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Post-COVID-19 working conditions have been the primary reason behind increased stress among business owners. There is an ever-rising need for entrepreneurial work engagement in their jobs to mitigate the increased entrepreneurial work pressures caused by uncontrolled digitization, enhanced consumer power, and brutal competition. Therefore, this study intends to respond to the existing practical and empirical gaps by investigating the relationships between entrepreneurial job demands (EJD), work-related stress, entrepreneurial job resources (EJR), and entrepreneurial work engagement (WE) for their role in generating entrepreneurial success (ES), especially in the Chinese context. It also tested the mediating role of work-related stress and entrepreneurial work engagement on the relationship between job demands, job resources, and entrepreneurial success. Structured questionnaires were circulated among the targeted respondents (i.e., business owners across China) using quantitative techniques, followed by PLS-SEM for data analysis, as these are the best-suited techniques, considering the context and time constraints. The results verified the impact of job demands on work-related strain, followed by the inverse direct impact of work-related strain on entrepreneurial success. This study found the significant impact of entrepreneurial job resources on entrepreneurial work engagement, followed by the positive impact of WE on entrepreneurial success. Likewise, work engagement's mediating role was validated, while work-related strain could only negatively mediate the relationship between EJD and ES. Likewise, this study has practical and empirical implications for practitioners and researchers to be mindful of their employees' emotional states by providing sufficient resources and psychological interventions to ensure business success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of novel anticancer treatments for a variety of human illnesses, including different malignancies and dangerous microbes, also potentially depends on nanoparticles including silver. Recently, it has been successful to biologically synthesize metal nanoparticles using plant extracts. The natural flavonoid 3,3′, 4′, 5,5′, and 7 hexahydroxyflavon (myricetin) has anticancer properties. There is not much known about the regulatory effects of myricetin on the possible cell fate-determination mechanisms (such as apoptosis/proliferation) in colorectal cancer. Because the majority of investigations related to the anticancer activity of myricetin have dominantly focused on the enhancement of tumor cell uncontrolled growth (i.e., apoptosis). Thus, we have decided to explore the potential myricetin interactors and the associated biological functions by using an in-silico approach. Then, we focused on the main goal of the work which involved the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and the labeling of myricetin with it. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were examined using UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In this study, we have investigated the effects of myricetin on colorectal cancer where numerous techniques were used to show myricetin's effect on colon cancer cells. Transmission Electron Microscopy was employed to monitor morphological changes. Furthermore, we have combined the results of the colorectal cancer gene expression dataset with those of the myricetin interactors and pathways. Based on the results, we conclude that myricetin is able to efficiently kill human colorectal cancer cell lines. Since, it shares important biological roles and possible route components and this myricetin may be a promising herbal treatment for colorectal cancer as per an in-silico analysis of the TCGA dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now-a-days biometrics is used to recognize an individual, and is thought of a more secure way to authorize an individual. Face is the most important factor to recognize an individual. In order to enforce security features, many verification systems use face recognition to identify a person, such as - automobile security, security of home, smartphones owner recognition, attendance system, identification of criminals, etc. Face biometric works in two phases –face detection and face recognition. In this paper we are proposing a hybrid model that works in two phases, face detection is the first phase which includes two stages, in first stage it detects the face from the acquired image and then in the second stage acquired image is subjected to intensity equalization. The second phase is of Face recognition, where finally the individual is recognized as authenticated user or not. We are using Viola-Jones algorithm to detect the face, histogram stretching for intensity equalization and principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm for image recognition. The effectiveness of the suggested facial recognition system is shown through experimental findings using the face dataset constituting of 100 subjects using VTU-BEC-DB multimodal biometrics database with constraints of pose and illumination in the face images, without the intermediate step of intensity equalisation, we had a recognition rate of 93.60%. However, when the intermediate step of intensity equalisation was included, a novelty was added to the hybrid algorithm, and we achieved a recognition rate of 98.20%, which is higher recognition rate than the state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eccentric exercise may be considered as an attractive alternative to conventional exercise in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, due to muscle damage associated with eccentric exercise, there has been reluctance in using this exercise form in PR. