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ABSTRACTAims Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a novel nonpharmacological treatment modality. This noninvasive approach can stimulate peripheral nerves to provide analgesia through neuromodulation. We report the first case of ultrasound-guided rPMS to treat a case of severe refractory glossopharyngeal neuralgia.Methods A 70-year-old female with an 8-year history of glossopharyngeal neuralgia reported refractory pain unresponsive to pharmacological and interventional treatments. After consenting to treatment, the patient received high-frequency rPMS in three different sessions using intermittent theta burst stimulation below motor thresholds. rPMS was applied over the skin directed at the glossopharyngeal nerve identified using ultrasound guidance. Session 1 included 20 min of continuous treatment, session 2 included 40 min of treatment (two 20-min treatments separated by a 10-min break), session 3 included 40 min of treatment (similar to Session 2) repeated daily for 5 days. Pre- and postintervention pain levels were collected with a daily 1-week pain diary and pain questionnaires.Results Session 1 led to an immediate 30% decrease in pain after treatment. Session 2 led to a 75% decrease in pain immediately after treatment that remained reduced for approximately 2 days. Session 3 produced complete pain relief immediately after treatment and remained lower for 5 days after treatment and returned to baseline levels at 1 week.Conclusion rPMS provided immense but temporary relief in a severe case of refractory glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Further work is needed to determine the most effective regimen to treat complex pain disorders in the head and neck.

In 1997, S. Basco and M. Matsumoto introduced the concepts of Douglas spaces with a generalization of the notion of Berwald spaces. Weakly-Berwald space is one of the generalizations of Berwald spaces. In the present paper, we considered a cubic (α,β)-metric which is a special class of p-power Finsler metric and obtained the conditions under which the Finsler space with such special metric will be a Weakly-Berwald space.

The leading causes of hepatitis are viral infections, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Millions of people have been infected with these deadly viral infections worldwide, and in Pakistan, every tenth person is infected with these viruses. Different populations respond with different rates to infectious diseases due to host genomic differences. To evaluate and compare the biochemical parameters in different types of hepatitis (Hepatitis B, C, and Co-infection) and different ethnic groups, a total of 200 pre-screened patients were recruited from District Headquarters Teaching Hospital Dera Ismail Khan and Tank. Blood samples (5ml) were taken from patients and were assayed for biochemical parameters, including four liver function tests (LFTs) and two renal function tests (RFTs). In 200 patients, the mean scores of Alanine transaminase (ALT) were 376±335, 315±265, and 478±519 IU/L in HBV, HCV, and co-infected patients, respectively. Moreover, the mean score of ALT was 31±7.2 IU/l in the normal control group. All other biochemical parameters demonstrated elevated levels in co-infection, HBV, and HCV, respectively, except total proteins. The RFTs showed a threshold or upper normal limit (UNL); nonetheless, when compared to normal control subjects, RFTs parameters were high in infected patients, as compared to normal control. Ethnicity wise comparison of parameters indicated that Pushtoon ethnic group indicated a high degree of severity of HBV infection and co-infection, as compared to Saraiki and Rajpoot ethnic groups, while Saraiki ethnic group showed a higher severity of HCV than both of Pushtoon and Rajpoot. Rajpoot ethnic group was least affected than both Pushtoon and Saraiki ethnic groups. Co-infected patients were more severely affected, as compared to HBV and HCV patients. The ethnicity-wise study provided evidence that different ethnic groups showed different degrees of severity. There may be some genetic background involved in hepatitis B and C viral infection due to which all three ethnic groups showed different degrees of severity. In gender-wise comparisons, male patients were more affected than female patients

Hyperspectral image classification is vital for various remote sensing applications; however, it remains challenging due to the complex and high-dimensional nature of hyperspectral data. This paper introduces a novel approach to address this challenge by leveraging spectral and spatial features through a lightweight HResNeXt model. The proposed model is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional methods by combining residual connections and cardinality to enable efficient and effective feature extraction from hyperspectral images, capturing both spectral and spatial information simultaneously. Furthermore, the paper includes an in-depth analysis of the learned spectral–spatial features, providing valuable insights into the discriminative power of the proposed approach. The extracted features exhibit strong discriminative capabilities, enabling accurate classification even in challenging scenarios with limited training samples and complex spectral variations. Extensive experimental evaluations are conducted on four benchmark hyperspectral data sets, the Pavia university (PU), Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Salinas scene (SA), and Indian Pines (IP). The performance of the proposed method is compared with the state-of-the-art methods. The quantitative and visual results demonstrate the proposed approach’s high classification accuracy, noise robustness, and computational efficiency superiority. The HResNeXt obtained an overall accuracy on PU, KSC, SA, and IP, 99.46%, 81.46%, 99.75%, and 98.64%, respectively. Notably, the lightweight HResNeXt model achieves competitive results while requiring fewer computational resources, making it well-suited for real-time applications.

