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The discrete differential evolution (DDE) algorithm is an evolutionary algorithm (EA) that has effectively solved challenging optimization problems. However, like many other EAs, it still faces problems such as premature convergence and stagnation during the iterative process. To address these concerns in the DDE algorithm, this work aims to achieve the following objectives: (i) investigate the causes of premature convergence and stagnation in the DDE algorithm; (ii) propose techniques to prevent premature convergence and stagnation in DDE, including a quantitative measurement of premature convergence based on the level of mismatching between the population solutions and then divide the population into individual groups based on the level of mismatching between the population solutions and the best solution; and applying the roulette wheel selection (RWS) approach to determine whether a higher degree of nonmatching is more suitable for choosing a population of separate groups to be able to produce a new solution with more options to prevent the occurrence of premature convergence; (iii) evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques through employing the DDE algorithm to solve the quadratic assignment problem (QAP) as a standard to evaluate our results and their effect on avoiding premature convergence and stagnation issues, which led to the enhancement of the algorithm’s accuracy. Our comparative study based on the statistical analysis shows that the DDE algorithm that uses the proposed techniques is more efficient than the traditional DDE algorithm and the state-of-the-art methods.

Present studies were conducted on evaluation of soma-clonal variation of CP67-1026 mutant through morphological procedures with the aims at discussing how soma-clonal variations can be analyzed through morphological approaches in gaining knowledge about the underlined regulatory controlled mechanisms in plants. In vitro experiments were conducted in the Laboratory of Nuclear Institute Atomic Energy (NIA), Tandojam during the year of 2021. The results so far achieved opened further window for deep analysis with reference to functional analysis of soma-clonal variated plants with different approaches. Results on the performance for soma-clonal variation in sugarcane variety NIA-2010 and their soma-clones revealed the best performance of varieties, which showed that the plant height (302.33cm) was observed in SC-3 and the lowest performance was examined in SC-2 that was approximately (154.33cm). The consequences of varieties and diverse parameters indicated that the highest number of internodes plant-1 were recorded (38) in SC-3 and lowest number of internodes plant-1 were accomplished (23) in SC-1. The output of different features indicated that highest number of tillers plant-1 was observed (8.02) in SC-3, the lowest number of tillers plant-1 (4.33) were noted in SC-4 and 8 as well. The consequences of soma-clones indicated that maximum weight stool-1 (kg) was observed (9.67kg) in SC-3 and minimum weight stool-1 (kg) was showed (5.83) in SC-1. The output of different physiological features indicated that highest values were remarkably noticed of brix (%) (19.83%) in SC-13, sucrose (%) (13.4%) in SC-3, fiber (%) (18.92g) in SC-3 whereas the lowest fiber (%) (16.58g) were seen in SC-11. The results of various agronomic parameters such as germination % observed (82.01%) in SC-6, commercial cane sugar percentage (CCS %) showed (9.1%) in SC-9, sugar recovery (%) (8.56%) in SC-8, purity (%) (85.27%) in SC-8, cane yield (tonnes per hectare) (96.67 tonnes per hectare) in SC-3, sugar yield (tonnes per hectare) (7.95 tonnes per hectare) in SC-3 for the assessment of morphological constitutions of NIA-2010 genotype and their soma-clone

Crime is one of the major problems in Pakistan. Increased incidences of crime across the country are becoming a matter of great concern. It is popular to associate criminal behavior with the poor physical, psychological, social, and economic conditions of the impoverished segment of the population. Poverty, unemployment, and corruption are Pakistan's most significant drivers of youth crimes. Keeping in view all these facts, the main objective of this study was to investigate the factors affecting youth criminal behavior in Punjab, Pakistan. In this research quantitative research approach was used. Primary data was collected through field surveys. A multistage random sampling technique was used for data collection. In the first stage, two districts were selected randomly from central Punjab. In the second stage, district jail Faisalabad and district jail Pakpattan were selected purposively. In the third stage, a sample size of 300 respondents was chosen purposively. A questionnaire was designed as a data collection tool, and collected data were analyzed by using SPSS 25 version. The study's findings indicated that most of the respondents who were involved in crimes were married and between 21 to 25 years old. Univariate analysis revealed that poverty, unemployment, poor socialization, and peer pressure were major causes of crime among youth. Bivariate analysis showed that excessive social media usage and youth unemployment contributed to criminal behavior. So, the present study suggested that Governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should collaborate to enhance awareness and youth empowerment to guarantee that individuals have the necessary skills and training to participate in the labor market and become productive members of society.