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eccentric exercise on markers of muscle damage in patients with COPD. Methods: We analyzed 14 patients with moderate-severe COPD and 14 age-matched healthy controls. Both groups performed submaximal eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors. Muscle soreness (MS), maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) of the elbow flexors, elbow range of motion (ROM), upper arm circumference (CIR), and biochemical markers such as creatine Kinase (CK) and lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured at pre-exercise, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h following submaximal eccentric exercise. Results: There was a significant difference in markers of muscle damage, MS (p =.002), MVC (p <.001), ROM (p =.010), CIR (p <.001), and LDH (p =.001). However, no significant differences were observed in the activity of CK (p =.261) between COPD and control group following eccentric exercise which indicates greater degree of muscle damage in COPD as compared with control. Conclusion: Sub-maximal eccentric exercise causes significantly greater muscle damage in elderly COPD patients than healthy controls. Therefore, initial exercise should be progressed with lower intensities to prevent undue muscle damage in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchialasthma is one of the most common respiratory disorder with increasing prevalence among children and adults. During ionic study of disease Mg++ was found to be associated with exacerbation as well as treatment of the disease. Magnesium causes inhibition of smooth muscle contraction by competing with ca++, histamine release from mast cells by stabilizing outer membrane and acetylcholine release from cholinergic nerve terminals. All these processes results in relaxation of smooth muscles of bronchi which ultimately relieves the symptoms of asthma. Low magnesium level has been associated with asthma. Objective: To determine the serum magnesium (Mg) concentration in asthmatics in acute attack, stable stage of asthma and its comparison with healthy individuals. Material and methods: 110 Subjects were enrolled in the study after their written consent, Among them 60 patients diagnosed as asthma(study group), 30 subjects with chronic stable asthma, 30 subjects with acute severe attack of asthma and 50 normal individuals as a control group. Results: There was a significant decrease in Serum Mg levels in study group as compared to control group. It was further observed that there is decrease in serum Mg++in asthmatic patients during acute attack of asthma as compared with stable stage of asthma. Moreover a positive correlation between serum Mg levels and lung function test especially FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio was observed in the present study. Conclusion: There is a strong relationship between asthma and serum magnesium level. It was further concluded that in asthmatics there is further decrease in serum Mg in acute exacerbation of the disease as compared to chronic stable asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which focuses on the documentation of the relation of hyperglycemia with in-hospital mortality in patients with septicemia. The study uses the Optium Xceed glucometer for the analysis of the recorded blood sugar value. Results show the prominent association of hyperglycemia in non-diabetics and female.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia with their complications disclose unscrupulous impact on human health, and increase the rate of mortality all over the world. The allopathic medicine is being used and consumed all over the world for the treatment of hazardous disease and their complications. Nowadays hypothesis has raised that natural production like olive oil and garlic etc having potential benefits to control glycemic control, blood cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins (Low density lipoprotein & High density lipoprotein). AIMS & OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of natural remedies (combination of olive oil & garlic) on serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride(TAG's) levels with comparison to conventional allopathic (statin) therapy. METHODOLOGY: This Randomized Control Trial (RCT) study conducted at Institute of Biochemistry Sindh University Jamshoro with collaboration of diabetic clinic medical wards LUMHS Jamshoro, Total 160 patients recruited and divided into two groups as control and case study group. Anti diabetic and statin drugs were given to each group with same dose and balanced diet, formulated capsules containing 1.1 ml of olive oil & 500mgs of garlic powder were given only patients of case study group for 3 months. Biochemical analysis of serum cholesterol & serum TAG'S was done at zero level, level - I & level - II by enzymatic caloric method on Cobas auto analyzer. RESULTS: The study presented that serum cholesterol level & serum TAG'S levels were statistically normalized in case study group as compared to control group. CONCLUSION: The natural remedies (Phyto therapy) have an important role in the treatment of dyslipidemia in type - II diabetic patients, so Phyto therapy can also takes part in the prevention of complications due to dyslipidemia in diabetic population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue and chikungunya are acute viral infections with overlapping clinical symptoms. Both diseases are transmitted by common mosquito vectors resulting in their co-circulation in a region. Molecular and serological tests specific for both dengue and chikungunya infections were performed on 87 acute phase blood samples collected from patients with suspected dengue/chikungunya infections in Delhi from September to December, 2011. RT-PCR and IgM ELISA were performed to detect dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV). NS1 and IgG ELISA were also performed to detect DENV specific antigen and secondary DENV infection. DENV infection was detected in 49%, CHIKV infection in 29% and co-infection with DENV and CHIKV in 10% of the samples by RT-PCR. DENV serotypes 1, 2 and 3 were detected in this study. Nine DENV-1 strains, six DENV-2 strains and 20 CHIKV strains were characterized by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of their respective envelope protein genes. DENV-1 strains grouped in the American African genotype, DENV-2 strains in the Cosmopolitan genotype and CHIKV strains in the East Central South African genotype by phylogenetic analysis. This is one of the few studies reporting the phylogeny of two dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 and DENV-2) and CHIKV. Surveillance and monitoring of DENV and CHIKV strains are important for design of strategies to control impending epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dengue outbreak in Lahore, Pakistan during 2011 was unprecedented in terms of its severity and magnitude. This research aims to determine the serotype distribution of the dengue virus during this outbreak and classify the patients demographically. 