Decolonization in tropical architecture upholds cultural identity and diversity in both its material and non-material forms. The Rakhaine, a diasporic ethnic minority in southern Bangladesh, migrated from the former Arakan state more than two centuries ago. They have gradually adapted their cultural way of life as well as their vernacular dwellings to their displaced context, especially in the last few decades. Their cultural identity shows a new dimension, which is termed hybridization in postcolonial discourses. Considering the above context, this research initially aims to understand the unique spatial-physical morphology of the Rakhaine's traditional stilt houses. Later, the study explores different influences behind the current hybridized transformation taking place in their vernacular dwelling. Through a qualitative case-study approach, an in-depth comparison of two dwellings was undertaken to document and understand both their traditional and hybridized aspects. Theoretically influenced by decoloniality, tropicality and hybridity, this study contributes to decolonial and postcolonial studies in tropical architecture and will be of interest to academics and professionals in understanding the unique in-betweenness of cultural hybridization of ethnic minorities in the South Asian and Southeast Asian contexts.

O presente texto procura pensar criticamente as contradições inerentes às experiências históricas, sociais e culturais decorrentes do processo de descolonização e de democratização da sociedade portuguesa. Nesse sentido, pretende-se compreender de que modo a afasia pós-colonial, que resulta de uma ausência de reconhecimento legítimo dos patrimónios de vida e de identidade de comunidades lusas de experiência africana e afrodescendentes em Portugal, é abordada em trabalhos de pós-memória. Através de uma perspectiva interdisciplinar, feminista e cultural, este artigo analisa trabalhos de cariz ficcional e cultural para deles extrair o esplendor da voz de mulheres no exercício de reparações da afasia pós-colonial portuguesa.

IntroductionLes collectivités du Nord du Canada sont touchées dans une mesure disproportionnée par les maladies chroniques, en particulier les maladies mentales. Pour atténuer les inégalités croissantes en matière de santé, un programme de l’Approche globale de la santé en milieu scolaire ciblant les comportements liés au mode de vie sain, la santé mentale et le bien­être, a été étendu aux collectivités rurales et éloignées du Nord. Nous rendons compte de l’incidence du programme sur les connaissances, les attitudes, les comportements liés au mode de vie (alimentation saine, activité physique, temps passé devant un écran), le poids, la santé mentale et le bien­être d’élèves d’école primaire au cours des quatre premières années de mise en œuvre. MéthodologieSuivant un plan transversal répété, nous avons interrogé 440 élèves de la 4e à la 6e année (9 à 12 ans) de huit écoles en 2016, 352 en 2018 et 384 en 2020­2021. La répartition entre filles et garçons parmi les élèves était presque égale. RésultatsEntre 2016 et 2018, les réponses des élèves ont révélé des augmentations modestes dans la consommation de fruits et légumes et dans la diversité des aliments, une diminution du temps passé devant les écrans, aucun changement dans l’activitéphysique, un recul des attitudes en faveur d’un mode de vie sain ainsi qu’une baisse de la santé mentale et du bien­être. Entre 2018 et 2020­2021, les comportements liés au mode de vie se sont considérablement détériorés, tandis que les attitudes, la santé mentale et le bien­être ont continué à décliner. ConclusionUn programme ayant connu du succès dans les quartiers urbains défavorisés sur le plan socioéconomique a eu, dans les collectivités rurales et éloignées du Nord, une incidence favorable, bien que modeste, sur certains comportements liés au mode de vie, mais pas sur les attitudes ni sur la santé mentale ou le bien­être. À la lumière des différences culturelles et des défis logistiques du Nord canadien, des adaptations systématiques et proactives aux contextes locaux, une intensité accrue et une prestation prolongée des programmes sont essentielles afin de faciliter des améliorations durables en matière de santé mentale, de bien­être et de comportements liés au mode de vie.

IntroductionNorthern communities in Canada experience a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases including mental illness. To mitigate the growing health inequalities, an ongoing Comprehensive School Health program promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours and mental health and well-being was expanded to rural and remote northern communities. We report on the program’s impact on knowledge, attitudes, lifestyle behaviours (healthy eating, physical activity, screen time), weight status and the mental health and well-being of elementary school students during the first four years of implementation. MethodsFollowing a repeated cross-sectional design, we surveyed 440, 352 and 384 Grade 4 to 6 students (9–12 years old) from eight schools in 2016, 2018 and 2020/21, respectively. Students were approximately equally represented by girls and boys. ResultsBetween 2016 and 2018, students reported modest increases in vegetable and fruit consumption and dietary variety; declines in screen time; no changes in physical activity; and declines in attitudes toward healthy lifestyle and in mental health and well-being. Between 2018 and 2020/21, lifestyle behaviours deteriorated substantially, while attitudes and mental health and well-being continued to decline. ConclusionA program that was successful in socioeconomically disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods had a favourable, though modest, impact on selected lifestyle behaviours, but not on attitudes and mental health and well-being, in rural and remote northern communities. In light of cultural differences and logistical challenges in Canada’s North, systematic and proactive adaptations to local contexts, increased intensity, and longer program delivery are essential to facilitate sustainable improvements in lifestyle behaviours and mental health and well-being.