In this article, a class of Poisson-regression based estimators has been proposed for estimating the finite population mean in simple random sampling without replacement (SRSWOR). The Poisson-regression model is the most common method used to model count responses in many studies. The expression for bias and mean square error (MSE) of proposed class of estimators are obtained up to first order of approximation. The proposed estimators have been compared theoretically with the existing estimators, and the condition under which the proposed class of estimators perform better than existing estimators have been obtained. Two real data sets are considered to assess the performance of the proposed estimators. Numerical findings confirms that the proposed estimators dominate over the existing estimators such as Koc (2021) and Usman et al. (2021) in terms of mean squared error.

This article examines Tariq Ali’s novels The Stone Woman (2000) and A Sultan in Palermo (2005) to critique the question of identity discourse by drawing inspiration from various cultures rooted in a distinctively Islamic landscape and culture. Muslim identity, like any other, is separately constructed and determined by language, religion, sect, and various other roles. It examines the creation of Muslim identity and strives to comprehend the segregation they have demonstrated in the postcolonial context. This identity discourse emerged in colonial discursive practices that positioned Muslims as “Other” under colonial rule. This paper draws upon theoretical concepts of postcolonial theory to challenge the stereotypical representation of Islam often circulated in Eurocentric discourses. We do this by focusing on Tariq Ali’s ways of constructing Muslim identities through fictional representations. Through this discussion, we critique stereotypical tropes evident in Eurocentric discourses, which too often conflate professions of Muslim identity with religious fundamentalism.

The concept of formulating sustained release tablets using different polymers offers a suitable and practical approach of sustained in release and dissolution characteristics. Here the solubility of Dextromethorphan is enhanced by solid dispersions with PEG6000 as carrier. Then the formed solid dispersions are characterized and evaluated by drug content and In vitro dissolution studies. Among the various s solid dispersions prepared, the formulation SDF2 i.e., the solid dispersion of Dextromethorphan with PEG6000 prepared by Solvent Evaporation method shows faster dissolution rate it was decided to use formulations SDF2 to formulate sustained release tablets using different polymers like HPMC, EC and Guar gum by direct compression technique. Optimized formulation F4 which includes HPMC and EC has successfully sustained the drug release. The release process involves anomalous diffusion mechanism or diffusion coupled with erosion. FTIR studies show that there is compatibility between drug and excipients for the developed matrix tablets.

Wear parameter optimization is critical for the successful use of materials in load-bearing applications. This study examines the optimization of various wear parameters using the Taguchi technique for the determination of the specific wear rate of alpha-manganese dioxide (α-MnO2)-epoxy nanocomposites. Four factors viz. wt.% loading of α-MnO2, sliding distance, sliding velocity, and normal load, were selected as controllable factors and a suitable L16 orthogonal array was chosen for conducting experiments. An X-ray diffractometer and field emission scanning electron microscope were used to examine phase identification, surface morphology, and chemical composition. With the addition of α-MnO2 in the epoxy, the tensile stress is decreased, while the elastic modulus is increased. The Taguchi result shows that the wear test in optimal condition is carried out with a wt.% loading of α-MnO2 of 0.5%, a sliding distance of 500 m, a sliding velocity of 1.5 m/s, and an applied normal load of 5 N. Analysis of variance shows the wt.% loading of α-MnO2 has the most influential parameter on specific wear rate with a contribution of 87.94%. The analysis also shows that the general linear model accurately describes the effect of sliding wear parameters on specific wear rates. The Monte Carlo simulated model shows that the experimental signal-to-noise ratios are consistent with the simulated model values. The confirmation test result shows that the % error between the predicted and experimental values of the specific wear rate at the optimum level combination is 4.67%. The worm surfaces of different trial runs show that the material removal process is caused by crack propagation. High-resolution scanning electron microscopic images of fractured surfaces show the formation of a stable tribo-layer at 0.5 wt.% α-MnO2 loading resulted in a significant decrease in the specific wear rate of the sample.