5ml of venous blood was drawn aseptically from 166 patients with dengue like signs to test for the virus between the months of August to November 2011. The samples were sent to CDC, Atlanta, Georgia for the purpose of molecular assays to determine their serotype. RT-PCR protocol was performed targeting the 4 dengue serotypes. Out of 166 cases, dengue infection was detected with RT-PCR in 95 cases, all infected with the same serotype DEN-2. 75 % of positive cases were males while 25 % were females. Most positive patients were in the age range of 16 -30 years. 33 % positive cases had accompanying bleeding. This is first study during the 2011 dengue epidemic in Lahore that reports DEN-2 as the only prevalent serotype. It also indicates that more infected patients were males, adults, within the age range of 16 - 30 years, the epidemic peaked in the month of November, Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is manifested more in females, and that Ravi town was heavily hit by the dengue virus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Keratinophillic fungi from domestic animals in Sukkur City Sindh Pakistan. Methodology: A total of seven hundred and fifty hair samples from three groups (buffalo, goat and cow) of animals were collected in sterilized polythene bags in Sukkur city. Hair pieces measuring 2cm were placed on the agar plates supplemented with 0.05 g/l chloramphenicol for obtaining the fungal growth on hair. Hairs showing the whitish mycelial growth were transferred to freshly prepared Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) for cultural growth and pure culture were maintained at 5oC in refrigerator. Results: Out of 750 hair samples collected from three domestic animals which were studied in Sukkur city, Sindh, Pakistan, five hundred ninety four (594) isolates belonged to 8 genera and 9 species were isolated. A. candidus and Alterneria alternata were almost equally prevalent species represented by 14.81% and 14.48% respectively of the total number of isolates. A. niger and Chrysosporium asparatum were equal in their prevalence and represented 12.63% and 12.46%. Exophiala sp comes next constituting 12.29% followed by Stemphyllium sp. 10.94%. Other species isolated less frequently included Cladosporium 8.08%, Acrimonium sp.7.41% and Penicillium sp. 6.90%. The isolation frequency of fungal biota was significantly greater in buffalo from cow and goat (respectively 40.06%, 33.33% and 26.60% p = 0.02). Conclusion: Keratinophillic fungi were isolated from domestic animals and the prevalence of these fungi in domestic animals may have a role in transmission of skin and other infections in human population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chikungunya virus is a re-emerging alphavirus that belongs to the family Togaviridae. The symptoms include fever, rashes, nausea and joint pain that may last for months. The laboratory diagnosis of the infection is based on the serologic assays, virus isolation and molecular methods. The pathogenesis of the Chikungunya viral infection is not completely understood. Some of the recent investigations have provided information on replication of the virus in various cells and organs. In addition, some recent reports have indicated that the severity of the disease is correlated with the viral load and cytokines. The Chikungunya virus infection re-emerged as an explosive epidemic during 2004-09 affecting millions of people in the Indian Ocean. Subsequent global attention was given to research on this viral pathogen due to its broad area of geographical distribution during this epidemic. Chikungunya viral infection has become a challenge for the public health system because of the absence of a vaccine as well as antiviral drugs. A number of potential vaccine candidates have been tested on humans and animal models during clinical and preclinical trials. In this review, we mainly discuss the host-pathogen relationship, epidemiology and recent advances in the development of drugs and vaccines for the Chikungunya viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examines the link between the knowledge creation process, ambidextrous innovation, and competitive advantage. Further, this study also tested the moderating role of organizational agility on the relationship between the knowledge creation process and ambidextrous innovation. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical study's data were collected by surveying 306 respondents employed in 140 Pakistani Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The questionnaire was designed according to the study's requirements and was based on theoretical knowledge and findings from previous research on the knowledge-creation process, ambidextrous innovation, and competitive advantage. All hypotheses were tested using a structured regression method. Findings: The study indicates that the knowledge creation process significantly impacts a firm's competitive advantage. Additionally, this study demonstrates that ambidextrous innovation can moderate the relationship between the knowledge-creation process and competitive advantage. Research limitations/implications: Future studies should examine mediating factors, such as organizational culture, leadership style, and industry characteristics, as well as moderating variables, such as environmental turbulence. Practical implications: This study guides SME leaders on the importance of knowledge creation and ambidextrous innovation in achieving operational success and gaining a competitive advantage. Originality/value: This study explores how the knowledge creation process directly and indirectly, enhances organizational capacity for competitive advantage through the mediating roles of ambidextrous innovation and the moderating role of organizational agility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the dynamic landscape of the fashion industry, cultivating brand loyalty has become a challenging endeavour, intensified by the competitive realm of social media. This study addresses the crucial problem of fostering brand loyalty in the digital era by employing authenticity as a strategic weapon. Using an integrated Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework and social presence theory, we explore the diverse impact of social media marketing activity (SMMa) on brand