The philosophical concept of anxiety, which is usually associated with Kierkegaard and Heidegger's existential philosophy, seems to be an underestimated notion in Paul Ricoeur's phenomenological hermeneutics, while its role is important - anxiety appears to serve as the grounding for hope in his hermeneutics of self. The article aims to show how the anxiety is explained in Ricoeur's philosophy through attention and recognition, and how the anxiety is reflected in the narrative forms, or descriptions of vivencia . These descriptions may be seen as the verbal explanation of the so-called affective niche or affective scaffolding , which is a form of cultural adaptation, attempting to interpret and comprehend one's state of mind and way of the perception of the world as such in the given moment. The research and further dialogue based on these narrations may become an important source to recover from anxiety disorder, by discovering its existential meaning and, at the same time, accepting personal responsibility for it. Ricoeur's phenomenological hermeneutics made an important theoretical contribution in understanding the essential aspects of anxiety and hope; but it also developed prolific methods of interpretation, that could be practically applied in health care and psychotherapy; these can be shown on the example of the psychotherapeutic method of the usage of so-called 'anxiety protocols', which aim to arrange the hermeneutical co-research to help patient/client to recognize and overcome its anxiety disorders.

Push-pull technology (PPT) employs mixed cropping for sustainable intensification: an intercrop repels or suppresses pests of the focal crop (push), while a trap crop attracts pests out of the field (pull), where they may be targeted for control. Underlying chemical-ecological mechanisms have been demonstrated in controlled settings, primarily for some of the best-established cereal PPT systems developed in east Africa. Yet, many questions remain regarding mechanisms, and strategies to adapt PPT for different crops and locations. We conducted a systematic review of scientific literature on PPT and related practices for biological control of pests of food and fodder. Of 3335 results, we identified 45 reporting on chemistry of trap- or intercropping systems for pest control, of which 30 focused on cereals or African pests. Seven of these reported primary chemical data: measurements from glasshouse and laboratory studies (5), or of field-collected samples (2). From these 30, we provide a database of compounds, discussing degrees of evidence for their mediation of push-pull. We depict hypothesized spatial distributions of selected compounds in PPT fields from physical properties and emission/exudation rates, and design of the east African cereal PPT system, and discuss influences on activity in field settings likely to affect success.

Weather forecasting is an important aspect of many industries and activities, from agriculture to transportation. The main motive of this research is to design a sustainable smart weather station to track temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other weather parameters, and send the data to the IOTA network via a Wi-Fi module. The GISMO micro controller provides the necessary processing power to collect and store data, while the Wi-Fi module allows for real-time monitoring and remote access to the data. The data collected by the smart weather station can be used for weather forecasting, climate research, and disaster management. The proposed model is used to develop the accurate weather information in real-time, making it an ideal solution for individuals and organizations looking to monitor local weather conditions. By leveraging IoT technology, smart weather stations offer numerous advantages over traditional weather monitoring systems. The research mainly focuses to enable seamless data collection from multiple sensors placed strategically in various locations, providing a comprehensive view of weather conditions across different areas.

In this work, pure nickel was reinforced with various contents of h-BN (4 & 8wt.%) and SiC (2, 4, 6 & 8wt.%) prepared via PM route. The synergistic effect of h-BN and SiC on mechanical and microstructural behaviour was investigated. The microstructure and crystal structure were characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. The density and microhardness were eveluated via He pycnometer and microhardness tester. SEM results revealed that the exfoliation reduced the particle size of h-BN from approximately 105 nm to 30-40 nm. Furthermore, the addition of h-BN and SiC improved the mechanical properties of the composite. The maximum hardness value of 420 HV was obtained for Ni-8BN-6SiC. This improvement in hardness was attributed to uniform dispersion and high hardness of h-BN and SiC. However, more addition of SiC (>6 wt.%) deteriorated the hardness of the composite due to generated porosity.

Urinary supersaturation is important for crystallization and likely cause of stone formation on ductal plugs. Formation of idiopathic stones that develop on Randall’s plaques in the presence of low supersaturation is, however, dependent upon immunological responses of the kidneys. Experimental data suggests osteogenic and inflammatory processes playing pivotal role in plaque formation and its exposure to the pelvic urine which is necessary for stone development. Inflammatory and crystallization modulating molecules are released into the urine, becoming incorporated within the crystals and stones as organic matrix. Many of these molecules play roles in both inflammation and crystallization.