This paper aims to identify the optimum level of factors or parameters that affect the energy absorption of conoidal structures by grey relational examination. To optimize crashworthiness parameters of conical structures, the L9 orthogonal array has been adopted to design the experiments. The tailor-made thin-walled conical structures were fabricated by three most important factors, such as base diameter, height, and thickness, as design variables, and they were subjected to axial compression in a quasi-static method. The important responses of crashworthiness indicators such as the mean crushing force and specific energy absorption (SEA) were calculated with the help of a load-displacement curve. Experimental results showed that the crushing behaviours of conical structures were fairly significant. Grey relational analysis (GRA) and analysis of variance are used toobtain the optimal levels of parameters. From the results, the optimum levels of parameters are found to be a base diameter of 180 mm, a height of 120 mm, and a thickness of 1.5 mm.

This study had been conducted in north eastern area of Pakistan, Baltistan region constituting the larger portion of Kashmir region. Which is one of the moist zone of the western Himalayas. While growing fruit point of view the land is suitable for fruit like apples, plum, cherry and apricot production. Climatically Baltistan region soils have recognized as best for quality cherry production. However, limited information is available about the existing soil fertility status and fruit quality of cherry orchards. Soil fertility evaluation is a key factor towards sustainable fruit production of cherry orchard soils. Improvement of soil productivity and fruit quality depends on the knowledge of the soil fertility. Therefore, study was designed to investigate the soil fertility status of cherry orchards of District Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, and Ganache. Soil samples were evaluated for pH, EC, Organic matter, Texture, N, P, K, and micronutrients. While leaf and fruits samples were analyzed for N, P, K and pH, TSS, TA, Ascorbic acid, and Sugar contents respectively. Results revealed that the soil samples were slightly alkaline and non-saline sandy loam and sandy clay loam texture with adequate organic matter ranging from 1.19-2.15%, Low to marginal (NO3-N), low extractable P, and marginal to adequate K with high micronutrients concentrations (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn). While leaf samples showed marginal to high N, low P, and K and sufficient to high micronutrients. The parameters of fruit samples were in the optimum range with a yield of 5-50 Kgplant-1.

This paper has described a chief question that “What are the impacts of Pak-China relations on India and its regional implications during the period of 2008-18”? Within this framework, the paper has endeavored to examine ongoing progression in economic, strategic and political domains of bilateral kindreds amongst both countries China and Pakistan. 1978 reforms of China and initial strategy, breakdown of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and mainly the incident of 9/11 at world trade center were the key changes that categorized the South Asian, global and the regional politics. If we can talk about regarding the global framework, the calculation allocated with developing global order. On other end, if we can talk about the regional framework, this paper talked evolving relations of Pakistan, India and China, as significant participants of the south Asian region. It has also a significant for the financial, strategic and dogmatic, requirements of the South Asia too.

Background:The Public Health Empowerment Program (PHEP) is a 3-month training program for frontline public health staff to improve surveillance quality and strengthen the early warning system capacities. Studies evaluating the program and its impact on the health systems in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of PHEP graduates’ engagement in field epidemiology activities, assess their perceived skills and capacity to perform these activities and assess the extent to which PHEP helped the graduates to perform field epidemiology activities.Methods:A descriptive evaluation study was conducted based on levels 3 and 4 of Kirkpatrick’s model for evaluating training programs to assess the change in graduates’ behavior and the direct results of the program. Data were collected using two online surveys targeting PHEP graduates and programs’ directors/ technical advisers.Results:A total of 162 PHEP graduates and 8 directors/ technical advisers participated in the study. The majority of PHEP graduates reported that they are often involved in activities such as responding to disease outbreaks effectively (87.7%) and monitoring surveillance data collection (75.3%). High proportions of PHEP graduates rated their skills as good in performing most of field epidemiology activities. The majority of graduates reported that the PHEP helped them much in conducting, reviewing, and monitoring surveillance data collection (92%), responding effectively to public health events and disease outbreaks (91.4%), and communicating information effectively with agency staff and with the local community (85.2%).Conclusion:PHEP appears to be an effective program for improving the public health workforce’s skills and practices in epidemiological competencies in the EMR. PHEP strengthened the engagement of the graduates in most field epidemiology activities, especially during COVID-19.

