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Sleep posture is closely related to sleep quality, and can offer insights into an individual's health. This correlation can potentially aid in the early detection of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Current research focuses on embedding pressure sensors in bedsheets, attaching accelerometers on a subject's chest, and installing cameras in bedrooms for sleep posture monitoring. However, such solutions sacrifice either the user's sleep comfort or privacy. This study explores the effectiveness of using contactless ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors for sleep posture monitoring. We employed a UWB dataset that is composed of the measurements from 12 volunteers during sleep. A stacking ensemble learning method is introduced for the monitoring of sleep postural transitions, which constitute two levels of learning. At the base-learner level, six transfer learning models (VGG16, ResNet50V2, MobileNet50V2, DenseNet121, VGG19, and ResNet101V2) are trained on the training dataset for initial predictions. Then, the logistic regression is employed as a meta-learner which is trained on the predictions gained from the base-learner to obtain final sleep postural transitions. In addition, a sleep posture monitoring algorithm is presented that can give accurate statistics of total sleep postural transitions. Extensive experiments are conducted, achieving the highest accuracy rate of 86.7% for the classification of sleep postural transitions. Moreover, time-series data augmentation is employed, which improves the accuracy by 13%. The privacy-preserving sleep monitoring solution presented in this paper holds promise for applications in mental health research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Existing researches confirmed that β amyloid (Aβ) has a high affinity for the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), associating closely to Alzheimer's disease. The majority of related studies focused on the experimental reports on the neuroprotective role of Aβ fragment (Aβx), however, with a lack of investigation into the most suitable binding region and mechanism of action between Aβ fragment and α7nAChR. In the study, we employed four Aβ1–42 fragments Aβx, Aβ1–16, Aβ10–16, Aβ12–28, and Aβ30–42, of which the first three were confirmed to play neuroprotective roles upon directly binding, to interact with α7nAChR. Methods: The protein–ligand docking server of CABS-DOCK was employed to obtain the α7nAChR-Aβx complexes. Only the top α7nAChR-Aβx complexes were used to perform all-atom GROMACS dynamics simulation in combination with Charmm36 force field, by which α7nAChR-Aβx interactions' dynamic behavior and specific locations of these different Aβx fragments were identified. MM-PBSA calculations were also done to estimate the binding free energies and the different contributions from the residues in the Aβx. Two distinct results for the first three and fourth Aβx fragments in binding site, strength, key residue, and orientation, account for why the fourth fails to play a neuroprotective role at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs data of the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) sensor to delineate and map the distribution of sedimentary lithologies in the semi-arid region of Kohat Plateau, Pakistan. False color composites (FCC) and various image transformation and enhancement techniques including the principal component analysis (PCA), minimum noise fraction (MNF), and band rationing (BR) were used successfully to differentiate four lithological classes. These lithologies include chemically/biochemically formed beds of the marine environment and detrital sequences of marginal marine to the riverine environment. FCC from original reflectance data, PCA, and BR techniques displayed more prominent lithological variation. To map the lithology and show the potential of ASTER data, field spectrometry over the barren lithologies was carried out. The end-member spectra from field spectrometry shows strong agreement with the pixels spectra from ASTER scene. The Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) mapping method was then used to produce a classified lithological map, where the image pixels spectra proved more suitable reference, in comparison to the end-member spectra. The accuracy of the classified lithological map was evaluated based on field-based point data, which resulted an overall accuracy of 70% and a Kappa coefficient value of 0.679. Carbonates and evaporites showed relatively higher user and producer accuracies which are attributed to their topographic behavior and weathered scree over the adjacent rock unit. The final lithological map provided a clearer picture of surface geology where the existing geological maps lacked lithological continuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The computational simulations of nonlinear optical (NLO) characteristics of silver (Ag) and alkaline earth metals (Be, Mg, and Ca) doped 15-crown-5 (15C5) complexes are the focus of this research. By accurately grabbing hypothetical computations, DFT and TD-DFT approached in-depth characterization of M(Ag@15C5) where (M = Be, Mg, and Ca) is achieved using WB97XD functional along with LANL2DZ basis set. The consequences of different analyses like FMOs (frontier molecular orbitals), hyperpolarizabilities, DOS (density of states), interaction energy (Eint), absorption maximum (λ max), dipole moment (μ ), TDM (transition density matrix), EDDM (electron density distribution map), electrostatic potential (ESP), and electrical conductivity (σ ) were investigated for pure surface 15C5 and all the doped complexes. NCI analysis was performed to study the nature of interaction between surface and dopants. The doping method for all complexes admirably improved charge transfer properties like enhanced λ max lie in the range of 332–491 nm with narrowing band gap (Eg) in the range of 3.28–3.78 eV in comparison to pure 15C5 with Eg of 4.76 eV and 132 nm λ max. Complexes Be(Ag@15C5), Mg(Ag@15C5), and Ca(Ag@15C5) showed a significant increase in linear polarizability (α o) and first hyperpolarizability ( β o ) due to the lowest excitation energies of these complexes as compared to pure 15C5. All these outcomes of mentioned systems revealed that these complexes can be used as efficient and promising NLO materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Islamic banking has undergone significant adaption since its inception. This study aims to investigate why and how Islamic banks adapt their services, using participatory financing as evidence. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative study is designed, using working capital financing and commodity operations financing in Pakistan as analytical units. The data for each analytical unit is analyzed using a qualitative content analysis, while the findings are synthesized using a cross-case synthesis method. Findings: Findings suggest that participatory financing has undergone extensive adaptation in the Islamic banking industry of Pakistan, in the wake of resolving constraints to participatory financing and increasing its viability. Consequently, participatory finance has emerged as an attractive and viable option in Pakistan. These findings suggest that unlike in the past, where Islamic banks used to buffer themselves from the environment and ignore the market demands, they have learned to respond effectively to the market demands and the challenges posed by the environment. Research limitations/implications: Findings suggest that the adaptation strategy is more effective than the migration strategy, because it enables the financial service systems to reduce the underlying risks by avoiding emergent threats and eradicating the inherent weaknesses. Originality/value: The extant literature provides a generalized view on the adaptation process that Islamic banks undergo to comply with their environment. However, it is limited in terms of conceptualizing the adaptations and innovations in their products and the underlying structural variations. The present study fills this gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural finance plays a pivotal role in facilitating the modernization and commercialization of farming practices and bolstering global food security. However, the provision of sustainable financial services in remote regions poses a significant challenge within the developing and underdeveloped countries. Consequently, farmers often grapple with inadequate access to formal credit sources and essential productive assets due to diverse constraints. Although, several studies have investigated constraints to agriculture finance; the literature is divergent and a holistic framework of constraints to agriculture finance is missing. Therefore, this research explores the constraints to agriculture finance in 31 developing and underdeveloped countries using systematic review approach, and synthesizes a holistic framework of the constraints using Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) method that can be used as dependable framework for conceptualization and policy formation. Moreover, it describes the interplay and mutual reinforcement between the challenges faced by different stakeholders to elaborate how they influence each other in complex ways. Additionally, this study suggests a collective and multi-faceted approach for overcoming barriers to agricultural financing, and highlights the limitations and unintended consequences of agricultural credit and its implications for agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The financial policies of the modern world corporations and their investment decisions are generally considered as interrelated because the agency problems, associated with the debt level and its maturity structure, give rise to incentives for overinvestment or underinvestment. The present study empirically investigates the linkage between debt maturity structure and firm investment in a financially constrained environment, using Pakistan as a case study, to determine how the institutional environment in which firms operate affect these decisions and their linkage. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical analysis is carried in a panel data setting using panel regression models as the baseline methods. Moreover, generalized methods of moments (GMM) estimators are used, coupled with the instrumental variables approach, for robustness and improving the efficiency and consistency of estimates. Findings: Results suggest that firms rely more on short financing in Pakistan. Thus, given the capital structure which is characterized by higher proportion of short-term financing, the higher level of leverage is less likely to cause underinvestment problem. However, the underinvestment problem do persists in the firms that have higher portion of long-term debt. These findings imply that the debt-overhang problem may persist even in the financially constrained environments where attractive investment opportunities are limited, and long-term financing is difficult to acquire. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature by revealing how corporate investment and financing decisions and their linkage is influenced by the institutional environment of the less developed countries which is characterized by underdeveloped financial markets, inefficient legal system and weak investor protection system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since COVID-19's emergence in 2020, all segments of life, including farming communities, have been impacted. The pandemic revealed both vulnerabilities and opportunities for resilience, particularly for those dwelling in the harsh mountainous terrains, which have already strained food ecosystems. Taking influence from an exhaustive literature review, this study proposes and tests a model for the transformations observed in the agriculture markets, particularly input, labor, and product markets, and elucidates the influence of these changes on cropping and consumption patterns. With data from two major mountainous terrains in north Pakistan spanning three years before and during the pandemic, a quantitative inquiry was carried out on the agriculture markets and farming patterns. A total of 5273 members of the farming communities were targeted for data collection. A two-step process was used for data analysis, including an evaluation of the outer or measurement model followed by the inner or structural model through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). With a hitherto ignored focus on the already vulnerable mountainous communities, the findings confirm the direct influence of agriculture markets on changes in the farmers' cropping patterns as well as the moderating influence of the pandemic on these relationships. Consistent with previous literature, the results also affirm the influence of changes in cropping patterns and changes in consumption patterns. However, it was found that the agriculture input markets strongly predict the changes in cropping patterns, whereas the labor and product markets have comparatively lower prediction value. By investigating the various facets of food supply chains, this study offers valuable insights on market dynamics in times of a crisis, such as a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is defined by Body Mass Index (BMI). The prevalence of obesity is rising globally. Its prevalence is more than 30% in the people of well-developed countries such as the United States. Cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, chronic respiratory illnesses, diabetes and obesity are non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Its prevalence is increasing in Pakistan Objective: To determine the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism in obese adult people of Pakistan. Study design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration: This study was conducted in Shifa International Hospital Islamabad Pakistan from March 2022 to March 2023 Methodology: This research contains a total of 150 people who were having a body mass index of more than 25 kg/m2All of the patients were between 18 years and 60 years. The past medical and drug history and clinical examination e.g vitals monitoring, BMI calculation, thyroid examination was performed on predesign questionnaire. Those participants who had CLD, CKD, or those who took statins or other lipid lowering drugs were excluded from study. Blood samples were taken from every participant for measurement of TSH, FT4, FT3 Results: Out of a total of 150 people,67 males and 83 were females. The mean age was 35 years.We noticed subclinical hypothyroidism in 15% of the study population Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism is highly prevalent in the obese population, especially in those with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 29 kg/m2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased demand for energy in agriculture raised the cost of production and hence caused greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, improving energy efficiency is essential to decrease energy