Background: Chronic pain affects one in five persons and is a leading contributor to years lived with disability and high health care costs. In 2016, the government of Ontario increased public funding for pediatric and adult hospital-based interprofessional chronic pain clinics (HICPCs) in Ontario, Canada, expanding the role of physiotherapy in chronic pain management in the province. This role has yet to be described in the literature. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore physiotherapy practice within HICPCs in Ontario. Methods: We conducted an interpretive description qualitative study based on semistructured interviews with physiotherapists employed in pediatric and adult HICPCs in Ontario. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed for accuracy. We analyzed interview data using thematic analysis. Results: Ten physiotherapists who practiced in pediatric and adult HICPCs (n = 4 pediatric; n = 6 adult) in Ontario were interviewed between February and April 2020. We constructed five themes related to physiotherapy practice in this setting. Themes included (1) contributing a functional lens to care; (2) empowering through pain education; (3) facilitating participation in physical activity and exercise; (4) supporting engagement in self-management strategies; and (5) implementing a collaborative approach to whole-person care. Conclusions: Our results illuminate how physiotherapy practice within HICPCs in Ontario focuses on providing a collaborative and whole-person approach to care, with an emphasis on supporting patients to increase their functional capacity by promoting engagement in active chronic pain management strategies.

Annexation of the Punjab by the British in 1849 brought about major modifications to the local visual culture. Expecting Indian crafts to remain frozen in time (for several reasons), the colonial administrators and art critics disapproved the changes employed by the craftsmen in their wares to cater to the new ruling class. Among the corrective measures adopted by the government to revive the ‘dying’ Indian art and craft, art schools were set up and surveys were conducted to publish illustrated monographs on individual crafts bringing once strictly guarded trade secrets out in the public. By the late nineteenth century, the ‘native craftsmen’ or mistrīs themselves emerged as authors of illustrated craft manuals carrying instructions in all three important vernaculars, Gurmukhi, Urdu and Sanskrit mixed with some English terms and designs. The most interesting among these publications are a few woodcarver’s manuals that laboriously enumerate a wide range of geometric designs for both architecture and furniture. Each shape, its construction methods and titles are given in an interesting mix of the three vernaculars. These terms were also mentioned by John Lockwood Kipling, the first Principal of the Mayo School of Industrial Art (1876-1893) in his essay on wood carving but abandoned by the time Percy Brown (1897-1909) took over. Except for some, today most of these terms and construction methods are unknown even to the traditional craftsmen of the Punjab. This paper aims to trace the history of traditional geometrical patterns going as far back as Mughal times (sixteenth to eighteenth centuries), their references in manuals published by local craftsmen during the colonial rule and the role of British art educators on social memory.

The increasing environmental issues linked to traditional petroleum-based packaging materials have stimulated a rising curiosity in investigating sustainable alternatives, especially in the field of food packaging. The present study investigates the characterisation of bio-based materials that have the potential to significantly transform food packaging applications. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using these materials as ecologically sustainable substitutes, taking into account their physical, mechanical, barrier, and thermal characteristics. The study process includes the careful selection of a wide array of bio-based materials, such as biopolymers derived from agricultural wastes, chemicals derived from algae, and derivatives of cellulose. The findings from the characterization provide insight into the complex attributes of these bio-based materials, elucidating their advantages and disadvantages when compared to conventional packaging materials. The research findings presented in this study make a valuable contribution to the expanding corpus of information pertaining to sustainable packaging options. As there is a growing worldwide focus on reducing plastic waste and minimising ecological impacts, the findings of this research contribute to the promotion of a more sustainable approach to food packaging. These findings are in line with the concepts of a circular and bio-based economy.

The sustainable exploitation of natural stone resources poses a multifaceted dilemma that lies at the confluence of environmental protection and the preservation of cultural heritage. This study explores the complex interplay between the exploitation and use of natural stone resources, the consequent environmental ramifications, and the necessity of preserving cultural legacy for posterity. The procurement of natural stone resources, although being indispensable for the purposes of building, architecture, and artistic endeavours, sometimes gives rise to substantial ecological ramifications. Quarrying activities have been found to result in a range of detrimental consequences, including deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction. The intricate equilibrium between the preservation of natural resources and their utilisation necessitates the implementation of inventive approaches to minimise ecological harm and save cultural heritage. In order to effectively tackle these difficulties, it is imperative to adopt a holistic strategy. The use of circular economy concepts has the potential to significantly improve the utilisation of stone resources in a more effective manner. The preservation of cultural heritage necessitates thorough documentation, continuous monitoring, and proper care, as well as the use of protective coatings and materials that effectively minimise degradation while preserving the aesthetic and historical significance. This study argues for the cohabitation of natural stone extraction with cultural heritage preservation by examining the intersection of environmental issues and cultural relevance.