The thermal applications of nanofluids are extremely high and researchers have suggested multidisciplinary applications of nanomaterials in heat transfer problems, thermal systems, chemical industries, thermal energy systems, nuclear processes, extrusion mechanism, etc. The aim of this work is to discuss thermal properties of nanofluids for Poiseuille flow with hydrodynamic effects. The magnetohydrodynamic Poiseuille flow of thermo-capillary levels of nanoparticles with apparent viscosity nanofluids is focused. The graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles are immersed in water-based fluid. The formulated system is solved numerically by using the Chebyshev collocation method. The mathematical technique Qualitat and Zuverlassigkeit (QZ) is applied to find out eigenvalues from comprehensive Orr–Sommerfeld technique. It is noted that the flow of nanofluids becomes stable due to the wave number and magnetic field. The Reynolds and Prandtl numbers have dynamic role on destabilizing the nanofluids transportation. The outcomes of this study are utilized in drug-delivery systems, photodynamic therapy and delivery of antitumor.

Purpose This work aimed to study the drug delivery applications of iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with strontium (Sr) doping with varying molar ratios prepared by the co-precipitation route. The impact of increased strontium content on the particle size and magnetic properties was investigated. The impending of these nanoparticles for drug loading, drug release, and their respective cytotoxicity was also inspected.Methods First, iron oxide nanoparticles were doped with various amounts of strontium, from 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75, to 1 mole using co-precipitation method. These synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, VSM, and FTIR for evaluating crystal structure, phase purity, morphology, composition, magnetic properties, and functional groups, respectively. Drug loading and drug release properties were determined using UV-vis spectroscopy, whereas MTT assay evaluated cytotoxicity.Results The findings confirmed the successful doping of iron oxide with strontium via XRD and EDX. SEM results confirmed spherical morphology for all and needle-like structure for 1 mole strontium doped sample. For VSM results, a single domain structure was established. It was also observed that the drug encapsulation efficiency increases with increased strontium content. Cytotoxicity results by MTT assay revealed increased cytotoxicity with increasing nanoparticle concentration, and ibuprofen-loaded nanoparticles showed higher cytotoxicity than un-loaded nanoparticles at the same concentration.Conclusion This study provided predominantly comparison of the cytotoxicity of ibuprofen-loaded and non-loaded nanoparticles on Hep-2 cancer cells at similar concentrations for the first time for both Fe3O4 particles and Sr-doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles and enclosed the impact of increasing Sr doping content on Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

The replacement of fishmeal (FM) with economical and nutritious FM alternatives including plant and animal-based protein ingredients has become a global research priority. However, the presence of several anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in these alternatives may impair nutrient utilization in fish. The supplementation of exogenous protease as feed additives could be an effective approach to improve the nutrient digestibility of these alternative proteins. Proteases are protein-digesting enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of complex protein macromolecules into simpler amino acids. Exogenous protease supplementation stimulates the activities of endogenous proteolytic enzymes for better nutrient digestion and absorption in fish. This review article summarizes the optimum protease supplementation levels in various fish species and its beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, whole-body composition, physiochemical parameters, immunity, and gene expression of fish. Moreover, the interactive effects of exogenous protease with organic acids and probiotics are also discussed. Overall, the supplementation of exogenous protease in fish feed is a viable solution for poor nutrient utilization of FM alternatives. Important gaps, however, exist in the current knowledge, particularly with regard to the effect of protease supplementation in animal-based proteins as most of the studies have focused on the effect of protease supplementation on plant-based proteins as FM alternatives. Moreover, additional studies focused on the effect of protease supplementation on the digestive enzyme activities, immunity, gut microbes and antioxidant parameters of fish will provide the basis for a better understanding of the mode of action of protease. The scarce knowledge in these areas limits the scope of protease supplementation as a feed additive in the aquaculture sector.