demand and, consequently, reduce costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The objective of this study was to compute energy efficiency and assess the influence of technological innovation on technically computed energy efficiency of the agricultural sector in South Asia. A two-stage analysis was carried out using panel data over the period 2002–2019. First, energy efficiency was computed employing the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) approach. Second, the influence of technological innovation on technically derived energy efficiency was examined employing a system generalized method of moments (GMM) approach. Findings of the SFA approach show that the average energy efficiency of the South Asian agricultural sector was 84%, ranging from 79 to 86%, showing that there is still 16% room for improvements in energy efficiency of the agriculture in South Asia. In addition, this study found that India has relatively high energy efficiency (86%) compared to other countries in South Asia. The study also found that energy efficiency shows a slight upward trend in the agricultural sector in South Asia. The findings of the system GMM revealed that technological innovation is playing a significant role in improving energy efficiency of the agricultural sector in South Asia. Based on our findings, South Asia can reduce energy inefficiency by spending more on research and development (R&D) in the agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By addressing issues & well-being of key stakeholders, social sustainability may offer operational advantages and benefit society at large. However, due to gaps in current knowledge, it is challenging to determine which practices will be beneficial and which managerial orientations will maximize effect of these practices upon operational performance. Study aimed to determine the mediating role of societal behaviors of employees amid social sustainability orientation and operational performance of freight forwarders. It recognizes strength of forces that oppose social change. Data was collected on complex questionnaire from freight forwarders, managers across developing country and analyzed through SEM using AMOS (23). Paper confirmed the mediating role of employee societal behavior amid socially sustainable freight transport orientation and operational performance. Findings suggest that SSI should be designed and implemented through positive behavioral changes, with the organization's employees themselves as primary target. It is the employees' positive attitudes and behaviors that translate SSI into effective operational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for probiotic-based functional food is increasing globally owing to its health-endorsing attributes. There are various driving forces behind probiotic therapy. However, Intestinal dysbiosis in humans is the prime driving force behind this increasing trend in the consumption of probiotic-based functional food. Probiotics have numerous health potentials, however, their target delivery and stability is a great challenge for food manufacturer. Microencapsulation with various types of coating materials is trending for the target and stable delivery of potential probiotics. There are various encapsulation techniques with pros and cons. The type of probiotic bacteria, encapsulation methods, and coating materials are considered crucial factors to prolong the viability of probiotics under hostile conditions. The current review addresses the opportunities, challenges, and future trends surrounding matrix materials used in probiotic encapsulation. The review also describes the current studies and their findings on the various types of encapsulation materials. This comprehensive review could be a way forward in the selection of efficient and effective wall material for the target delivery of sensitive ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research shows the link of corporate governance (CG) with diverse facets of cash management in family-oriented firms. Panel model is utilized for the year 2009 to 2021. The research depicts that level of cash holding is negatively affected due to CG. The finding of the study is supported by flexibility hypothesis to protect their selves from external monitoring mangers hold more cash due to agency conflict. The result further shows positive relationship of CG with "value of cash holding" in family-oriented firms and has 0.192 extra marginal values for one rupee extra investment in family-oriented firms under good governance compared to non-family-oriented firms. The research further postulates that proper governance decreases spending of excess cash (ECash) on internal investment and corporate diversification in family-oriented firms. Alternatively, good-governed family-oriented firms increase spending of ECash on dividend compared to rival firms. ECash under good governance positively affects performance indicates family-oriented firms having better CG uses ECash efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security is a growing concern around the world and the agricultural sector plays a significant role in solving this problem to a large extent. In particular, the developing world has been highly affected by the food security challenge due to its large population since the last few decades. This study explored the impact of the green revolution on food security in Pakistan using annual time series data over the period 1975–2017. The findings of the Johansen co‐integration and F‐bounds tests found that the green revolution positively and significantly improves food security in Pakistan. The results of the autoregressive distributed lag model explored that agricultural machinery, agricultural credit, use of fertilizers, high quality seeds, fuel consumption and rise in area under cereal crops are the significant factors of the green revolution, which improve the food security in Pakistan. This study recommends that policies must be designed to guarantee farmers' access to quality production inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of depression among adolescents aged 13 to 19 years who visit medicine outpatient departments (OPD) for asthma. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in Outpatient Departments of Medicine, of Indus Medical College TM Khan. All the cases between the ages of 13 and 19 who visited the medicine departments and have been diagnosed as patients of asthma for at least one year were included. Patients with a history of major life events, such as the death of a family member or any other relevant severe trauma within the past 3 months, patients already on antidepressant treatment for the past 3 months, those with other diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis, or epilepsy, and those with a history of substance abuse or dependence were not incorporated. Depression diagnosis was based on DSM-IV criteria, requiring the presence of at least five symptoms during the same two-week period, representing a change from previous functioning. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 262 asthma patients were included, with a mean age of 16.63+4.8 years and average duration of asthma was 5.6 years. Among the participants, 169 (64.5%) were female. The family history of asthma was reported in 30 (11.4%) of the cases. Overall frequency of depression was found to be at 14.1% (n=37). In terms of gender, a significant difference was observed, with a higher occurrence of depression in males (78.4%) and patients with poor and middle socio-economic status (SES) (p = 0.001). Higher rates of depression were also among those who were illiterate compared to educated patients (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Study revealed that depression is common among teenagers with asthma. Both asthma and depression are highly prevalent in teenagers as well as in adults, and emerging evidence indicates that these conditions often occur together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: According to the WHO (World Health Organization), nearly 0.8 million people commit suicide each year, with more than 20 suicide attempts for every self-immolation. Suicidal behaviors have a profound effect on communities, societies, families, friends, and colleagues. After the recognition of public health as a priority by the WHO, various studies are being conducted to prevent it. OBJECTIVES: The investigation's goals were to improve understanding of suicide by identifying socioeconomic indicators correlated with rising suicide rates among divergent legions globally and to develop a prediction model for those who are at a higher risk of suicide by using different predictors of suicide such as tension, depression, anxiety, and so on. METHODS: We used a variety of data mining techniques to create a prediction model for suicide, including Logistic Regression, Multilayer Perceptron, Polynomial/Gaussian/Sigmoid SVM, Decision Tree, and K-Nearest Neighbors. For identifying socioeconomic suicide indicators, we used various descriptive and exploratory analysis techniques such as mean, regression, and correlation. RESULTS: Classification through the Gaussian Kernel - SVM has been shown to have the best results relative to others. Results also stated that many countries saw a decrease in suicide rates between 2006 and 2015, compared to 1996 to 2005. The highest concentrations have been reported in Europe, while the lower has been observed in South America. CONCLUSION: Things are improving, at least according to the statistics. The performance of Gaussian Kernel-SVM has been demonstrated to be superior to the other algorithms for suicide prediction. Data on suicide and suicide attempts are imprecise and difficult to gather. Suicide and suicide attempt monitoring, and surveillance must be improved for suicide prevention initiatives to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a direct ban on charging interest, interest-based benchmarks are used as a pricing reference by a majority of Islamic banks, due in part to the absence of stable and widely- published alternatives. Benchmarking interest rate exposes Islamic banks to the problems of conventional banks, particularly the interest rate risk. Against this backdrop, the present study empirically examines the dynamic linkage between the interest rate volatility and the financing of Islamic banks. The empirical analysis is carried using evidence from the Islamic banking industry of Pakistan during the time period 2006–2020. The multivariate Johansen and Jusiles Co-integration test and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) are used as the baseline econometric models. Moreover, the DCC-GARCH model is employed for robustness and ensuring the consistency of results. The results indicate that a significant long-term and short-term relationship exists between the interest rate volatility and the financing of Islamic banking industry providing significant evidence for co-movements and convergence. These findings suggest that paradoxical as it may seem, the financing of Islamic banks operating within a dual banking system is subject to interest rate risk, mainly due to benchmarking interest rate, which in-turn makes Islamic banks vulnerable to the rate of return risk and withdrawal risk. Moreover, corporate financing, in particular, is more vulnerable to interest rate risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An appropriate amount of Zn-ions are incorporated into the high Curie temperature bismuth layer-structure ferroelectric material to fabricate Sr0.2Na0.4Pr0.4Bi4Ti4O15:xwt%ZnO; (SNPBT:xZn), with x = 0, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 ceramic series to investigate the magnetic, ferroelectric, and energy storage efficiency and piezoelectric properties. Pure SNPBT and SNPBT:xZn ceramics have maintained their structure even after the intercalation of Zn-ions at the lattice sites of SNPBT. The addition of ZnO in SNPBT has improved the multifunctional properties of the material at x = 0.15. At room temperature, SNPBT:0.15Zn has shown a high relative density of 96%, exhibited weak ferromagnetic behavior along with a low saturation magnetization (Ms) of 0.028 emu/g with a low coercive field of 306 Oe, a high remnant polarization (Pr) of 9.04 µC/cm2, a recoverable energy density ( W r e c ) of ~0.5 J/cm3, an energy conversion efficiency (η) of ~41%, a high piezoelectric co-efficient (d33) of 21 pC/N, and an impedance of 1.98 × 107 Ω, which are much improved as compared to pure SBT or pure SNPBT ceramics. Dielectric Constant (ɛr) versus temperature plots present the sharp peak for SNPBT:0.15Zn ceramic at a Curie temperature (TC) ~ 605 °C, confirming the strong ferroelectric nature of the ceramic. Moreover, SNPBT:0.15Zn ceramic has shown strong, piezoelectric, thermally stable behavior, which remains at 76% (16 pC/N) of its initial value even after annealing at 500 °C. The achieved results clearly indicate that SNPBT:0.15Zn ceramic is a promising candidate for future wide-temperature pulse power applications and high-temperature piezoelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction  MicroRNAs are a noncoding RNA involved in affecting several transcription and translation pathways. Their use has been discussed as potential predictors of several tumors. Their use as potential biomarker in glioma patients is still controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to explore the possible role of such microRNAs in glioma patients. Methods  After an extensive literature search done on PubMed and Embase, 20 studies were chosen for our analyses with the 9 discussing 11 tumor promoting microRNAs and 11 studies discussing 11 tumor suppressing microRNAs. The data needed was extracted from these studies including the hazard ratio that was used as the effect size for the purpose of our analysis. The needed analysis was performed using Stata and Excel. Results  The pooled hazard ratio for our analysis with patients having a lower microRNA expression for tumor promoting microRNAs came to be 2.63 (p  < 0.001), while the hazard ratio for patients with higher expression of tumor promoting microRNA was 2.47 (p  < 0.001) with both results being statistically significant. However, as significant heterogeneity was observed a random effect model for analysis was used. Subgroup analysis was further performed using grade, cutoff value (mean or median), sample type (Serum or Blood), and Karnofsky performance score, all of them showing a high hazard ratio. Conclusion  Our results showed that both tumor inhibitory and promoting microRNA can be used as prognostic tool in glioma patients with a poorer prognosis associated with a lower expression in tumor suppressive and higher expression in tumor promoting microRNA, respectively. However, to support this, future studies on a much larger scale would be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out to understand the nature of strike-slip Jhelum Fault zone and to propose a model for the surface to subsurface deformation pattern. Field data along with satellite images are used to construct the geological map. Moreover, the subsurface model has been proposed using the mechanism