Road dust contributes significantly to air pollution by releasing fine particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants into the air, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems and premature death. This dust is generated through the wear and tear of vehicle tires and road surfaces, as well as the accumulation of dirt and debris on the road, primarily from construction activities and cargo trucks carrying building materials. Wind, weather conditions, and vehicle movement play crucial roles in the distribution and concentration of these particles in the air. To address this issue, this paper focuses on identifying various variables that are connected to road dust operations and their interrelationships with air pollution variables, representing the dynamic pattern of the entire system. The paper proposes the establishment of a sustainable causal-loop model using system dynamics (SD) modeling in Vensim, connecting feedback mechanisms to effectively control the road dust concentration. Additionally, the paper suggests different policy interventions applied to the whole system to achieve optimized results. In the future, this research aims to convert and simulate the causal-loop model to a stock-flow model and compare the effectiveness of different policy interventions to further reduce road dust contributing to air pollution.

The sector base mapping of chicken eggs is very important in the development of agribusiness nationally in Indonesia. The novelties of this study are to examine the economic potential of chicken egg agribusiness, and to map the agribusiness potency of chicken eggs by province in Indonesia. The purpose of the study was to analyse: i) mapping of chicken egg production and consumption by province in Indonesia, ii) mapping of the surplus/deficit of chicken eggs by province, iii) base sector of chicken egg by province in Indonesia. Secondary data were obtained from the Statistics of Indonesia (BPS-Badan Pusat Statistik) since 2010 until 2020. Data analysis uses quantitative descriptive and determination of base sector with a Location Quotient (LQ) approach which aims to determine the base sector of chicken egg in all provinces in Indonesia. The results showed that there are seven provinces in Indonesia that have more than 150 × 106 t of chicken eggs in one year, the largest of which is East Java Province. The findings of the chicken base sector are expected to be used as a basis for agribusiness actors in finding market opportunities and distribution strategies of chicken eggs.

The presence of information technology is a challenge for field agricultural extension to master computer skills and utilize the internet. The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of field agricultural extension and the effect of internal and external characteristics of extension on the utilization of internet media in Deli Serdang Regency. The population and research sample were 139 people using the census method. This study uses descriptive analysis, Pearson product moment correlation, multiple regression analysis, and effective contribution testing. The results showed that the measurement of the performance of agricultural extension with the highest value of 44.6 % was in the good category. The results of simultaneous correlation and regression tests through the F test show that there is a significant relationship and influence between each variable. Partially in multiple regression tests, the variables of age, education level, internet media ownership, perception of the internet, and internet usage patterns have a significant effect, while the variable of agency support has no significant effect on internet media utilization for extension. Based on the calculation of effective contribution, the variable internet usage pattern shows the largest effective contribution of 19.87 % with a relative contribution of 39.15 %.

Informatics and Communication Technology (ICT) provides relevant agricultural information, which is essential in agricultural development attempts, in timely fashion. Aiming to find out if it is able to improve the efficiency of agricultural counseling agents, this study examined agricultural counseling agents in Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. As explanatory quantitative research, simple random sampling was applied to respondents of google form questionnaire and the data were analyzed as per Structural Equation Model (SEM) and supported by smart PLS application. The result came out with R2 value of 0.868, representing the agricultural counseling agent’s proficiency and ICT application signified agricultural counseling agent’s efficiency at 86.8 %. It is therefore conclusive that agricultural counseling agent’s efficiency in extension activities relies on both their proficiency and ICT application.

In the context of the continuous development of basic education in Nanning, secondary schools have become a core stage of it. The development of secondary schools is inseparable from their headmasters, and the level of their execution directly determines the direction of a school’s development. Therefore, this paper focuses on the variable of headmaster’s execution, with the aim of understanding the general situation of the executive power level of secondary school principals. At the same time, the variable of social support was introduced to explore the execution of headmasters in depth. The following conclusions were drawn: firstly, social support can significantly and positively influence the level of principal’s execution. Secondly, emotional support has the greatest impact on principals’ execution. Thirdly, informational support has the greatest impact on headmasters’ adaptability and innovation in the various dimensions of headmasters’ execution. Based on this, this paper makes targeted recommendations to improve headmasters’ executive performance.

Complex optimization issues may now be solved using computational intelligence (CI), which has shown to be a powerful and diverse discipline. Traditional optimization approaches frequently struggle to offer efficient and effective solutions because real-world situations are becoming more complicated. Evolutionary algorithms, neural networks, fuzzy systems, and swarm intelligence are just a few examples of the many methods that fall under the umbrella of computational intelligence and are inspired by both natural and artificial intelligence. This abstract examines how computational intelligence techniques are used to solve complicated optimization issues, highlighting their benefits, drawbacks, and most recent developments. In this, computational intelligence techniques provide a potent and adaptable solution for resolving challenging optimization issues. They are highly adapted for dealing with the non-linear connections, uncertainties, and multi-objective situations that arise in real-world problems. The limits of computational intelligence have recently been pushed by recent developments in hybrid techniques and metaheuristics, even if obstacles in algorithm design and parameter tuning still exist. Computational intelligence is anticipated to play an increasingly significant role in tackling complicated optimization issues and fostering innovation across a variety of disciplines as technology continues to advance.