Background: As with all intraarticular fractures, malleolar fracture necessitates accurate reduction and stable internal xation. Undisplaced medial malleolus fractures can be treated conservatively. Various surgical modalities are now available for internal xation of such fractures. This study aims at comparing the two common xation methods. A total of 50 patient Materials and methods: s who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study and were divided into 2 groups- Group A comprised those patients treated with tension band wiring(n=25) while Group B patients were treated with malleolar screw xation(n=25). In cases of bimalleolar fractures, lateral malleolus was xed with one-third tubular plate. All post-operative patients were evaluated at 2weeks, 6weeks, 12weeks, and 6months. The mean t Results and conclusion: ime to radiological union was 9.32weeks in group A and 12weeks in group B with a highly signicant p-value. The nal functional outcome was compared by Modied Olerud & Molander Score. 23 (92%) cases in group A and 20(80%) cases in group B had excellent to good results (P=0.007). Tensionband was technically more advantageous than malleolar screw and hence provided earlier bone union and better functional outcome

Background : Distal femoral fractures comprise approximately 3%–6% of all femoral fractures. The associated mechanism of injury can be of high or low energy. Surgery is the standard mode of treatment aiding for early weight bearing and mobilization is required in order to prevent longterm complications due to prolonged bed rest. Open reduction and internal xation using extra-medullary implants have been the standard treatment for supracondylar fractures, irrespective of age group with high complication rates including delayed union; implant failure, and infection. Transmedullary nail offers a potential biomechanical advantage over side plates and screws because of intramedullary location; resulting in less stress over the implant and better stress distribution than with eccentric side plate and screws.6 While both techniques are considered standard , the merits and demerits of each technique may be different; leading to better results or alignment using one over the other. This study aims at comparing the two xation methods. A total of 70 patients who met the inc Materials and methods: lusion criteria were included in the study and were divided into 2 groups- Group A comprised those patients treated with Retrograde Nailing (n=35) while Group B patients were treated with Distal Femur Locking Compression Plate(n=35). All post-operative patients were evaluated at 2weeks, 4weeks, 3 months and 6months. Results and conclusion: It was found out that the mean Range of Motion (ROM) evaluated at 6 months was 119.85 (-+21.11) degrees for the RN group while it was 110.0(-+18.85) degrees in the DFLCP group and was statistically signicant with p=0.044 , also the functional outcome assessed by AKSS was statistically signicant (p=0.03) favoring the RN group over the DFLCP group. Similar signicant outcomes were obtained in terms of duration of surgery and amount of blood loss favoring RN group . The radiological union time for RN group was 12 weeks compared to 13.21 weeks in case of DFLCP group , but was not statistically signicant (p=0.100). Hence , distal femur fractures especially the extra articular type had good outcome when treated with RN compared to DFLCP , when intervened early and coupled with adequate post operative physiotherapy.

Background: Distal penile hypospadias is one of the common congenital abnormality. It is the anomaly of anterior urethral and penile development. Objective: The purpose of the study is to find the outcomes of TIP urethroplasty in distal penile hypospadias in the pediatric patients. Study design: This retrospective study was conducted at the urology department of our institute hospital for the duration of six months from February 2022 to July 2022. Material and Methods: Out of all the patients that visited hospital during a course of 1 year, 250 had distal penile hypospadias. There were 45 individuals that were less than 2 years of age, while the remaining patients were more than 2 years of age. There were 210 patients that were included in the de novo hypospadias type and 40 had recurrent type of hypospadias. Results: Chordee was found in case of 50 patients, most of the patients had their chordee disappeared during the degloving of the penis. Running sutures were in use of 200 patients while 50 reported about interrupted use of suturing. There were 25 patients that used no stent after surgery, however, the stent was used by 150 patients for 3 days. Conclusion: TIP urethroplasty is an effective and reliable method that can be used for the treatment of distal penile hypospadias as it has less rate of complications and is suitable for primary as well as redo operations. It covers neourethra by the moving corpus spongiosum or by any flap. Keywords: TIP urethroplasty and penile hypospadias.