authenticity and brand loyalty. Through empirical analysis of data from 365 consumers engaging with global fashion brands on social media, we find a direct and significant impact of SMMa on brand authenticity and brand loyalty. Brand authenticity partially mediates the relationship between SMMa and brand loyalty. While self-congruence does not moderate the effects, the research highlights the importance of authenticity in shaping effective brand strategies on social platforms. The implications of these findings are valuable for fashion marketers, guiding them in creating authentic brand images and fostering enduring customer relationships in the competitive world of digital marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly crystalline organic semiconductors are ideal materials for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution in water splitting. However, the instability and complex synthesis processes of most reported organic molecule‐based photocatalysts restrict their applications. In this study, we introduce benzo [1,2‐b:4,5‐bʹ] bis [1] benzothiophene‐3,9‐dicarboxylic acid, 5,5,11,11‐tetraoxide (FSOCA), a highly crystalline, stable molecular crystal that is easy to synthesize and serves as an efficient photocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. FSOCA exhibits high efficiency in sacrificial hydrogen evolution reaction (760 µmol h−1, 76 mmol g−1 h−1 at 330 mW cm−2; 570 µmol h−1, 57 mmol g−1 h−1 at 250 mW cm−2), and FSOCA remains stable during photocatalysis for up to 400 h. Experiments and theoretical studies confirmed the presence of hydrogen bonds between the sulfone group and the sacrificial agent (ascorbic acid). This interaction significantly improved the oxidation reaction kinetics and boosted the photocatalytic performance. This study presents a scalable and convenient approach to synthesize highly crystalline, active, and stable organic photocatalysts with potential applications in large‐scale photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undergraduates, postgraduates as well as faculty members are all worried and there is lot of unrest among them because of some recent developments and measures taken by the regulatory bodies which has put a question mark on their future which looks uncertain says Prof. Irshad Hussain Qureshi a noted physician who recently retired as Professor of Medicine from King Edward Medical University. Prof. Ijaz Ahsan and Prof. Eice Mohammad, Prof. Irshad Qureshi said did try and made a difference to improve the functioning of King Edward Medical College to a great extent but then situation kept on changing. [Extracted from the article]

The development of technology is currently growing so rapidly, various applications and online media are becoming increasingly popular to be used as learning media, including Youtube and Edpuzzle which can be used as learning support platforms with interactive, effective and fun video media for students. Arabic language learning with audio visual is needed by madrasah Aliyah students, so that learning is not boring and more interesting. This research aims to develop the Edupuzzle platform as an audio-visual learning media for Arabic language learning in madrasah Aliyah. The method used in this research is research and development with the Kemp model. Kemp's model is a learning design model designed in the early part of education aims to provide guidance to learners to think about general problems and learning objectives. The results of this study explain that the Edpuzzle platform can be used as audio-visual learning media in learning Arabic with audio visuals that can facilitate students in learning Arabic online. The conclusion of this research is that the Edpudzzle platform can be used as a learning medium for teachers, especially in Arabic language learning. the limitation of this research is that researchers only conduct research on the Edpudzzle platform for Arabic language learning, for that researchers hope that future researchers can conduct research with the same platform but more explained to support the teaching and learning process in other subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulosic material like melon peels can be a potent source of bioethanol and it can be exploited to combat the increasing energy demands. In the current study, dried and powdered melon peel waste was hydrolyzed by dilute H2SO4 into monomeric sugars and then fermented by different yeast strains to produce bioethanol. The parameters for dilute H2SO4 hydrolysis of substrate were optimized by response surface methodology for three variable factors, i.e., X1, acid concentration (2–6%); X2, hydrolysis temperature (50–100 °C); and X3, hydrolysis time (30–60 min). The responses were reducing sugars and total sugars. According to the results of biochemical tests, 89.6 ± 0.03 g/L was the highest reducing sugars with significant values of F (3.98), p (0.0258), and R2 (0.7994). Maximum total sugars were recorded as 225.90 ± 0.09 g/L having significant F, P, and R2 values of 3.23, 0.0477, and 0.7849, respectively. The optimum conditions for maximum yield of reducing and total sugars were X1 (6%), X2 (50 °C), and X3 (60 min). For ethanologenesis, one standard yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7, while two experimental yeasts belonging to the genus Metschnikowia were used. Maximum ethanol yield (0.39 ± 0.006 g/g) with 78.21% fermentation efficiency was estimated on the 6th day by Metschnikowia cibodasensis Y34. The findings of the study will provide an insight for converting cellulosic wastes into energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganism contamination on substrate surfaces is arousing increasingly concern as a serious health issue. In this research work, antimicrobial water-based acrylic paint containing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was prepared using the facile Ag+ in situ reduction process, in which AgNO3 and reducing agent sodium acrylate were refluxed with acrylic polymeric solution to obtain an antimicrobial and antifungal polymeric material for substrate coating. The Synthesized antimicrobial and antifungal water-based acrylic paint were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. The FTIR and UV–Visible spectroscopic analyses were investigated to study the water-based acrylic paint structure as well as the significant impact of Ag NPs on the paint matrix. The UV–Visible and FTIR Spectra peak shows successful integration of Ag NPs within the polymer matrix without altering the core functional groups of the paint. The water based acrylic paint exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity, revealed substantial inhibition zones against all four strains of Gram negative represented by Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Gram-positive represented by Bacillus cereus. The coated film on substrate also shows great inhibition zone which exhibit a strong antimicrobial activity. Moreover, water based acrylic paint also exhibited a great antifungal activity, revealed substantial zone of inhibition against the Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus and Rhizopus arrhizus fungal strains. Also, the coated film showed the best adhesion at 50% and 80% solution of polymeric coating sample as compared to pure or very dilute sample coating. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize varies industries from healthcare to construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Skin infections can range in severity from moderate to severe. However, skin infections can become more serious if they penetrate deeper into the skin or spread across a large portion of the body. Most skin infections are caused by specific bacteria, fungi, allergens, or other factors. Objective To examine the efficacy of an emulgel made from Spilanthes acmella extract as a herbal treatment for treating cellulitis and bacterial skin eruption. Methods From May to June 2021, this randomized controlled trial was carried out at a neighborhood clinic in Multan. Three patients in total took part in the study, and each one received an emulgel based on Spilanthes acmella that contained 2% pure extract. For a total of 14 days, each patient applied emulgel three times each day to the suffering area. Each patient had pictures taken on the 0th, 7th, and 14th days. Results All patients' skin infections had greatly improved after 14 days, as seen in the post-14-days figures. The eczematous conditions got better the skin softer, and every one of lesions and skin eruptions had cleared out. Conclusion It has been determined that the S extract base emulgel demonstrated strong antiinflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial activity to treat many kinds of infectious and eczematous skin disorders. Due to the formulation's emollient effect, which lasted between 7 and 14 days, the skin became normal and smooth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of perinatal asphyxia and its severity appear to correlate with increasing incidence of Acute kidney injury (AKI). The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of AKI and its outcome in birth asphyxia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pediatric Medicine from March 2019 to September 2019. A total of 111 newborns with birth asphyxia of gestational age 37–41 weeks were included. Neonates born to mothers having hypertension and diabetes mellitus, patients with congenital kidney anomalies like polycystic kidney disease and renal agenesis, and mothers taking nephrotoxic drugs or any other known cause of AKI like hypovolemic shock were excluded. Urine output (UOP) and final outcome of the patient were also noted. AKI was noted. Results: The mean gestational age was 38.29 ± 1.07 weeks. The mean weight of neonates was 3.08 ± 0.31 kg. The frequency of AKI in birth asphyxia was 20 (18.02%) neonates. Complete recovery in AKI patients was seen in 07 (35.0%) and death in 13 (65.0%) patients. Conclusion: This study has shown that the frequency of AKI in birth asphyxia was found in 18.02% neonates with complete recovery seen in 35.0% and death in 65.0% patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile single-step strategy to prepare stable and water-dispersible dopamine-functionalized ultra-small mixed ferrite nanoparticles MFe2O4-DOPA (where M is a bivalent metal atom i.e. Fe, Co Cu, Mn and Ni) at room temperature is described. The nanoparticles formed have narrow size distribution as indicated by their characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering. The surface chemistry of these nanoparticles was probed by FTIR spectroscopy indicating their successful capping with dopamine ligands, which was further confirmed using zetapotential measurements and thermogravimetric analysis. The comparative horseradish peroxidase (HRP)—like activity of these cationic mixed ferrites nanoparticles was studied at pH 4.6 using a negatively-charged 2, 2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) as a chromogenic substrate in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. A time-dependent relative peroxidase-like activity follows the following order CoFe2O4-DOPA  >  MnFe2O4-DOPA  >  CuFe2O4-DOPA  >  NiFe2O4-DOPA  >  Fe3O4-DOPA. This diversity in HRP-like activity may be attributed to the different redox properties of ferrite nanoparticles when doped with M (Fe, Co Cu, Mn and Ni). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Malaria is endemic throughout the tropical areas of the world. Natural disasters like flood may indirectly lead to an increase in malaria through the expansion in the number and range of vector habitats. We planned this study to determine the frequency of malaria among adults presenting with fever in disaster hit areas. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ehsas Field Hospital, Kot Addu, District Muzaffargarh, from October 2010 through January 2011. Febrile adults fulfilling the case definition of uncomplicated suspected malaria (history of recent fever, along with one or more of the symptoms like chills, headaches, body aches, perspirations, tiredness, and pallor) were enrolled and subjected to rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for malaria. Data was analyzed by SPSS 16. Results: Out of 23036 adults of age 16 years, 1175 (5%) febrile adults were clinically suspected of malaria. Of the 5% suspected cases,1023 (87%) were positive for malaria by RDT. P.vivax, P. falciparum, and co-infection was present in 792(78%), 155(15%) and 76(7%)cases respectively. Eleven (7%) cases of P. falciparum were of cerebral malaria. Most common age group was 16-45 years (67%). Malaria was more common in October during study period. Conclusion Malaria was very common in febrile adults of disaster hit areas. P.vivax was the most prevalent species. It was