levels of drought stress impaired carbon assimilation, tiller formation and final grain yield of wheat genotypes. In contrast, exogenously applied silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) restored plant growth and grain yield formation, suggesting their potential to protect wheat crops from drought-induced injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effects of different concentrations (0.05 and 0.15 mM) of a benzothiazine (BTh) derivative on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in normal (100% field water capacity, FWC) and drought (60% FWC) conditions. Various morphological and physiological characteristics, and the uptake of osmo-protectants and nutrients were measured under the two FWC conditions. Results show that the drought conditions significantly reduced plant growth, affected plant composition, reduced the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and affected gaseous exchange attributes, stomatal behaviour, and uptake fluxes of essential nutrients, while increasing the contents of different osmo-protectants and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants to decrease the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cells/tissues. However, seed priming with BTh reduced water stress conditions by increasing plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, stomatal behaviour, different gaseous exchange attributes, and uptake fluxes of essential nutrients compared with unprimed plants. In addition, the plant has a strong antioxidant defense system, which further increased its activities under BTh derivative treatments, to scavenge ROS production and maintain cell turgor under water stress conditions. In conclusion, drought stress-induced oxidative stress and altered the growth of T. aestivum , whereas seed priming increased plant growth and antioxidant production by improving the plant tolerance to drought. We suggest that seed priming with a BTh derivative as an effective priming technique in T. aestivum for reducing drought stress tends to benefit a grower in terms of better growth to fulfil the market demand for food cereals. Approximately 33% of the arable land around the world, including Pakistan, is vulnerable to drought, affecting the yield and productivity of cereal crops. It is hypothesised that benzothiazine (BTh) could alleviate abiotic stress caused by drought through salicylic acid accumulation in plants. We found that wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds primed with BTh derivatives could alleviate oxidative stress by increasing antioxidants, proline, soluble sugars and increasing fluxes of essential nutrients under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polyphagous insect pest, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) has shown a high propensity for developing resistance to insecticides. Chemical control remains the most widely employed method for managing B. tabaci populations across various crops, including cotton. Consequently, a comprehensive analysis of several commercially available insecticides were undertaken. This study aimed to monitor the insecticide resistance in cotton B. tabaci field populations to insecticides (pyriproxyfen, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, diafenthiuron, dimethoate and spirotetramat) using the leaf dip bioassay method. The research was conducted over six years (2016–2021) at the Insecticide Resistance Laboratory, Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (31.404975º N; 73.0505453º E). The results revealed a very low level of resistance to spirotetramat (2.94–17.76), a low to moderate level of resistance to pyriproxyfen (4.81–25.96) and diafenthiuron (20.57–30.09), a high level of resistance to acetamiprid (75.83-100.65) and dimethoate (53.76–96.08) and a very high level of resistance was recorded to imidacloprid (101.67-201.67). This study provides baseline data on the current insecticide resistance status of B. tabaci populations in cotton crops and offers a foundation for monitoring future resistance developments. The findings suggest that the repeated use of insecticides from the same chemical group should be avoided. It is recommended that the judicious use of novel insecticides, within the framework Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM), can enhance the effectiveness of control measures and ensure the sustainable management of B. tabaci populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study incorporated the index decomposition analysis to drive the GHGs emissions intensity and separate the impact into true efficiency and structural transformation of economic activities on GHGs emissions. The global perspective is investigated in three aspects; (i) global groups of countries regarding income level, (ii) global countries bifurcated into geo-political regions and, (iii) hundred countries are taken to perform individual country level analysis, by taking 20 years (2000–2019) data. The hundred countries are ranked regarding GHGs intensity, efficiency and economic activities with respect to (i) for the latest year performance, (ii) twenty years average performance and, (iii) annual average reduction of GHGs emissions, comparable with base year 2000. Income-based countries groups explicate the improvement of GHGs intensity for HIC only and the economic transformation contributed to it. Efficiency index for all income groups while economic activities of LMIC, MIC and UMIC deteriorated the GHGs emissions. Global geo-political regions explicate the mixed pattern of GHGs intensity. Efficiency index is best for Azerbaijan and least for Uzbekistan. While ranking average GHGs emission reduction countries; Zimbabwe is the best and Qatar is the last country in the intensity list. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bus rapid transit (BRT) systems have emerged as efficient, convenient, and cost-effective solutions to meet customer transport needs. Since their advent in developing countries, a plethora of research has examined the service quality attributes of such systems that contribute to customers' overall satisfaction. Yet, there have been some methodological gaps that have limited understanding of what maximizes customer satisfaction with the service quality of the BRT system. This current study intends to fill such gaps and examines drivers of explicit and derived customer satisfaction with BRT systems in the emerging economy of Pakistan. In-depth interviews were first conducted to identify key service quality dimensions for BRT customers from four major Pakistani cities. A structured survey was then used to collect data from a total of 481 respondents (useable responses) using the Qualtrics platform. Data were analyzed via gap analysis, importance-performance grid, and regression analyses in SPSS to identify service quality elements that derive BRT customer satisfaction. These three data analysis techniques produced varying findings regarding service quality dimensions needing improvement to increase satisfaction. This study provides critical insights to improve the customers' BRT experience and some theoretical contributions for future researchers. • Four BRT systems are analyzed in a developing economy. • Importance Performance analysis is conducted. • Explicit and derived satisfaction approaches yield different results. • Ease of access, coverage, and timely information are attributed to focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of Fluorescence spectroscopy has been utilized for the quality analysis of canola and mustard oil along with the effect of heating on their molecular composition has been investigated. Laser diode at 405 nm has been employed directly to oil surface to excite both oil type samples and their emission spectra has been recorded by an in-house developed Fluorosensor. The emission spectra of both oil types unveiled that they contain carotenoids, isomers of vitamin E and chlorophylls that exhibit their fluorescence at 525 and 675/720 nm, and these can be used as markers for their quality assurance. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a fast, reliable and non-destructive analytical technique for the quality assessment of both oil types. Moreover, the effect of temperature on their molecular composition has been investigated by heating them at 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 170, 180 and 200 °C, each sample for 30 min which was done because both oils are used for cooking and frying. On heating, the deterioration of carotenoids and isomers of vitamin E in both oil types occurred with an increase in the oxidised products. However, it was found that up to 150 °C, both oil types can be used safely for cooking/frying purpose where they do not lose much of their valuable ingredients and up to 180 °C for deep frying, both oils can be used with less deterioration and after that both deteriorated much due to rapid increase of the oxidized products. The portable Fluorosensor, therefore, proved as an excellent device for quality screening of edible oils based on carotenoids and vitamin E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium is imperative in maintaining a quality life, particularly during later ages. Its deficiency results in a wide range of metabolic disorders such as dental changes, cataracts, alterations in brain function, and osteoporosis. These deficiencies are more pronounced in females due to increased calcium turnover throughout their life cycle, especially during pregnancy and lactation. Vitamin D perform a central role in the metabolism of calcium. Recent scientific interventions have linked calcium with an array of metabolic disorders in females including hypertension, obesity, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), multiple sclerosis, and breast cancer. This review encompasses these female metabolic disorders with special reference to calcium and vitamin D deficiency. This review article aims to present and elaborate on available data regarding the worldwide occurrence of insufficient calcium consumption in females and allied health risks, to provide a basis for formulating strategies and population‐level scientific studies to adequately boost calcium intake and position where required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study a generalized version of strongly reciprocally convex functions of higher order. Firstly, we prove some basic properties for addition, scalar multiplication, and composition of functions. Secondly, we establish Hermite-Hadamard and Fejér type inequalities for the generalized version of strongly reciprocally convex functions of higher order. We also include some fractional integral inequalities concerning with this class of functions. Our results have applications in optimization theory and can be considered extension/generalization of many existing results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented reality apps are a novel technology in e-learning that enhances students' learning faster in virtual classrooms. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional teaching mechanisms pushed back due to the quick spread of Coronavirus disease. This study investigates university students' intention towards e-learning through augmented reality app during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. This study presented a conceptual model based on the theory of planned behaviour that examines university students' beliefs and their intention to opt for augmented reality app subject to e-learning of coursework. Structural equation modelling was applied to analyse data from 133 university students in Pakistan. The study findings indicated that the theory of planned behaviour explained university students' acceptance of e-learning through augmented reality apps, where attitude and behavioural control significantly influenced their intention to adopt augmented reality apps for e-learning; hence, subjective norm showed insignificant results. The results acknowledge the modern way of teaching via augmented reality apps by university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]