Background: Soft tissue abscesses is one of the most commonly observed complication in children. This infection may impart the longer stay at hospital and also increase the cost of medical care. Objective: The study was carried out to find the pattern of organisms and the sensitivity of drugs from the pus produced in soft tissue abscesses among patients. Study design: It is cross-sectional study conducted from January 2020 to November 2022. Material and Methods: The study was conducted at the pediatric department of the Div. HQ teaching hospital Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The study was carried out on 160 patients having at least one abscess on their body. The study also collected information about the predisposing factor that could have led to abscess formation. The site of distribution of the abscess was also analyzed. The abundance of microorganisms that were isolated from the samples of abscesses was also studied. Results: it was found that in most of the patients (45.5%) the blunt trauma was the main cause of formation of abscess. The common cause of abscess at extremities was blunt trauma. The common cause of abscess at head and neck site was upper respiratory tract infection and lymphadenitis. The head and neck area along with lower limb was the site that had most of the abscess. Conclusion: In our study the blunt trauma at extremities was found to be main factor leading to pus formation from smooth tissue abscess among infants. The most common region where pus was formed was extremities, head and neck area and lower limb area. Keywords: klebsiella pneumonia and Soft tissue abscesses.

Objective: To assess the level of communication skills of doctors in military hospitals and compare their own and patient perceptions. We also aimed to determine factors affecting doctors' communication skills and suggest recommendations for improving doctors' communication skills. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: CMH Lahore, CMH Gujranwala and CMH Chunian and Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi, from Oct 2016 to Jun 2017. Methodology: Through non-probability consecutive sampling, questionnaires were distributed to 100 physicians and 100 patients inquiring about various aspects of doctors' communication skills and factors affecting them. Results: Doctors were asked to judge the overall level of their communication skills, and more than half of them (53%) opined that their communication skills were very good. However, the perception of doctors' communication skills was better by doctors themselves compared to patients' perception. More than half of the doctors strongly agreed that increased workload, use of the hospital management system and extra commitments were major impediments to effective communication skills. Conclusion: The perception about the communication skills of doctors is not as high as that of the doctors themselves. There is a striking disparity between the physicians' and patient responses. The communication skills of doctors can be improved by formal training of physicians in the form of workshops. In addition, the workload on doctors should be reduced by minimizing extra commitments.

The identification of key determinants of aid effectiveness is a long-standing question in the development community. This paper reviews the literature on aid effectiveness at the project level and then extends the inquiry in a variety of dimensions with new data on World Bank investment project financing. It confirms that the country institutional setting and quality of project supervision are associated with project success, as identified previously. However, many aspects of the development project cycle, especially project design, have been difficult to measure and therefore under-investigated. The paper finds that project design, as proxied by the estimated value added of design staff, the presence of prior analytic work, and other specially collected measures, is a significant predictor of ultimate project success. These factors generally grow in predictive importance as the income level of the country rises. The results also indicate that a key determinant of the staff's contribution is their experience with previous World Bank projects, but not other characteristics such as age, education, or country location. Key inputs to the project production process associated with subsequent performance are not captured in routine data systems, although it is feasible to do so. Further, the conceptualization and measurement of the success of project-based aid should be revisited by evaluative bodies to reflect a project's theorized contribution to development outcomes.

We aim to suggest a simple genetic algorithm (GA) and other four hybrid GAs (HGAs) for solving the asymmetric distance-constrained vehicle routing problem (ADVRP), a variant of vehicle routing problem (VRP). The VRP is a difficult NP-hard optimization problem that has numerous real-life applications. The VRP aims to find an optimal tour that has least total distance (or cost) to provide service to n customers (or nodes or cities) utilizing m vehicles so that every vehicle starts journey from and ends journey at a depot (headquarters) and visits every customer only once. The problem has many variations, and we consider the ADVRP for this study, where distance traveled by every vehicle must not exceed a predefined maximum distance. The proposed GA uses random initial population followed by sequential constructive crossover and swap mutation. The HGAs enhance the initial solution using 2-opt search method and incorporate a local search technique along with an immigration procedure to obtain effective solution to the ADVRP. Experiments have been conducted among the suggested GAs by solving several restricted and unrestricted ADVRP instances on asymmetric TSPLIB utilizing several vehicles. Our experiments claim that the suggested HGAs using local search methods are very effective. Finally, we reported a comparative study between our best HGA and a state-of-the-art algorithm on asymmetric capacitated VRP and found that our algorithm is better than the state-of-the-art algorithm for the instances.