of dip-isogons in computer application which connects points of equal inclination or dip on the outer and inner bounding surfaces of a folded layers. The proposed geological map and subsurface model shows that the Jhelum Fault when propagated in the south from Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis forms a continuous shear zone on surface with some discontinuous exposure of splay faults rather than exposed as continuous discrete break. Likewise, the subsurface cross sections show that deformation along the fault zone is accumulated by splay faults from the main Jhelum Fault, which forms a positive flower structure with steep north-eastward dips, which is characteristics of strike-slip movement along Jhelum Fault Zone. The vertical stratigraphic throw along these faults shows small offsets and little east–west shortening, indicating that the major slip along the fault is strike slip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is a bacterium that commonly causes zoonotic disease. The pathogenicity of C. perfringens is a result of the combined action of α, β, and ε exotoxins. In this study, Lactobacillus crispatus (pPG-T7g10/L. crispatus) expressing the main toxoids of C. perfringens, α, ε, β1, and β2, with EGFP-labeling, was constructed, and the protective effect was estimated in chickens. The α-β2-ε-β1 toxoid was constitutively expressed for confirmation by laser confocal microscopy and western blotting, and its immunogenicity was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical assays. After booster immunization, the probiotic vaccine group showed significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of specific secretory IgA (sIgA) and IgY antibodies in the serum and intestinal mucus. Furthermore, the levels of cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (lL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17, and the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes in chickens orally immunized with pPG-E-α-β2-ε-β1/L. crispatus increased significantly. Histopathological observations showed that the intestinal pathological changes in chickens immunized with pPG-E-α-β2ε-β1/L. crispatus were significantly alleviated. These data reveal that the probiotic vaccine could stimulate mucosal, cellular, and humoral immunity and provide an active defense against the toxins of C. perfringens, suggesting a promising candidate for oral vaccines against C. perfringens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Evaluating ASTER data and field spectrometry for lithological discrimination in semi-arid region, Northeast Kohat Plateau, Pakistan" published in the journal Environmental Earth Sciences. The correction states that the first and second names of the authors were interchanged in the original publication, and provides the correct order of the author group. Additionally, the affiliation order was incorrect in the original publication and has been updated. The original article has been updated accordingly. The publisher, Springer Nature, remains neutral regarding jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. The authors of the article are Muhammad Nouman, Muhammad Hanif, Saleem Ullah, and Muhammad Shafique. [Extracted from the article]

A blockchain is a decentralized, distributed peer-to-peer network that allows one node to communicate with other nodes. When using blockchain technology in education, data or records can be stored permanently without fear of hacking due to the secure hashing algorithms in blockchain technology. The goal is to create a new blockchain technology that has the potential to form a decentralized application in education, with the help of different components, such as Meta Mask, IPFS, Ganache, and other test networks such as Rinke by and Rostand, as well as Web3 JS and Ethereum cryptocurrency. This research was applied in the following ways: (a) analysing the three most well-known blockchain cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum); (b) investigating the features and issues surrounding the Bitcoin cryptocurrency, and (c) creating a graphical interface for the IPFS bandwidth analysis for storing files on the network using Web3 JS and Smart Contracts. As a result, this research paper provides a proper demonstration of data storage without the use of a centralized system (decentralized and distributed P2P network) using IPFS to aid in data segmentation for storage purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite apparent significance, innovation in low-technology (LT) and low-to-medium technology (LT/LMT) sectors has enticed relatively less consideration from scholars and policy-makers than high-technology (HT) sectors, thus, earning the label 'the forgotten sector'. In this paper, we critically review the extant research on this forgotten sector, with the vital objective of proposing an integrated research framework from a diffuse literature base. We believe our findings can be utilized by innovation scholars to do more coherent research on the LT/LMT sector in the future. Our research presents important contributions and implications for scholars, business, and policy-makers as we propose a multi-level, integrated thematic framework that highlights the importance of LT/LMT sectors in innovation ecosystems (NIS) and offers avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participatory financing schemes, including Musharakah and Mudarabah, are theoretically claimed to be the ideal modes of Islamic financing, but their practice is restrained by several factors. That is why Islamic banks have a consistent tendency to avoid participatory financing on the assets side throughout the world. However, recently this trend has started changing in Pakistan and Indonesia where the share of participatory finance has raised significantly in the financing portfolio of Islamic banks. The present paper explores this recent spur of participatory finance in Pakistan in terms of its domains of applications and the responsible factors. The findings lead to a novel posteriori framework which shows that the shift toward participatory financing is primarily characterized by increase in working capital financing and commodity operations financing through Musharakah mode Islamic banks. Moreover, five factors contribute to the spur of participatory financing including: (i) introducing varieties in Musharakah, (ii) enhanced applicability, (iii) high volume projects, (iv) government interventions, and (v) regulator's role. The framework can significantly advance understanding with respect to the implementation theory of participation financing within Islamic banking and related Shariah compliance and regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological footprint attempts to quantify human impact on nature and its resources necessary to satisfy human needs. This research study explores the long-run implications of fiscal policy on the ecological footprint in Pakistan empirically, keeping different socio-economic factors into consideration. Per annum, time series data have been collected between 1976 and 2018, and the ARDL model is applied to investigate this long-run and short-run association. The conclusion of ARDL model shows that a 1% increase in public development expenditures, total population, GDP, and energy consumption increase 0.19, 2.17, 1.16, and 2.17% ecological footprint, respectively, in Pakistan between 1976 and 2018 vice versa. However, it is also derived that a 1% increase in public tax and non-tax revenue and current public expenditures (in health, education, and other social sectors) shrink 0.36 