Air pollution has become a significant environmental issue in the twenty-first century, causing a negative impact on the quality of life and human health. Various international organizations have been working to address air pollution issues and provide potential solutions. One of the primary tools used to measure air quality is the Air Quality Index (AQI), which ranges from 0 to 500, indicating levels of different air pollutants in the ambient air. Particulate matter (PM) is one of the most hazardous air pollutants. Outdoor air purification towers are a promising technology to address air quality issues, and this project aims to design and fabricate an air purification tower for Karachi, biggest city of Pakistan and an industrial hub with significant air pollution issues. The lack of air purification devices throughout the country is a significant motivation behind this project, and the main objectives include observing the current situation of ambient air quality in Karachi, testing the performance of the air purification tower, and evaluating the feasibility of the project to be replicated on a larger scale. The project’s methodology includes a review of existing literature and engineering knowledge, followed by design calculations based on heat losses, velocities, and volume flow rates. A parametric study and economic analysis were used to select feasible dimensions, and a CAD model was developed. The report outlines the project’s chronology, including an introduction, literature review, assessment of air quality in Karachi, heat loss coefficient, velocity and flow rate calculations, and a parametric study to reach optimal dimensions for the model used in fabrication. The project’s significance lies in addressing air pollution issues and providing a solution for Karachi’s air quality problems. The success of this project could inspire further replication of air purification towers on a larger scale in Pakistan and other countries facing similar air pollution issues.

One of the key aspects of designing a formula student car chassis is torsional stiffness. High torsional stiffness gives stability to the suspension system and provides better handling of the car. This paper presents an investigation into the optimization of the torsional stiffness of formula student chassis’ structure using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Three sets of pipe profiles are considered, each produced chassis with different masses, and their torsional stiffness is analyzed in ANSYS. The profiles are selected within the limit prescribed by the formula student UK rules, and round pipes are used. The chassis is designed in SOLIDWORKS and then analyzed in ANSYS for torsional stiffness. The selected chassis for analysis have masses of 32.1 Kgs, 45.0 Kgs, and 47.2 Kgs based on the pipe sizing used in each chassis. These findings have important implications for the design and optimization of formula student chassis, particularly in terms of balancing the trade-off between mass and torsional stiffness. Overall, this paper contributes to the ongoing research into the optimization of formula student chassis.

The growing demand for clean energy has led many engineers and scientists to find a way to effectively generate and distribute electricity without any carbon footprints. One of the most prominent and widely known methods of generating electricity is Hydropower. One of the leading researches in harvesting energy from low-head water sources is through a gravitational vortex turbine. Gravitational vortex turbine is special type of micro-hydro turbine that relies on the rotational energy of a water vortex. This research delves into techniques required to increase the efficiency of vortex turbines. This project bolsters an extensive design methodology used to finalize a system of smart vortex turbine. It includes a section on CAD modelling and governing equations followed by an ANSYS simulation to predict and study the vortex generated in main tank. The main goal of this project is to achieve a water tight sealing to ensure that generator does not gets damaged. In addition, reducing mechanical losses due to vibrations by using a smaller shaft is one of the set targets of this project. Our mission is prove that electricity can be generated in off the grid communities with low-head water sources by using 3D printing as Pakistan does not have the modern expensive fabrication techniques to manufacture complex geometries. There is a need to look for a cost effective, efficient and green manufacturing method.

Petrol, Diesel or CNG are useful fuels in most of auto-mobile industry. Increment in fuel prices and its highly demands created a need of research to make its use optimistic, cost effective and its burning gases environment friendly by considering its environment degradation effect. Bio-Ethanol Fuel is best replacement as a solution same as renewable energy resource. To measure the impact of several kinds of mixtures of ethanol-gasoline on spark ignited single cylinder engine an experimental investigation was performed. To perform investigation analysis, test bench was prepared first as a CAD model and then a proper experimental setup made with mild steel structure on which engine was mounted with all additional devices like fuel measuring device, gas analyzer, tachometer, stopwatch and dynamometer. Several kinds of ethanol-gasoline blends i.e. E-0, E-2, E-4, E-6, E-8, E-9, E-10, E-12 and E-14 were considered for investigation. The digits 0 to 14 represent the percentage of ethanol in gasoline. Gasoline Outcomes were analyzed after assessments from test results to find out best conditions in which it operates optimal. Cost Economic Analysis were performed to check the economical values of the blends, it becomes clear that the running cost of ethanol gasoline blend E10 is lower than the running cost of hi-octane gasoline.