This article examines the reconstruction of Eurocentric representations of religious minorities of post-Reconquista Spain and Jerusalem through Tariq Ali’s novels, Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree (1992) and The Book of Saladin (1998). These novels suggest that the reconfiguration of history and the analysis of the traumatic experiences of characters such as Zuhayr and Saladin challenge the essentialist notion of Eurocentrism. The paper explores the narrative approaches and procedures employed in the novels to articulate the sufferings caused by the sidelining and elimination of Muslim and Jewish minorities. The study relies on concepts formulated and explicated by postcolonial critics like Fanon, Said, and Spivak in their critical works as its theoretical premise. We argue that the postcolonial outlook has the potential to challenge Eurocentric historical accounts, as it revives the forgotten memories of the “Other” and intertwines these memories to form new compatibility across ethnocultural and religious polarization. This study demonstrates that revealing the brutality implicit in the reasonable practices of nation-building conditions causes a crisis in Eurocentric historiography.

The cycle is the common mode of transport. Bicycle can be driven by all kind of individuals like children and senior citizen. But the old school sort of wheel which is being utilized for centuries has been given an unused plan which progresses the aesthetics of the cycle. In old bicycle the effort required to ride the bicycle is more. In the hubless cycle the gear transmission is provided which reduces the rider’s effort to pedal and ride the bicycle. In normal cycle, the directing (i.e) the handle bar is joined to the centre of wheel. But in hubless wheel, the handle bar is attached to the wheel edge which increments steering efficiency. The cycle with ordinary look (i.e.) cycle with spoked wheel (centre wheels) is continuously being used everywhere and a substitute for the look isn't considered in plan. As it were the outlines and chassis of the cycle has been altered all through the ages. The wheel has remained the same. So, considering it as the most objective of our venture, the hubless cycle is designed. Keywords: Hubless Bicycle, Gear Train Drive.

Engineering materials and their development are essential for a civilized society, and they have always played a key role in the industrialization of a country. The performance of materials can be increased by selecting appropriate fabrication process parameters. In this paper, the effect of fabrication processing parameters on multi-responses of lightweight material, namely, functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes-aluminum nanocomposite have been investigated through Taguchi-based grey relational analysis. Ethanol wt. %, milling time, compaction pressure, and sintering temperature were considered controlled parameters. Phase, surface morphology, and chemical compositions of the nanocomposite have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray techniques. The scanning electron microscope images revealed that the optimal parameter combination is essential for decreasing void and crack formation during the powder metallurgy process and increasing the material performance index. Grey relational analysis was performed to evaluate optimal sample fabrication processing parameters by using grey relational grade as performance index measurement. The most influential parameter was investigated using main effect plots, interaction plots, contour plots, and analysis of variance. The results show that the optimal combination of sample fabrication parameters is A1B2C3D3. The results also show that the compaction pressure has a stronger correlation to the responses with a 46.92% contribution followed by sintering temperature. The % error between the predicted and experimental grey relational grades at the optimum-level combination is 1.83%. The Monte Carlo simulation data distribution plots show that the ranges of experimental mass density and hardness values are consistent with estimated simulated model values. Further, a regression equation has also been developed to establish the predictive model for the grey relational grade. The model analysis shows that the predictive model is adequate for evaluating grey relational grades. Therefore, this study confirms that the proposed approach can be a useful tool for improving materials’ performance.