and 0.013% ecological footprint in the long run in Pakistan. For policy implications, these results focus on practical fiscal policy significance to achieve environmental targets in Pakistan, suggesting an increase in public current expenditures in public and social sectors and increasing public revenue by expanding the tax base, which will ultimately reduce ecological footprint in the long run in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of different parts (fruit, leaves, and seed) of papaya on thrombocytopenia. For the Purpose, the papaya fruit, leaves, and seeds were procured from Botanical Garden of University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Afterwards, the papaya fruit, leaves, and seeds were converted to powder followed by extraction of polyphenol with various solvents (aqueous ethanol and methanol). The obtained extracts were characterized for total flavonoid contents, polyphenols as well as anti,nutritional compounds, such as tannins and saponins. Moreover, efficacy trials were carried out to explore the effect of papaya parts (fruit, leaves, and seed) on the platelets count of potassium bromate-induced (PBI) rats. The PBI rats were fed with extract enriched diet for a time period of 56 days. Results showed that maximum extraction was obtained with ethanol. In addition, a higher bioactive profile (polyphenols) was observed in papaya leaves extract followed by fruit and seed extracts. Papaya leaves extract (PLE) treatment showed a maximum increase in platelets count from 169.9 ± 2.1 × 109/L to 231.1 ± 6.1 × 109/L in PBI rats as well as WBCs and RBCs 521 ± 16.8 × 107/L to 594.5 ± 11.2 × 107/L and 469.2 ± 13.2 × 107/L to 562.2 ± 14.2 × 107/L. But for hemoglobin, the papaya fruit extract treatment showed a higher value of 6.4 ± 0.1 to 7.4 ± 0.2 (mg/dL). Conclusively, papaya leaves should be included in dietary regimens for health promotion to combat thrombocytopenia and related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Households, as end energy users, consume grid electricity to meet their energy demands. However, grids across the globe for energy production are majorly based on fossil fuel technology and make the highest contributions to global warming and climate change due to greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. This generic study aims to investigate the minute role of a single-end energy consumer in GHG mitigation by switching to a rooftop PV system to meet his energy demands and trading surplus energy to the grid through its techno-economic analysis. Method: For the study impact, NASA Meteorological Data are used to select an ideal single energy user equipped with a 10-kW PV system based on annual average daily solar radiation and ambient temperature through MATLAB/Simulink, for 11 populous cities in Pakistan. Helioscope software is used to select tilt and azimuthal angles to maximize the solar radiation intercept. Afterward, RETScreen software is used for cost, financial and GHG analysis. Result and conclusion: A single end energy user equipped with a 10-kW PV system switched to a green energy source from a fossil fuel-based grid has the potential to avoid the burning of 3570.6 L of gasoline by producing 16,832 kWh of green energy per annum, while financially recovering the 10-kW PV system's 7337$ grid-tied investment in 5 years (equity) and in 9 years (equity) in a 9077$ stand-alone system over its 25-year life. This approach provides relief to end energy users from high priced grid electricity through environmental friendliness by mitigating 8.3 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per annum from energy production, while providing relief to the main grid by grid stabilization through peak shaving, in the broad sense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jhelum Fault is the north–south-oriented major structural lineament originating from the Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis and extending southwards towards the Mangla Lake. Geographic extent, nature and significance of Jhelum Fault are the subjects which have been approached by different researchers in the past. The previous research provides enough evidence for the presence of Jhelum Fault as well as they discourse its surface extent. None of the previous research addresses the subsurface model of this fault; consequently, its surface extent has been ambiguous and variably reported. The current research takes into account both the surface lineament as well as the subsurface behaviour of the deformed strata to draft the most reasonable depiction of this fault. Field data were coupled with satellite image of 1.5 m ground resolution to produce the geological map of the study area at 1:25,000 scale. The subsurface model was created along four traverse lines by considering the lateral extent of the structures and their shifting trends on the geological map. The stratigraphic package was taken from the nearby hydrocarbon exploratory well data (Missakeswal-01 well of OGDCL) as no rocks older than middle to late Miocene were exposed in the area. The consistent through-going map extents of many faults in the study area prove that faults are playing the major role in the tectonic evolution of the Jhelum Fault Zone. In the subsurface model, the same faults show very little stratigraphic throw, which signify the major stress component to be associated more with wrenching than pure compression. Therefore, most faults in the area are of transpressional nature having dominant lateral component with relatively smaller push towards west on steeply east dipping faults. The model also shows the positive flower structure with dominantly west verging fault system with few east verging back thrusts. The subsurface proposed model shows that the Jhelum Fault is extendible southwards to the Mangla Lake in the subsurface; however, it acts like a continuous shear zone on the surface where there all the shearing is accommodated by tight refolded fold axes. The east–west shortening does not exceed 14.5% which shows smaller compression in the study area. The 3D model further clarifies the model by showing the consistency of the fault system along strike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Finite element analysis to assess the effect of materials used for a custom-made insole to provide information for the suitable material selection in the conventional practice of insole fabrication for the diabetic foot with neuropathy. Offloading plantar pressure in a diabetic foot with neuropathy is challenging in conventional clinical practice. Custom-made insole (CMI) materials play an important role in plantar pressure reduction, but the assessment is costly and time-consuming. Finite element analysis (FEA) can provide an efficient evaluation of different insoles on the plantar pressure distribution. This study investigated the effect of CMI materials and their combinations on plantar pressure reduction for the diabetic foot with neuropathy using FEA. The study was conducted by constructing a three-dimensional foot model along with CMI to study the peak contact pressure between the foot and CMI. The softer material (E = 5 MPa) resulted in a better reduction of peak contact pressure compared with the stiffer material (E = 11 MPa). The plantar pressure was well redistributed with softer material compared with the stiffer material and its combination. In addition, the single softer material resulted in reduced frictional stress under the first metatarsal head compared with the stiffer material and the combination of materials. The softer material and its combination have