Finding cost-efficient ways of increasing oil production with a low carbon footprint is the new challenge for the petroleum industry that wants to meet the net-zero emission goals by 2050. Smart water injection is an EOR process that increases oil production and delays water breakthrough by wettability alteration. Seawater is a smart water in chalk reservoirs, being especially effective at high temperatures. Different studies have shown that the effectiveness of seawater can be further improved by modifying the ion composition before injection. Carbonated water (CW) has been proposed as a potential EOR fluid. In addition to producing extra oil, the reduction of greenhouse gas (CO2) in the atmosphere can be achieved by using carbonated smart water as an injection fluid. The main mechanism behind increased oil recovery by injecting carbonated water is believed to be oil viscosity reduction and swelling, as the CO2 is transferred from the aqueous phase to the oil phase. Wettability alteration has also been proposed as a possible mechanism, and this hypothesis is further investigated in this study along with other proposed mechanisms. Stevns Klint outcrop chalk was used in this study, this material is recognized as an excellent analogue for North Sea chalk reservoirs. Optimized oil recovery by carbonated water in chalk was investigated at a high temperature (130°C) by flooding carbonated formation water (CFW) and carbonated seawater (CSW), to be compared with high saline formation water (FW) and seawater (SW) flooding. The oil/brine/rock/CO2 interactions were tracked by measuring the pH of the produced water (PW) and by identifying any mineralogical changes by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray) analyses. The solubility of CO2 in different brines was measured and compared with simulation data performed by PHREEQC. The diffusion of CO2 from the aqueous phase to the oil phase was analysed to check if enough CO2 can be diffused from the carbonated water into the oil phase. By flooding CSW in both secondary and tertiary modes, a slight increase in the oil recovery was observed and was found to be the best performing brine. The oil recovery was also slightly increased using CFW in tertiary mode after FW which does not behave like smart water for carbonates. The solubility of CO2 was low and increased by increasing pressure and decreasing brine salinity. The acidity of CW did not increase by increasing pressure. No changes in pore surface minerals were observed after CW flooding, confirming limited mineral dissolution. A mass transfer of CO2 from the brine phase to the oil phase was confirmed in the experimental work, but a significant amount of CO2 remained in the brine phase. The main mechanism behind this extra oil observed using CW is most likely not linked to oil swelling and viscosity reduction or mineral dissolution which could affect the porosity and the permeability of the rock system. Wettability alteration is a more likely explanation but needs to be looked further into for confirmation.

Digital Rocks Portal (DRP, https://www.digitalrocksportal.org) organizes and preserves imaged datasets and experimental measurements of porous materials in subsurface, and beyond, with the mission to connect them to simulation and analysis, as well as educate the research community. We have over 150 projects represented in more than 200 publications, and an active community that reuses the data, most recently in multiple machine learning applications for automating image analysis as well as the prediction of transport. Such automation is crucial for performing formation evaluation tasks in near-real time. We present benchmark datasets that have played a role in recent machine learning prediction successes in the field. We further discuss the vision for further research advances, educational materials, as well as growth and sustainability plan of this digital rock physics community resource. In particular, we are in the process of expanding into a broader repository of engineered porous materials, specifically those for energy storage and the portal will transition to Digital Porous Media (DPM) in near future.

Activity-based and game-based learning environment significantly enhances the learning experience and stimulates interest and increases the attention span and concentration of learners. Game-based or activity-based learning becomes essential to achieve the learning objectives and overall comprehension of students of a particular concept. Several game-based classroom activities have been proposed in the past and implemented with quite a success rate. This research study proposes a game-based activity that is intended not only for enhancing attention span or generating interest in learning in students however it addresses several issues and takes into consideration (1) the importance of revision of topics and (2) the importance of identifying topics that students have not been able to fully or partially comprehend (3) feedback on the topics delivered (4) ensuring individual progress of students (5) enhances attention span of students (6) stimulates competitive environment, (7) enhances intrinsic motivation amongst students, and (8) enhances comprehension of concepts & progression of students.

Most of us are aware of the circumstances in which the learning has happened during the COVID-19 affected years. In this research paper we have taken up case study of one module named Data Structure and Algorithms to demonstrate the effects of new policy on this module. The main challenges faced while adopting to the new policy on alternate assessment design was retaining the quality of assessments to the tune of earlier appreciated levels. The appreciated efforts include the design of assignments that avoid similarity issues arising due to plagiarism, memorization, and coding against the clock. An effort has also been made to identify and utilize an on-line evaluation tool which is of immense help for the teachers involved in the evaluation process. A comparative analysis has been done to clearly distinguish between the top performers and the average performers. Further analysis and comparison of overall performance with the respective CGPA have shown exceptionally accurate results, which clearly indicate that the overall learning during the special semester is equally comparable with earlier semesters.