more common in October during study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is based on whether the perceived social support and spiritual wellbeing determine meaningfulness of life among recovering substance users. It is a social survey and the sample of which consisted of 232 recovering substance users who were contacted at hospitals in Multan city, Pakistan. A booklet consisting of four scales was administered on the respondents. The data analysis indicated life meaningfulness to be positively correlated with perceived social support and spiritual wellbeing; however, it appeared to be having an adverse relationship with anxiety states. Hierarchical regression analysis suggested that social support from family and religious wellbeing were more beneficial than that of from friends and existential wellbeing respectively in explaining meaningfulness of life of the respondents. The results further demonstrated that depression, anxiety, and stress did not predict life meaningfulness among the respondents. It was concluded that perceived social support and spiritual wellbeing have positive effects and determine the meaningfulness of life among the respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is essential for human survival and existence. Although everyone acknowledges the importance of water reserves, increasing industrialization and other human activities are drastically reducing the quality of the water. Polymeric composite membranes provide a dependable answer for removing water pollutants and thus improving its quality. In this study, polypropylene composite membranes with Aramid support (PM1 membranes) were fabricated using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) for water purification and characterized using SEM. Numerous membrane characteristics, including polymer concentration, oil for dissolving polymer, nucleating agent, water immersion time and organic solvent were all adjusted for the production of extremely efficient PM1 membranes. The PM1-WC membrane, which was the best membrane, was fabricated by combining 0.1 g PP with soyabean oil, adipic acid as a nucleating agent, and n-hexane as an organic solvent (PP membranes submerged in water for 40 minutes). In a water filtering system developed in the lab, the PM1 membranes' desalination capacities were tested. The desalination capacity of the PP membranes showed a salt rejection of between 70% and 75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra‐deep marine carbonate reservoirs is an important field for oil and gas exploration, and it is also a hot research topic in recent years. However, their hydrocarbon episodic charging model is still under debate up to now. A great breakthrough has been made in the newly discovered ultra‐deep fault‐karst oil reservoir in the Shunbei area of Tarim Basin. Based on quantitative gas chromatogram‐mass spectrometry, stable carbon isotopes of reservoir oils, microthermometry and confocal laser scanning analyses of fluid inclusions, the reservoir oil origin and hydrocarbon charging history in Shunbei No. 1, No. 5 and No. 7 strike‐slip fault zones are expounded. The results showed that the Ordovician reservoir oil derives from the source rocks within the Cambrian Yuertusi Formation deposited in a highly anoxic bottom water environment. There were four stages of hydrocarbon charging in the study area, in the late Caledonian, late Hercynian–Indosinian, middle Yanshanian and late Himalayan. During this period, the force‐field strength of the charged oil gradually decreased, and the early‐stage charged crude oil with low maturity and high force‐field strength preferentially accumulated in the Yijianfang Formation, while the late‐stage charged crude oil with high maturity and low force‐field strength preferentially accumulated in the Yingshan Formation. This study reveals the history and differences of petroleum accumulation in the Shunbei fault zones, which is significance for understanding the hydrocarbon distribution in ultra‐deep marine carbonate reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory marketing can help customers to stay longer by enjoying environment of restaurants. To find out this, the present study was conducted in restaurant industry of Pakistan. Data was collected by distributing structured questionnaire among customers of restaurants in six major cities of Pakistan. For the present study, a total of 362 respondents were selected based on their income. The sample was chosen for the present study, and a stratified sampling technique was used. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. The results of the present study demonstrated that customer satisfaction partially and significantly mediates relationship between sensory marketing and customer loyalty. These results supported Engel, Kollet, Blackwell (EKB) Model. Through replication of the present model in different contexts and industries in Asia and developing countries, new perspectives can be found along with finding similarities of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating single‐atom effects on the fundamental properties of nanoparticles is challenging because single‐atom modifications are typically accompanied by appreciable changes to the overall particle's structure. Herein, we report the synthesis of a [Cu58H20PET36(PPh3)4]2+ (Cu58; PET: phenylethanethiolate; PPh3: triphenylphosphine) nanocluster—an atomically precise nanoparticle—that can be transformed into the surface‐defective analog [Cu57H20PET36(PPh3)4]+ (Cu57). Both nanoclusters are virtually identical, with five concentric metal shells, save for one missing surface copper atom in Cu57. Remarkably, the loss of this single surface atom drastically alters the reactivity of the nanocluster. In contrast to Cu58, Cu57 shows promising activity for click chemistry, particularly photoinduced [3+2] azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (AAC), which is attributed to the active catalytic site in Cu57 after the removal of one surface copper atom. Our study not only presents a unique system for uncovering the effect of a single‐surface atom modification on nanoparticle properties but also showcases single‐atom surface modification as a powerful means for designing nanoparticle catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating single‐atom effects on the fundamental properties of nanoparticles is challenging because single‐atom