a beneficial effect on plantar pressure reduction and redistribution for a diabetic foot with neuropathy. This study provided an effective approach for CMI material selection using FEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to conceptualize the nexus between the participatory finance and the higher ethical objectives within the Islamic moral economy, also termed as Maqasid al Shari'ah. Design/methodology/approach: Insights from the extant Islamic economics and finance literature are integrated through an interpretative systematic review using the principles from critical interpretative synthesis (CIS). Findings: A coherent framework is synthesized comprising the typology of the Maqasid al Shari'ah, the axioms of participatory finance and their nexus which is formulated by theorizing the common thread of meaning through the axioms of participatory finance and Maqasid al Shari'ah at the interpretative level. This framework postulates that the participatory finance fits well in the ethos and the value system of Islam. Moreover, "social well-being" invariably provides the nexus between the Maqasid al Shari'ah and participatory finance. Originality/value: This study contributes to the Islamic economics and finance literature by integrating the dissenting views from the divergent literature related to the basic philosophy of Shari'ah and participatory finance and provides grounds for policy implications, particularly, for designing the financial products. Moreover, it demonstrates an application of interpretative systematic review in Islamic banking and finance research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this study is to check the relationship between workplace Spirituality dimensions (connection, compassion, mindfulness, meaningfulness and transcendence) and organizational commitment by taking positive feeling as a mediator. For this purpose using convenience sampling, 5 point Likert scale questionnaire was utilized to collect data from employees in the field. Non-profit organizations and the food service industry in this sector, 200 questionnaires were cycled and 171 responses were obtained. Barron and Kenny's approach is utilized to assess the study's hypotheses using regression and correlation analysis. According to the findings, WPS has a significant positive correlation with positive sentiments, and positive feelings significantly influence the effect of workplace spirituality on organizational commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins accumulate along neuronal circuits in Alzheimer's disease. Elucidating the seeding region and related context as well as their association can provide insight into the origins of misfolding, aggregation, and fibril growth and can subsequently increase our understanding of the mechanisms of pathology progression. To this end, we investigated the folding dynamics of Aβ42 monomer at pH 4.0–7.5 with/without physiological salt and predicted, for the first time, the subtle equilibrium between the seeding region (including charge and polarity of residues) of Aβ42 and the interaction context (pH and Na+/Cl− ions). The solution acidity, number of positive/negative ions, and distribution of charged residues in each Aβ42 region jointly impact the seeding region and seeding rate. The association of these factors well reconciles the controversy regarding the optimal pH (5.0–5.5 or 6.0?) for Aβ42 to trigger seeding and whether the first seeding region is β1 or β2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research paper, we apply OHAM and HAM to establish and solve the problem concerning two-dimensional exponential stretching sheets. The governing nonlinear differential equations are modeled with the aid of suitable transformation. A concrete graphical analysis is carried to investigate the behavior of similarity between the analytical and numerical solutions. The techniques OHAM and HAM are capable of producing resemblance between the two graphs. These methods have high accuracy, controlling convergence and generally trustworthy for the higher-order problems solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-aligned metal-semiconductor-metal (SA-MSM) structure was utilized to fabricate varactors on top of the AlGaN/GaN heterostructures. The SA-MSM structure minimizes the access resistance associated with 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG), resulting in the significantly improved cutoff frequency. Conventional MSM varactors have essentially the same cutoff frequency, regardless of the device width. On the other hand, the SA-MSM varactors require the optimum device width to obtain the maximum cutoff frequency which has been achieved with the device width of $20~\mu \text{m}$ in this study. The fabricated SA-MSM varactors exhibit the extrapolated cutoff frequency of 1.96 THz and a capacitance switching ratio of 2.51. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the third isolate (MN958546) from Pakistan was identical (100%) to an isolate reported from I C. melo i from Japan (AB523788) and had the lowest nucleotide identity (96.95%) with a cucumber isolate (LM653110) from Saudi Arabia. First report of cucumber-infecting cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) associated with cucurbit yellows disease in Pakistan Keywords: Cucurbits; Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus; Sequencing; Plant viruses; Cucumber EN Cucurbits Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus Sequencing Plant viruses Cucumber 323 324 2 03/16/23 20230201 NES 230201 During 2018, symptoms of cucurbit yellows disease (CYD) such as general yellowing, interveinal chlorosis, crinkling, stunting, chlorotic spots and brittle leaves were observed on several cucumber plants grown in open fields and greenhouses in the Multan and Lodhran districts of Pakistan. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: Despite in techniques advancement to patient care for respiratory tracts are instrumented may complicate the IAP course up to 50% in patients with mechanical ventilation. It requires rapid diagnoses and treatment that is appropriate as per patient condition. Many studies revealed negative impact with delayed administration and antibiotic treatment in IAP patients may increase the hospital mortality and morbidity. The primary objective of the study was to estimate the incidence of IAP in the patient admitted in ICU of tertiary care hospitals in Rawalpindi Pakistan. Study Design: Observational cross sectional study. Setting: ICU units of various tertiary care hospitals in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Period: One year from Dec 2016-Dec 2017. Materials and Methods: A total 450 subjects were enlisted for the study; these patients were selected randomly. The exclusion criteria include all patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or those on long-term antibiotic or steroid therapy and all the pregnant women whereas all the patients of both sexes, kept on ventilator for more than 48 h and above the age of 18 years were included in this study. Results: We enrolled a total of 450 patients for this study. The average age of all the participants was 61.51 + 12.8 with range 36-91. 