On 15 June 2006, Bill 33: Act to amend the Act respecting health services and social services and other legislative provisions, was tabled at the Québec Legislature. It served as the government's response to the Supreme Court of Canada's 2005 ruling in Chaoulli vs. Québec (Attorney General), which had ruled that Québec's ban on duplicative health insurance was not consistent with the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Bill 33 implemented centralized waiting lists, specialized private medical centres and introduced duplicative private health insurance. The stated objectives were to reduce wait times and abide by the SCC ruling. However, the scope of the reform was strictly limited to three services: hip and knee replacement, cataract extraction, and intraocular lens implantation. It also placed regulations on the ability of physicians to practice in the private sector, suggesting that the government sought to achieve these reforms while attempting to maintain the integrity of the public system and change as little as possible. Minimal evaluations of Bill 33 have been conducted by the government, with no further evaluations planned. However, analysis of the current Québec health care landscape indicates that despite the stated aspirations of Bill 33, it has not made a substantial impact on reducing wait times. At the same time, it has not contributed to the growth of a private insurance market in Québec, as many of its detractors feared. The implications of the Chaoulli decision and Québec's response provide key lessons for government and stakeholders in responding to legal challenges on health equity and parallel health system.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae are the causative agents of avian mycoplasmosis in commercial poultry. Among the available tools, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture are confirmatory tools for the diagnosis of mycoplasmosis after the initial serological screening of suspected birds. Overall, 181 samples were analyzed, 152 (84%) and 103 (57%) of which were found positive by PCR and culture, respectively. Further, 54 (92%) broiler samples were found positive for general avian mycoplasma. Among the total positive samples, MS positivity was as high as 72 (47%) by PCR, while it was 45 (44%) by culture. MG positivity was 23% and 25% in PCR- and culture-positive samples. MG grows more easily compared to MS. The agreement value between the tests was 67%. Overall, flock wise prevalence was not much varied. The prevalence of mycoplasmosis was higher during winter. Our study confirmed that PCR is the most sensitive and reliable tool for the diagnosis of avian mycoplasmosis in field samples.

The study aims to find out the reader-centred & author-centred translation of Ashtadhyayi of Panini, an Indian linguist of 5th century BC, who compiled the world oldest, shortest and ever first linguistic book in Sanskrit language focusing on all linguistic aspects, aiming at protecting the sounds of Vedas; the holy book of Hinduism. The linguistic importance of Sanskrit was firstly mentioned by William Jones during his famous address in India, whereas the linguistic phenomena were discussed by Ferdinand de Saussure in nineteenth century. The book is first translated into English in 1891by Sarisa Chandra Vasu with a large number of Sanskrit Words which gained a momentous fame in all the linguistic circles. Due to which Ashtadhyayi was studied widely by English professors and students illuminating their linguistic horizons by coining unique ambiguous precise 4000 rules under the name of ‘Sutra’. Just after this English translational creation of Ashtadhyayi a large number of translations were done by the native Hindu scholars and even by western Sanskritests. Therefore, a huge number of commentaries, studies and articles were written by European and native linguists and at the same time it was translated into other languages. The book and all its translations are available online. The purpose of this paper is to collect all the English translations of Ashtadhyayi throughout the history since 5th BC to the age of globalization and digitalization, then putting them into a translational categorization according to various kinds of translations finding out the most comprehensive and faithful translations among them and the types of translation strategies applied by the translators in translating this unique cryptic linguistic book.

The extension particles are not considered as discourse markers by all researchers mainly considering the grammatical function the connectors which they are based on can present. However, as for discourse markers which “desemantisation” has been revoked, other researchers argue that extension particles maintain part of their original meaning while endorsing an intersubjective value. I try to study this question in this article for the Mauritian Creole extension particle sipa ki which is formed on the connector sipa. A fine-grained conversational and pragmatics analysis of 6 hours of ordinary conversations, collected in 2014 shows how sipa ki plays a part in conversational relation co-construction. While helping the enunciator to construct their own discourse and showing their attitude towards it, sipa ki provides information on the way the sentence has to be interpreted by soliciting (assumed) shared experience by interlocutors for message reconstruction. I argue that speech effects provided by extension particle sipa ki partly rely on the meaning of connector sipa on which it is constructed and which also holds an intersubjective value.

Background: Electronic data collection is increasingly available as a means to collect pain-related clinical trial data; however, effectiveness and costs relative to traditional data collection are uncertain. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate data quality, protocol adherence, satisfaction, and resource requirements of electronic data collection (i.e., Internet-based electronic submission) compared to traditional data collection methods (i.e., paper-based diaries and telephone interviews) in a perioperative factorial randomized controlled trial. Methods: This study was an open-label two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Women (18–75 years) undergoing breast cancer surgery were allocated to either electronic or traditional data collection and completed pain-related questionnaires at baseline, postoperative period, and 3-month follow-up (NCT02240199). Results: We acquired outcome data at all time points from 78 randomized patients, 38 in the electronic group and 40 in the traditional group. The number of data queries (e.g., erroneously entered data) per patient was higher in the electronic data group (4.92 [SD = 4.67] vs. 1.88 [SD = 1.51]; P