Tribology is the study of moving surfaces, and it has a variety of effects on our lives. From an economic point of view, wear is one of the most important aspects of an industry’s viability. Parts of the machine can wear out, and they need to be replaced. This is especially important for polymer-based materials. Therefore, it is important to reduce maintenance costs and improve machine reliability in a variety of engineering applications through proper material selection. The present investigation deals with the fabrication of manganese dioxide (MnO2)/epoxy nanocomposite and investigates its tribological properties. The MnO2/epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated via a solution mixing technique. The phase identification and surface morphology of the sample was examined by X-ray diffractometer and field emission scanning electron microscope, respectively. The mass density, micro-hardness, and specific wear rate data of samples revealed that the mass density, micro-hardness, and wear resistance of the samples increased with the addition of MnO2 in the epoxy matrix. The nanocomposite sample containing 0.5 wt. % MnO2 loading in the epoxy matrix shows higher density, micro-hardness, and wear resistance compared to other samples. The result also shows that with the addition of MnO2 in the epoxy matrix, the coefficient of friction of the samples is increased. The percentage reduction in specific wear rate due to the addition of 0.5 wt. % MnO2 in neat epoxy is 68.10%, whereas the percentage increase in the coefficient of friction is 19.30%. The results of the analysis of variance show the effect of adding wt. % of MnO2 in the epoxy matrix is significant in the tribological responses. The worn surface analysis shows that the fatigue wear mode seems to be the dominating mode of wear for all samples as compared to the other modes of wear. The properties of MnO2/epoxy nanocomposite data revealed that the developed material may be used in the automotive industry as a structural material, fabrication of snow sled, ball bearing housing, or plastic gear materials with adequate lubrication.

A few months back there was no medication and vaccine for COVID-19. Yet, most of the infected people got recovered. A very small portion of the infected people could not recover. A lion's share of the fatal cases were the patients suffering from some kind of chronic critical diseases. Due to that, their nutritional status and immunity were not normal. In this study, we have proposed a model called NICOV (Nutritional status, Immunity and COVID) that establishes the relationship among nutritional status, immunity, and COVID-19. This model formulates the relations considering all possible states of nutritional status and immunity of the body. We have numerically simulated the model for four different sets of values and found that susceptible, infected, and recovered cases of COVID-19 are significantly related to different states of nutritional status and immunity. It is also evident from numerical simulation that the effect of nutritional status and immunity varies with variation of other parameters associated with the formulation of the model. This model can help the concerned in decision making for mitigation of the losses that arise due to COVID-19-like situations.

This study examines viscoelastic fractional nanofluid flow through Darcy medium. Memory characteristics due to elasticity are explored with noninteger time derivatives. The unsteady motion of MHD flow is modeled by nonlinear differential equations. Buoyancy forces are incorporated via convection parameters in the flow domain. Fractional relaxation time is considered to control the propagation speed of temperature. A finite difference, along with finite element, a numerical algorithm has been developed for the computation of governing flow equations. Friction coefficient, Sherwood numbers, and Nusselt numbers are computed for the noninteger derivative model. Simulations revealed that noninteger numbers have congruous behavior for concentration, temperature, and velocity fields. It is also noted that heat flux, δ 1 , and mass flux, δ 2 , numbers have contradictory effects on the friction coefficient. Various flows, particularly in polymer industries and electrospinning for the production of nanofibers, can be tackled in a comparable pattern.

The current generation robot has been used in fields isolated from the human society. Their application is limited because of they cannot manipulation and interaction with humans. In order to represent the robotic technology with human-machine interaction and wireless communication allows interactivity in real-time with virtual objects. The main objective of the work is to design and develop a controller that is used to move the robotic arm using wireless system by recognizing hand motion that is controlled by flex sensor and tilt sensor for virtual environment and human-machine interaction.

This study aimed to determine whether feeding betaine (Bet) to lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes elevates their production performance during the hot and humid climate. Sixty lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups: the Control group received a standard concentrates basal diet without Bet, whereas in the treated group the same diet was supplemented with Bet at 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% on DM basis for 12 weeks. All animals received ad libitum amount of Maize fodder. Milk and blood were sampled throughout the experimental period. The results showed that feeding Bet to buffaloes increased (p