230(51.1%) of the patients were male whereas 220(48.9%) were females. The Trauma-Pulm contusion was absent in all patients. In ICU 150 (33.3%) were diagnosed with COPD, 150(33.3%) with Asthma, 220(48.9%) with ARDS, 10 (2.2%) with head trauma and 310 (68.8%) with diabetes.200 (44.4%) smokers, 40(8.8%) were having lung cancer, 310(68.8%) were hypertensive and 20 (4.4%) were with Pneumothorax - requiring Chest Tube. Conclusion: We may conclude from our study that ICU associated Pneumonia is a serious issue, that developed with longer hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and re-intubation. By reducing the mechanical ventilation duration, pneumonia can be controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sectors or industries characterized by limited or no use of technology to innovate are called lowtechnology (LT) sectors. They are usually dominated by small firms. Identifying a dearth of academic and practitioner work, this paper helps explain how institutions within a small-firm sector and interactions of these firms with institutions influence the occurrence or non-occurrence of LT innovation. Marble sector firms primarily located in north-west Pakistan have been selected for this purpose. Advocating the need for critical realism that has been an often ignored paradigm in management research, this paper offers a unique perspective on the paradigm's fundamental tenets which are events, objects, mechanisms and causal powers through an extensive and robust qualitative analysis using case study methodology. Findings reveal strong normative and cognitive institutions but weak regulative institutions with varying levels of consistencies or otherwise in terms of small firms' interactions with these institutions. Interestingly, cognitive institutions emerge as the main barrier to LT innovation which is a key contribution of this paper along with a hard to find critical realist perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modulation capability of a terahertz dynamic metasurface was enhanced by integrating it with an asymmetric Fabry-Pérot cavity. The dynamic metasurface consists of split ring resonators combined with high frequency metal semiconductor metal varactors. Integrating the above dynamic metasurface into an asymmetric Fabry-Pérot cavity results in a modulation performance improvement of up to 3.3 times. An analytical model based on transmission line theory illustrates the modulation enhancement mechanism, and provide guidelines for designing dynamic metamaterial devices based on cavity structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An entrepreneur conceptualizes and rationalizes the creation of the new enterprise through the use of inductive analogical or metaphorical reasoning. Such reasoning sets the stage for commercialization of the enterprise and helps clarify its purpose and justification particularly in the face of adverse environmental contexts. After providing a review of literature on creation of a new enterprise, sensemaking and inductive reasoning, we use a narrative case study methodology to present the story of a small enterprise located in Peshawar Pakistan. Through the perspective of a female entrepreneur interpretations and details of her work, her struggles and her views about her enterprise are provided. By presenting this case we argue that inductive reasoning by the entrepreneur is shaped by three determinants. These include conceptualizing the opportunity through a narrative on the wider norms and values of the society and the entrepreneur's role within the society. Secondly, rationalizing the opportunity through a narration of personal life and events before and after the enterprise was created. Thirdly, using analogies or metaphors in the form of drivers influencing the new enterprise and how the entrepreneur has or is managing them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islamic banks are not allowed to charge interest; however, they use interest-based benchmarks as a pricing reference, due in part to the absence of stable and dependable alternatives. Though, benchmarking interest rate in Islamic banking does not violate the Shariah rulings. However, it is usually argued that benchmarking interest rate violates the basic philosophy of Islamic banking and finance. Moreover, it exposes Islamic banks to the problems of conventional banks, particularly the interest rate risk. The present study investigates the long term and short association among interest rate and financing of the overall Islamic banking industry of Pakistan via different modes. Findings of the study reveal invariably strong links between the Islamic and the conventional banking systems in Pakistan. These findings suggest that paradoxical as it may seem, the financing of Islamic banks operating within a dual banking system are vulnerable to interest rate risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on entrepreneurial sensemaking with an emphasis on cognitive mechanisms utilized by entrepreneurs during business opportunity development. More specifically the focus is to find out how an individual entrepreneur may assign meaning to important cues derived from innumerable unending events, interpret these cues and then take actions as per interpretations of these cues and events. These cues can be cognitively conceptualized as drivers and barriers through which the entrepreneur makes sense of his or her enterprise and the opportunities it may offer. Using a narrative case study approach this paper relies on inductive reasoning of a single female entrepreneur. A three-tiered and six-dimensional framework of entrepreneurial sensemaking has been presented. The cognitive mechanisms employed by the entrepreneur were presented in the form of cues, events and their interpretations by the entrepreneur resulting in a unique perspective on sensemaking. This paper is particularly useful because even though the use of sensemaking in entrepreneurship research has been well-recognized there is a general lack of empirical work on how an entrepreneur uses socially situated cognitive mechanisms to proceed further in terms of offering a better understanding of his or her new enterprise to others within any social or cultural setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of incubators, particularly those that are driven to achieving social objectives, this paper investigates core processes that support the development of social innovation. Social innovation, as this paper argues, is underpinned by a new form of social collaboration and engagement built upon strong forms of sharing knowledge and learning. Coupled with this is the element of social capital reinforced by entrepreneurship and leadership that promotes sustainability in the community. These factors drive innovative thinking and ways of engaging among stakeholders in order to create new forms of socio-economic impact. Such value-creating activity occurs in firms that operate within incubators involving a wide range of stakeholders who work through networks to co-create and meet social challenges. Through a case study of a social incubator and an incubatee, we demonstrate the core processes that irradiate the argument on social innovation. The contribution of this paper is threefold: First, social innovation is an emerging area of research, of which there is a dearth in terms of examining the processes empirically. We address the gap in this field by demonstrating the value of social collaboration and engagement using different innovation models. Second, we establish links between social innovation and incubation using the concept of social capital. This allows us to achieve our third contribution: exemplification of a dyadic value-based partnership and collaboration processes between an incubator and an incubatee, through activities driven by social innovation that aim to have social impact. The paper concludes with practice implications and suggests directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]