modifications are typically accompanied by appreciable changes to the overall particle's structure. Herein, we report the synthesis of a [Cu58H20PET36(PPh3)4]2+ (Cu58; PET: phenylethanethiolate; PPh3: triphenylphosphine) nanocluster—an atomically precise nanoparticle—that can be transformed into the surface‐defective analog [Cu57H20PET36(PPh3)4]+ (Cu57). Both nanoclusters are virtually identical, with five concentric metal shells, save for one missing surface copper atom in Cu57. Remarkably, the loss of this single surface atom drastically alters the reactivity of the nanocluster. In contrast to Cu58, Cu57 shows promising activity for click chemistry, particularly photoinduced [3+2] azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (AAC), which is attributed to the active catalytic site in Cu57 after the removal of one surface copper atom. Our study not only presents a unique system for uncovering the effect of a single‐surface atom modification on nanoparticle properties but also showcases single‐atom surface modification as a powerful means for designing nanoparticle catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using a chemically modified polysaccharide as a reducing and capping agent. Dextran succinate (Dex-Suc) was synthesized by succinylation of the dextran with succinic anhydride at 80 °C for 24 h under stirring and N2. The Dex-Suc was used as a reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of Ag NPs in the presence of sunlight with high UV index. The Ag NPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, and EDS techniques. The SEM data revealed the preparation of spherical Ag NPs having 50 nm size. The Ag NPs showed antimicrobial properties against different bacterial and fungal strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercial use of aggregate is ubiquitous in the construction of buildings and roads because aggregates provide strength, resistance, and support. This paper analyzes the constraints of aggregate rock use in Kurram district, Northwest Pakistan, and to demarcate aggregate resource locations using GIS techniques, weighted overlay analysis, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The undertaken study has considered several appropriate socioeconomic and environmental factors such as land use, distance from highways, rock type, elevation, and slope to diminish conflicts between land users. These variables were mapped using the weighted overlay analysis and the AHP analysis and then ranked in order of importance. The geographical relationships between all thematic data were used to generate the final suitability map of weighted overlay analysis and AHP analysis. The enumerated results have depicted that a number of aggregate prospective areas are prevalent in the study area. The research areas have been classified as low, moderate, or highly suitable based on environmental constraints, transportation network availability, current land use, and mineral-deposit availability. Furthermore, an accuracy comparison between AHP and weighted overlay analysis revealed that AHP analysis has a very high level of precision. As a consequence, the AHP-GIS approach is highly recommended for investigating land resources and resource categorization, which assists policymakers and regional authorities in making decisions and approving quarry authorizations. The purpose of this research is to analyze aggregate resources using GIS techniques. The authors defined the aggregate resources using two different approaches: weighted overlay analysis and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The criteria for selecting the quarry site were developed and implemented in a GIS environment. These criteria consider a variety of factors, including the slope, the distance to the road, land use and land cover, accessibility, slope, elevation, and geology. The final suitability maps were generated, and the locations were classified into three parts: low, medium, and high. Operators and decision-makers can use the undertaken analysis as a reference to create an appropriate aggregate plan for spatial development and management. This will make it easier to ensure that aggregate resources are accessible to both present and future generations while balancing extraction activities with an environmentally friendly perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an attempt to estimate the incidence, severity, depth, and determinants of poverty in Jhang district, Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, the data were collected from 1,000 households through a specifically designed questionnaire using multistages sampling technique in all four subdistricts of Jhang district. The study used both income-regression model and logistic regression to assess the impact of demographic and socioeconomic factors on poverty incidence. The results show that 54.3% of households are below the poverty line, including 16% extremely poor. Poverty measures including headcount index, severity, and depth of poverty are worse among the households headed by farmers, daily-wagers, and illiterates. Moreover, the results confirm that the household's livestock population, landholding, ownership of agricultural land, total assets, and earners per household considerably reduced the poverty incidence in Jhang district. While household size, age of household head, economic dependency ratio, and total dependency ratio significantly increased the level of poverty. The study concludes that demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the households are of greater importance in alleviating poverty generally in Pakistan but particularly in rural areas. Hence, it is suggested that governments should increase public spending on socioeconomic programs and services with a particular focus on education, women's empowerment, family planning, employment opportunity, pro-agriculture policies, and equitable distribution of land and wealth to alleviate poverty in rural areas of Pakistan. Further research can be conducted by selecting large sample size and analyzing the household characteristics at the disaggregated level incorporating time variations to develop a more impactful policy framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of light to regulate photocatalyzed reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) under mild conditions, especially driven by broadband light or sunlight directly, is highly desired. But the development of a suitable photocatalyzed polymerization system for large-scale production of polymers, especially block copolymers, has remained a big challenge. Herein, we report the development of a phosphine-based conjugated hypercrosslinked polymer (PPh3-CHCP) photocatalyst for an efficient large-scale photoinduced copper-catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (Cu-ATRP). Monomers including acrylates and methyl acrylates can achieve near-quantitative conversions under a wide range (450–940 nm) of radiations or sunlight directly. The photocatalyst could be easily recycled and reused. The sunlight-driven Cu-ATRP allowed the synthesis of homopolymers at 200 mL from various monomers, and monomer conversions approached 99% in clouds intermittency with good control over polydispersity. In addition, block copolymers at 400 mL scale can also be obtained, which demonstrates its great potential for industrial applications. The application for large-scale production of polymers using photocatalyzed reversible deactivation radical polymerization remains challenging. Here, the authors report the development of a phosphine-based conjugated hypercrosslinked polymer as photocatalyst for an efficient photoinduced and oxygen tolerant copper-catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to identify the leading causes of slope instability along a local highway in Anhui, People's Republic of China. As part of the east expansion project, the mountain range will be excavated to create a two-way, nearly 30 m wide highway. The site's topography consists of a hill with palm-shaped faces carved from limestone running along its sides. The geological characteristics and slope stability of the research area highlight the possibility of slope failure along both sides of the roadway. Slope stability analysis was performed in order to determine the failure mechanism and create a stable slope. Initial slope characterization and shear properties of the rock were determined by means of fieldwork and laboratory analysis. By causing wedging failure and toppling collapse, the bedding joints and discontinuity orientations increase instability, as determined by a kinematic analysis performed with DIP.6 software. The Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) of analysis is presented in the software Slide 6.020 to illustrate the instability of the slope. The unstable condition of the slopes was determined using empirical methods that were validated and enhanced by limit equilibrium analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed self‐assembled monolayers (mixed SAMs)‐based molecular‐scale electronic devices in recent years have gained great achievement in the fundamental study on charge transport mechanism and electronic functionalities. This review aims to summarize the preparation and characterization, structure modulation, and applications of heterogeneous mixed SAMs in molecular electronics. One key advantage of SAM‐based molecular devices compared to single molecular devices is the ability to tune the intermolecular interactions, and two‐dimensional (2‐D) assembly structure allows for the optimization of charge transport in desired devices. Herein we review the qualitative and quantitative examination of the nanoscale organization and intermolecular interactions of mixed SAMs obtained by various mixed SAM preparation and characterization techniques. The use of mixed SAMs to control the structural order and compactness of SAM to form high‐performance molecular electronic devices is also reviewed. Finally, we wrap up the review by discussing the challenges of this technique for the development of novel electronic functional devices in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swarm robots in obstacle environments perform search tasks efficiently while avoiding obstacles. Obstacle avoidance methods are classified by the way obstacles are represented. Potential functions are typical for circular obstacles, while collision cones and polygonal regions are used for non-circular obstacles. The shape of the obstacle this paper considers is angular. When swarm robots try to avoid angular obstacles with potential functions, they require information such as the relative angle between the robot and the obstacle and the size of the obstacle. This paper focuses on the shape parameters of angular obstacles and proposes an easier way to avoid angular obstacles in column formation. The key idea is fluid dynamics. The proposed method is based on a Polygon-Wall expression of MPS (Moving Particle Semi-implicit) method, a fluid dynamics method. The Polygon-Wall expression allows robots to measure the distance from the obstacle wall and avoid the obstacle without using the relative angles and the obstacle sizes. Usual MPS methods have the challenge of requiring centralized computation, while typical swarm robots are based on distributed computation. Therefore, this paper addresses this challenge by introducing potential functions into MPS method. The contribution of this paper is to propose a distributed obstacle avoidance method for angular obstacles with a small number of parameter designs for swarm robots. The results of numerical experiments reflecting these ideas show the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides evidence of the triangular relationship between governance quality, foreign direct investment, and economic growth. Unlike previous studies in the governance—foreign direct investment—growth literature, this study employed the panel vector autoregressive model to examine the impact of governance quality and foreign direct investment on economic growth. Moreover, we used the impulse response function tool, which was developed in the same context, to better understand the reaction of the two main variables of interest, foreign direct investment, and economic growth, after shocks to the governance quality variable. Finally, the analysis was completed by the variance decomposition of all variables. These analyses were conducted for 102 developing countries from 1996 to 2014. Overall, the results show that inward foreign direct investment has a significant impact and can strongly encourage economic growth. These results indicate that the quality of governance in developing countries does not affect foreign direct investment and economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]